If you thought lasagna was out of reach on keto, think again! This Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles is absolutely dreamy-layered with gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly tender Palmini noodles. Every bite is rich, comforting, and full of classic Italian flavor.
The best part? You get all the heartiness of your favorite lasagna without the carbs. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight family favorite, but special enough to wow your dinner guests. It's pure comfort food, totally guilt-free.
Inspired by my craving for a cozy Italian classic, this lasagna has quickly become a staple in my own kitchen. Trust me, you won't even miss the pasta!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delivers all the classic, cheesy lasagna comfort-without the carbs
- Super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
- Uses Palmini noodles for a pasta-like texture with just a fraction of the carbs
- Satisfies big cravings for Italian while fitting your keto lifestyle
Key Ingredients for Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Palmini Noodles
Palmini noodles are the star of this keto lasagna swap. Made from hearts of palm, they have a mild taste and tender, pasta-like texture that mimics traditional lasagna sheets beautifully. Be sure to drain and rinse them well before use to remove any briny flavor. If you can't find Palmini, zucchini or eggplant slices work as a great low-carb backup.
Ground Beef
A rich, savory ground beef filling gives this lasagna all its classic heartiness. Go for 80% or 85% lean for enough moisture and flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you'd like to mix it up.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta adds that signature creamy layer between your noodles and sauce. For extra richness, use whole milk ricotta and whisk it until smooth. Cottage cheese is a slightly lighter, higher-protein alternative that also works well here.
Marinara Sauce (Sugar-Free)
A flavorful, no-sugar-added marinara keeps this dish keto and brimming with fresh Italian tomato flavor. Read your labels to avoid hidden sugars in store-bought varieties, or use homemade if you want full control. Rao's and Victoria are great keto-friendly brands.
Mozzarella & Parmesan
Because what's lasagna without gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan? Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best and helps bind all the layers together. Parmesan brings a salty, umami kick that finishes the dish beautifully.
Instructions for Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Sauté the Aromatics and Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Add Marinara Sauce and Seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This creates that luscious, classic lasagna filling!
Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the Palmini noodles over the sauce, then spread half the ricotta mixture on top, followed by a layer of mozzarella. Repeat the layers-sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella-and finish with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing (this helps the layers set).
Recipe Variations
All-Veggie Lasagna
Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped zucchini in place of the beef for a hearty vegetarian version. Just be sure to cook and drain the veggies well so the lasagna doesn't get watery.
Spicy Sausage Swap
Craving extra flavor? Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicy kick. Or, mix half beef and half sausage for the best of both worlds.
Dairy-Free Keto Lasagna
Use your favorite dairy-free cheeses and swap the ricotta for almond-based "ricotta-style" spread. Choose a coconut or nut-based mozzarella alternative for that melty top layer.
Extra Cheesy & Layered
Love your lasagna ultra cheesy? Double up on the mozzarella and add an extra layer of Palmini noodles for a super-stacked, extra-indulgent low-carb bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles alongside a bright, crisp green salad tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Garlic-roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach make excellent low-carb sides. For garnish, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or cracked black pepper for restaurant-worthy flair!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven, covered, for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This lasagna also freezes well: wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles (FAQ)
Q: Are Palmini noodles keto-friendly?A: Yes! Palmini noodles are made from hearts of palm and are very low in carbs, making them ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?A: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if cold from the fridge.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?A: Yes, Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles is completely gluten-free, as there's no wheat-based pasta or flour in the recipe.
This Keto Lasagna with Palmini Noodles is proof that comfort food and low-carb living can go hand in hand! It's cozy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with all the rich, classic flavors you crave-without the carbs. Give it a try, then drop a comment or leave a rating to let me know how you liked it!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 oz each) Palmini lasagna noodles, drained and rinsed well
- 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce (plus more as needed)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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3Add ground beef, salt, and pepper; cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess fat.
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4Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
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5In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
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6Drain and rinse Palmini noodles thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels for best texture.
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7Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with half the Palmini noodles, half the ricotta mixture, and one-third of the mozzarella.
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8Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and another third of mozzarella. Finish with remaining sauce and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
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9Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes longer, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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10Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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