Carnivore Lasagna

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Cooling Time: 15 minutes (essential for setting)

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: Carnivore, Low-Carb, Keto, Gluten-Free

• Servings: 6

• Calories: Approx. 680 kcal per serving

Cooking Intensities

• Overall Difficulty: Medium (involves multiple components and layering)

• Physical Effort: Medium (requires browning meat, mixing, and assembling)

• Cleanup: Medium (uses a skillet, bowls, and a baking dish)

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Ingredients

For the “Pasta” Meat Layers:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1/2 lb (225g) Italian sausage (mild or hot, removed from casing)

• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef bone broth

• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional, for richness)

• 2 tbsp salted butter

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups (375g) full-fat ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Topping:

• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:

• 9×9 inch or 7×11 inch baking dish

• Large skillet

• Mixing bowls (medium and small)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spatula and wooden spoon

• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the “Pasta” Meat Crust

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easier removal later.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture will be soft.

3. Form the Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. This will be the foundation of your lasagna.

4. Pre-Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is just cooked through. Remove from the oven and carefully drain off any excess rendered fat (you can save this for cooking!). Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Create the Savory Meat Sauce

1. Brown the Sausage: While the crust is baking, heat the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.

2. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the beef bone broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor!

3. Add Richness: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and the butter until the butter has melted and the sauce is slightly thickened. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling

1. Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and salt. Mix vigorously with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

This is where the magic happens! The layers will be built directly on the pre-baked meat crust.

1. First Layer: Meat Sauce: Spread the entire meat sauce mixture evenly over the pre-baked meat crust.

2. Second Layer: Cheese Filling: Carefully dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the meat sauce. Use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer, trying not to mix the two layers together.

3. Third Layer: Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer. Follow this with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Final Bake: Place the assembled lasagna back into the oven (now at 350°F/175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes. The lasagna is done when the edges are bubbly and the top is a gorgeous, golden brown.

2. Rest is Crucial: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This step is non-negotiable! It allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut clean slices.

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Serving & Storing

• Serving Suggestion: Use a sharp knife to cut the lasagna into squares. Serve warm. It is incredibly rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for those who include greens.

• Storing Leftovers: Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

• Freezing: This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Nutrition Information

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of the recipe)

• Calories: 680 kcal

• Total Fat: 52g

  • Saturated Fat: 28g

• Cholesterol: 245mg

• Sodium: 1280mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 4g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Net Carbs: 4g

  • Sugars: 1g

• Protein: 48g

Key Nutritional Benefits: This dish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. It is high in healthy fats, which provide sustained energy. It contains zero grams of fiber and is extremely low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for carnivore and ketogenic diets. It is also rich in calcium and other minerals from the abundance of cheese.

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We hope you love this hearty, satisfying Carnivore Lasagna as much as we do! It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay true to your health goals. Enjoy