Name: Keto Skillet Lasagna Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound 85% lean ground beef; 1/4 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 cup low-sugar marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounces ricotta cheese ((or cottage cheese)); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ((divided)); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs (lightly beaten); 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Ever find yourself gazing longingly at pictures of classic lasagna, only to remember your keto commitment and sigh? Well, put that sigh away, because we’re about to introduce you to a dish that will make your taste buds sing and your keto journey feel like a delicious breeze! Get ready to dive into the world of cheesy, meaty, low-carb goodness with our incredible Keto Skillet Lasagna Delight. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary rebellion against bland keto meals, bringing all the comforting flavors of Italy right to your dinner table, without the carb-induced guilt. Say goodbye to lengthy layering and hello to a one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto-Friendly Magic: All the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna without a single noodle or high-carb ingredient in sight. It’s a true keto dream come true!
One-Pan Wonder: Forget about multiple pots and pans cluttering your sink. This entire masterpiece comes together in a single oven-safe skillet, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
Speedy Satisfaction: Craving comfort food but short on time? With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 17 minutes, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in under half an hour.
Flavor Explosion: From the seasoned ground beef to the creamy, herbed cheese mixture and bubbly, golden mozzarella, every bite is a symphony of irresistible flavors that will satisfy even the most intense lasagna cravings.

Ingredients

🥩 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
🥩 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
🧅 ¼ cup diced celery
🧅 ¼ cup diced red onion
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🍅 ½ cup low-sugar marinara sauce
🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
🧀 8 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🥚 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
🌿 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
🧄 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
🧄 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper

Detailed Directions for Your Skillet Lasagna Delight

Brown the Meat & Veggies: Start your culinary adventure by warming the extra-virgin olive oil in your trusty oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the ground beef, diced celery, diced red onion, and that fragrant minced garlic. Grab a spatula and get to work, breaking up the meat into small crumbles. Continue cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is beautifully browned and no longer pink.
Simmer the Savory Sauce: Once your meat is perfectly browned, it’s time to infuse it with flavor. Pour in the low-sugar marinara sauce, then season generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything beautifully. Reduce the heat to low and let this delightful mixture gently simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together while you prepare the magical cheesy layer.
Craft the Creamy Cheese Mixture: Now for the heart of any lasagna – the cheese! In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese if you prefer), half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, all of the grated Parmesan cheese, the lightly beaten eggs, dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together with enthusiasm until it’s wonderfully smooth and uniformly combined. This is your luscious, low-carb “noodle” layer!
Layer, Cover, and Cook: With your meat simmering contentedly and your cheese mixture ready, it’s time to bring them together. Carefully and evenly spread the entire delicious cheese mixture over the simmering meat layer in the skillet. Don’t press too hard; just create a nice, smooth blanket. Then, take the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously over the top. Cover your skillet (if it has a lid, great; otherwise, foil will do) and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese layer is visibly hot, bubbly, and set firm.
Achieve Golden Perfection: While your skillet lasagna is getting its initial cook, preheat your broiler. Once the cheese layer is set and firm, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil for just 2 to 3 minutes – this step is crucial for that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly top! Keep a very close eye on it, as broilers can be fierce and cheese can go from perfect to burnt in a flash.
Rest and Relish: The hardest part is waiting, but trust us, it’s worth it! Once your lasagna emerges from the broiler, let it rest in the skillet for about 10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the layers to settle and firm up, making it much easier to scoop out perfect, delightful portions.

Presenting and Serving Your Keto Skillet Lasagna

The beauty of this Keto Skillet Lasagna Delight is not just in its taste, but also in its presentation! You can serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal – just place it on a heat-proof trivet in the center of the table. For individual servings, carefully scoop out portions onto plates. A good, wide spatula works best to get under the rich layers.

To elevate your presentation, consider these delightful touches:

Fresh Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, or a chiffonade of mint adds a burst of color and fresh aroma.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top provides a beautiful visual and a gentle kick.
Extra Parmesan Shavings: A few delicate shavings of fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving can add an extra touch of gourmet elegance.

Pair this hearty skillet lasagna with a simple, crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of keto-friendly “garlic bread” (made with almond flour or fathead dough) would also be an excellent complement, perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce!

Storage and Shelf Life

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Keto Skillet Lasagna Delight is just as fantastic the next day. To store, allow the skillet lasagna to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Want to enjoy it even longer? This recipe freezes wonderfully! Once cooled, transfer individual portions or the entire remainder (if you cooked a large batch) to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed through.

For reheating, a microwave works quickly for single servings. For larger amounts, an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) will ensure even heating; just cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out and bake until hot, usually 15-20 minutes for refrigerated portions.

FAQs About Your Keto Skillet Lasagna Delight

Can I use a different type of ground meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork would also work wonderfully in this recipe, adjusting the fat content and flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? No problem! After step 2 (flavoring the sauce), transfer the meat mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Then, proceed with spreading the cheese layer, topping with mozzarella, and baking/broiling in the dish.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, with substitutions. Look for dairy-free ricotta alternatives (often almond or cashew-based), dairy-free shredded mozzarella, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor instead of Parmesan.
How do I ensure my marinara sauce is truly keto-friendly? Always check the nutrition label! Look for brands with no added sugar and a low net carb count per serving (typically 3-5g net carbs per ½ cup or less).
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added along with the celery and onion or stirred into the meat mixture before simmering.
What’s the difference between using ricotta and cottage cheese in this recipe? Ricotta cheese tends to be smoother and creamier, offering a more traditional lasagna texture. Cottage cheese will provide a slightly chunkier texture, but both work well and are great low-carb options.
How do I know the cheese layer is “set” before broiling? The cheese mixture should appear firm and stable to the touch, and you’ll likely see gentle bubbling around the edges. It won’t be liquid or jiggly in the center.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping? Absolutely! It holds up well for several days in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking and meal prep.
How can I make this skillet lasagna spicier? To add some heat, simply increase the amount of black pepper, or add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes into the meat mixture with the marinara sauce.
What are some good keto-friendly side dishes to serve with this? A simple green salad with a keto dressing, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or garlic sautéed green beans would all complement this dish perfectly.

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