About This Recipe

Lasagna is one of those iconic comfort foods that almost everyone craves, but if you’re following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, the traditional pasta layers are usually off-limits. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the flavors and textures you love. This Keto Eggplant Lasagna is a delicious alternative that swaps high-carb noodles for thinly sliced eggplant, giving you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna in a healthier, low-carb version.

Eggplant is the perfect stand-in for pasta because of its firm texture and mild, slightly earthy flavor. When roasted, it becomes tender yet sturdy, able to hold its shape in layers while soaking up all the savory flavors of the sauce and cheese. Unlike zucchini, which can sometimes release excess water and make casseroles soggy, eggplant holds up beautifully in baked dishes, making it ideal for keto lasagna. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and roasted vegetable layers.

The meat sauce is rich, flavorful, and simple to make. Ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor) is simmered with garlic, onion, marinara, and herbs until thick and aromatic. The ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture adds creaminess and binds the layers together, while mozzarella on top creates that irresistible golden-brown crust. The combination of textures—cheesy, hearty, and slightly smoky from the roasted eggplant—makes this lasagna feel indulgent and satisfying without the carb crash.

Another reason this recipe is a favorite is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it for easy weeknight dinners, or bake it, slice it, and freeze portions for future meals. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also customize it with different proteins—try ground turkey for a leaner option, or go vegetarian by substituting mushrooms and spinach for the meat.

Nutritionally, this lasagna checks all the boxes for a keto-friendly meal. Eggplant is naturally low in carbs and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Pairing it with protein-rich beef and healthy fats from cheese makes this dish filling and nutrient-dense. Each serving provides a hearty, balanced meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or craving a hearty Italian-inspired dinner, this Keto Eggplant Lasagna is proof that keto recipes can be both healthy and incredibly comforting. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and full of flavor—perfect for when you want comfort food without compromise.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food made keto-friendly
Meaty, cheesy, and satisfying
Lower in carbs but full of flavor
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
A healthier twist on a classic favorite

Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Eggplant Layers
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Roast 15–20 minutes until tender. Set aside.
In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.
In a greased baking dish, layer eggplant slices, followed by meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with mozzarella on top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition

(per serving)

Calories: ~380
Fat: 27 g
Protein: 24 g
Net Carbs: 7 g
Fiber: 4 g

FAQ

Do I need to peel the eggplant?
No, the skin softens while baking and adds texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—just swap the ground beef for mushrooms or zucchini.

Does the eggplant need to be salted first?
Roasting usually takes care of any bitterness, but you can salt and pat dry for extra tenderness.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Bake, cool, and freeze in portions for easy reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

Use zucchini slices instead of eggplant
Add spinach or kale between layers for extra greens
Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for variety

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh side salad and olive oil dressing
Pair with roasted broccoli or green beans
Add a glass of sparkling water with lemon for a light dinner combo

Recipe Card

Keto Eggplant Lasagna

Name: Keto Eggplant Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Low Carb / Keto
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage); 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil, for garnish

Layers of roasted eggplant, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese create this comforting keto eggplant lasagna—low in carbs, gluten-free, and packed with flavor.

Yield: 6 servings • Prep: 25 min • Cook: 40 min • Total: 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Roast 15–20 minutes until tender. Set aside.
In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.
In a greased baking dish, layer eggplant, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat, finishing with mozzarella.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with basil.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 380
Fat: 27 g
Protein: 24 g
Net Carbs: 7 g
Fiber: 4 g

Dinner • Low Carb / Keto • keto eggplant lasagna, low carb lasagna, gluten free lasagna

Final Thoughts

Lasagna night just got a keto makeover 🍆🧀✨ This Eggplant Lasagna is cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying without the carbs. Pin it for later, share it on Insta, and dive into more of my low-carb comfort food favorites—you won’t even miss the pasta! 🍴🔥