Cheesy Spinach and Beef Low-Carb Lasagna
Indulge in this delicious Cheesy Spinach and Beef Low-Carb Lasagna, perfect for those seeking a healthier twist on a classic comfort dish. This recipe layers savory ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic in a rich spaghetti sauce, creamy spinach infused with cream cheese and an egg, and topped with a blend of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, this low-carb lasagna is an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy a hearty portion without the guilt, as this dish is packed with flavor while keeping the carbs in check.
8
Servings
132
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (dry seasoning)
spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup (jarred or homemade)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
egg
1 (beaten)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed and drained)
mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (canned or fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Add the garlic powder and spaghetti sauce to the skillet, mixing well. Heat the mixture until it is bubbly and season to taste with salt and pepper.
4
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 40-60 seconds, then stir until smooth and creamy.
5
Beat in the egg and pepper into the softened cream cheese using a spoon until combined. Gradually fold in the chopped, thawed, and drained spinach until well mixed.
6
In a greased 8”x8” glass baking pan, spread half of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom.
7
Layer the spinach mixture over the meat, spreading it evenly.
8
Sprinkle 2 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the remaining meat mixture, which can remain slightly uneven for a rustic touch.
9
Top the lasagna with the remaining shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly.
11
Alternatively, if you're short on time, you can microwave the lasagna covered with vented plastic wrap: cook on high for 3 minutes, then reduce to medium for an additional 7-10 minutes until heated through.
12
Allow the lasagna to sit for 3 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure it holds together.
Nutrition Information
9.75g
Fat
2.25g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Spinach and Beef Low-Carb Lasagna?
It is a healthier, low-carb version of traditional lasagna that uses a creamy spinach and cheese layer instead of pasta noodles.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.25g of carbohydrates, making it very keto-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the meat layer?
The meat layer consists of 1 lb of ground beef, 2 tablespoons of chopped onions, garlic powder, and 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce.
What size baking pan should I use?
An 8”x8” glass baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 132 calories.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?
No, you should use frozen spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly drained of excess water.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
Microwave the cream cheese in a bowl for 40-60 seconds until it is smooth and easy to stir.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should bake for about 30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
Is there a way to cook this faster if I'm in a hurry?
Yes, you can microwave it covered with vented plastic wrap on high for 3 minutes, then on medium for another 7-10 minutes.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 8.5g of protein in each serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9.75g of fat.
Why is an egg added to the spinach mixture?
The egg acts as a binder to help the spinach and cream cheese mixture hold its shape when sliced.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese in total.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can substitute fresh minced garlic if you prefer, adding it while browning the beef.
Should I drain the ground beef?
Yes, after browning the beef with onions, you should drain any excess fat before adding the sauce.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either canned or fresh parmesan cheese.
How do I layer the lasagna?
Start with half the meat, then the spinach mixture, then some mozzarella, the rest of the meat, and finally more mozzarella and parmesan.
Should I let the lasagna rest after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to let it sit for 3 minutes before slicing to ensure the layers hold together.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
This recipe requires 10 main ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, it is tagged as keto-friendly and low-carb.
How much spaghetti sauce is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce, which can be jarred or homemade.
What type of spinach is used?
The recipe specifies a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since there are no pasta noodles, it is naturally gluten-free, provided your spaghetti sauce is gluten-free.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 8 servings, which is approximately one-eighth of an 8x8 pan.
Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prep as it reheats well and stays flavorfully intact.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
While the nutritional summary lists fiber as null, the spinach and onions will provide a small amount of dietary fiber.