High Protein Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese for Keto

Everybody loves lasagna, and many people enjoy it every week, but what if you are on a Keto Diet? Traditional lasagna is not Keto-friendly, but by tweaking the recipe, you can make a healthy lasagna, which is low-carb, high-protein, Keto-friendly, and delicious. So, let’s make protein lasagna using a high protein lasagna recipe with cottage cheese.

Can I Eat Lasagna on a Keto Diet?

The short answer is yes, but you need to use Keto-friendly ingredients. Traditional lasagna is high-carb, low-protein, and filled with starchy noodles. However, a Keto lasagna is made using meat, cottage cheese, protein lasagna noodles (or low-carb alternatives), and other Keto-friendly ingredients.

This healthy lasagna is not only delicious but can keep you full for hours, help muscle growth, support weight loss, and provide the daily macros you need.

Why Use Cottage Cheese for High Protein Lasagna?

Most lasagna recipes use ricotta cheese, but to increase the protein content, decrease carbohydrates, and make a Keto-friendly meal, you can use cottage cheese.

It is lighter, with higher protein content, and blends easily with other ingredients to create a creamy texture without adding unnecessary fat or carbohydrates.

The table below compares the nutrients in 100 grams of ricotta cheese with cottage cheese:

Learn More: 5 Best Keto Fat Bombs with Recipes: Why and When to Use Them

As you can see, cottage cheese provides about 60% more protein with less than half the fat. That makes it perfect for a Keto-friendly lasagna, especially for those who are trying to lose weight by controlling their caloric intake.

In addition, cottage cheese provides a mild tang and creaminess that goes well with marinara sauce and ground beef. It also helps thicken the layers naturally, reducing the need for extra cheese or starches.

In short, cottage cheese is your secret ingredient for a healthier, higher-protein lasagna.

Learn More: Best Sugar Free Ketchup and Other Sugar Free Sauces for Keto

Ingredients to Make a Keto-Friendly High Protein Lasagna

The following table lists the ingredients you need for a high-protein cottage cheese lasagna:

* If you can’t find protein lasagna noodles, replace them with zucchini slices, eggplant sheets, or egg wraps to make an even lower-carb lasagna.

Learn More: 4 Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipes for Carnivore and Keto

Instructions to Make a Keto-Friendly High Protein Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil.
3. Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix the cottage cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan in a bowl. Mix until creamy.
6. Assemble the layers. Spoon a layer of sauce at the bottom.
7. Add a layer of protein noodles or zucchini.
8. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture.
9. Repeat until ingredients are used up.
10. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
12. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

If you want a firmer lasagna, drain the cottage cheese before mixing it.

Learn More: The Best Bacon Dip Recipes for Carnivore and Keto

Total Nutrients per Serving (1/4 of Tray)

Calories: 450kcal | Protein: 48g | Fat: 25g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fiber: 2g

Variations of High Protein Lasagna

1. Lazy Lasagna: Cook everything (sauce, cheese, and noodles) in one skillet, and broil the top for 5 minutes.
2. Vegetarian High Protein Lasagna: Replace beef with tofu or lentils, and use cottage cheese and spinach layers.
3. Relaxed Carnivore Lasagna: Skip the sauce and veggies, use just beef, cheese, and eggs.
4. Mini Lasagna Cups: Place the layers in muffin tins and air fry for 10 minutes.

Tips

• Use zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles to lower carbs.
• Add 2 tbsp of unflavored whey or 4 egg whites to your cheese mix to increase protein.
• Use 1% cottage cheese and ground turkey instead of beef if you have to eat less fat.
• Add a thin layer of spinach or mushrooms between layers to increase fiber.
• Bake in two smaller pans. Eat one fresh, freeze one for later.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, microwave 2-3 minutes or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Add a splash of marinara before reheating to keep the lasagna moist and tasty.

Learn More: Pemmican Recipe: How to Make Pemmican for Keto and Carnivore

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using watery cottage cheese → always drain before mixing.
• Overbaking → causes dryness; 25-30 minutes is perfect.
• Too much sauce → increases carbs and sogginess.
• Skipping the rest time → let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing to get clean layers.

Summary

This high protein lasagna recipe with cottage cheese provides the creamy, meaty satisfaction of traditional lasagna, but with 48g of protein and just 6g net carbs per serving.

It is perfect for those on a low-carb diet like Keto, especially those who are trying to consume fewer calories and lose weight.

Learn More: The Healthiest Mayo for Carnivore and Keto Diets

FAQs

Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about high protein lasagna.

Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta in Lasagna?

Yes, cottage cheese is higher in protein and lower in fat than ricotta, more suitable for a Keto Diet.

What Noodles Are Best for High Protein Lasagna?

Use protein lasagna noodles, egg wraps, or zucchini sheets for the lowest-carb, highest-protein lasagna.

Is Lasagna Keto-Friendly?

Traditional lasagna isn’t, but this version is. It is only 6g of net carbs per serving.

Learn More: The Best Bacon Dip Recipes for Carnivore and Keto

How Can I Make Lasagna Higher in Protein?

Add whey protein, extra cottage cheese, or lean ground turkey. You can even add protein powder into the cheese layer.

Can I Make High Protein Lasagna without Noodles?

Yes, use layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, or ground beef as the base.

How Long Does High Protein Lasagna Last in the Fridge?

Up to 4 days in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.

Is Cottage Cheese Good for Keto?

Yes, especially the 2% fat version, which is low in carbs and increases satiety.