Easy Meat-Based Carnivore Lasagna: Creamy Cheesy Layers
Craving comfort food without straying from your carnivore lifestyle? This carnivore lasagna brings all the cheesy, layered goodness of the classic dish minus the carbs. With savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella layered between “noodle” sheets made of cheese, you’ll never miss the pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly, proving that you don’t need flour to enjoy a truly indulgent lasagna.
Simple Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients it needs. No complicated shopping lists just staple items you probably already keep stocked on a carnivore diet:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Optional ground Italian sausage for extra flavor
- Ricotta cheese and egg to make a creamy layer
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that cheesy lasagna goodness
- Butter or beef tallow for browning and greasing
- A touch of sea salt (and pepper, if you use it)
Serving Size & Timings
- Servings: 6–8 portions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling/Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Meat-Based Lasagna (Carnivore-Friendly Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
- ½ lb (225 g) ground Italian sausage (optional, for flavor)
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (to bind ricotta)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Affiliate)
- 8–10 mozzarella cheese slices (or provolone, for “noodles”)
- 2 tbsp butter or beef tallow (for browning meat)
- 1 tsp sea salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (optional, if you include minimal seasoning)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Base
- In a skillet, melt butter or beef tallow.
- Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned and crumbled.
- Season lightly with salt (and pepper, if allowed). Set aside.
Mix the Ricotta Layer
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, and half the Parmesan.
- Stir until creamy and smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or tallow.
- Layer in this order:
- Thin layer of meat mixture
- Cheese slices as noodles
- Ricotta mixture
- Shredded mozzarella
- Repeat until ingredients are used. Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until top is bubbling and golden.
Rest & Serve
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing for neat layers.
- Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Pro Tips
- Extra flavor: Mix in cooked bacon or pancetta with the meat layer.
- Cheese noodles: If you prefer, bake thin sheets of mozzarella first to use as sturdier “noodles.”
- Dairy-free carnivore: Swap ricotta for whipped egg whites or skip the cheese altogether, layering only meat and broth-based gelatin sheets.
Variations
- All-beef version: Skip the sausage for a simpler flavor profile.
- Carnivore keto hybrid: Add a thin layer of low-carb marinara between cheese and meat.
- Individual servings: Assemble in ramekins for easy portion control.
Equipment Used
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Baking dish (9×13 in / 23×33 cm)
- Aluminum foil
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a meat-based eating plan that focuses primarily on animal foods. Unlike keto or paleo, which allow some plants, the carnivore approach cuts out carbohydrates and plant-based foods altogether. The goal is simple: eat animal protein and fat in their most nutrient-dense forms.
People choose this diet for various reasons, including weight management, reducing inflammation, and supporting autoimmune conditions. Because it eliminates fiber and plant matter, many find it easier to digest and more filling, while still keeping meals simple and satisfying.
Carnivore-Approved Food Lists
If you’re new to carnivore, here are the main categories of foods you can enjoy:
Meats
- Beef: steaks, roasts, ground beef
- Pork: chops, bacon, sausage (no fillers)
- Lamb, goat, venison, bison
- Poultry: chicken, turkey, duck
- Organ meats: liver, heart, kidney
Fish & Seafood
- Salmon, sardines, tuna
- Shellfish: shrimp, crab, lobster
- White fish like cod and haddock
Dairy (if tolerated)
- Whole milk cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta)
- Heavy cream
- Butter and ghee
Fats
- Beef tallow
- Pork lard
- Butter or ghee
Extras
- Eggs (all styles)
- Bone broth
- Salt (and optional minimal spices like pepper)
With these staples, the possibilities for simple yet delicious recipes like this lasagna are endless.
Carnivore Lasagna
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl & Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
- Baking Dish (9×13 in / 23×33 cm)
- Aluminum foil
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or freezer for 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until warm.
- Customization: Use only beef for a classic flavor, or mix in pork sausage for extra richness.
- Dairy adjustments: Swap ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese if preferred.
- Meal prep tip: Slice and portion after cooling to create grab-and-go meals for the week.
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]