Not Lasagna (low carb) - You Suck at Cooking (episode 177)

Ingredients

• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 5 cloves Garlic (minced (3 for sauce, 2 for ricotta))
• 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin (optional for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar (optional)
• 2 cups Arrabbiata Sauce (store‑bought)
• 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat)
• 1 Egg (large, beaten)
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 9 pieces Lasagna Noodles (no‑boil or pre‑cooked according to package)
• 1 spray can Cooking Spray (non‑stick spray)
• 1 sheet Parchment Paper (for spoon handling)

Instructions

1. Prep Aromatics

   Dice the onion and mince all 5 garlic cloves (reserve 2 cloves for the ricotta mixture).

   Time: PT5M

2. Sauté Onion

   Heat the skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of cooking spray, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden brown.

   Time: PT5M

3. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic (3 cloves) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

4. Brown Ground Beef

   Add the pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar). Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains.

   Time: PT8M

5. Add Sauce

   Pour in the arrabbiata sauce, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

   Time: PT10M

6. Prepare Ricotta Mixture

   In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves. Mix until smooth.

   Time: PT3M

7. Prep Noodles

   If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to package directions until al dente, then drain. If using no‑boil noodles, skip this step.

   Time: PT5M

8. Assemble the Not Lasagna

   Spray the baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay a single layer of noodles over the sauce. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, finishing with a generous top layer of mozzarella.

   Time: PT10M

9. Bake

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 375°F

10. Rest Before Serving

    Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.

    Time: PT20M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

35g

Fat

20g

Fiber

2g