Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.
Not Lasagna (low carb) - You Suck at Cooking (episode 177)
A tongue‑in‑cheek twist on classic lasagna that uses a horizontal noodle “loaf” instead of layered sheets. Ground beef, arrabbiata sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella are baked together for a hearty, cheesy bake that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a fun dinner.
Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist
Cost Breakdown
Critical Success Points
- • Sauté onion until golden brown.
- • Brown ground beef completely.
- • Assemble layers evenly with sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- • Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- • Let the dish rest 20 minutes before cutting.
Safety Warnings
- • Handle raw ground beef with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
- • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.
- • Be careful when sautéing garlic; it can burn quickly and become bitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this recipe
What is the cultural significance and history of Not Lasagna in Italian-inspired comedy cooking?
Not Lasagna is a playful parody created by You Suck At Cooking that riffs on classic Italian lasagna while intentionally subverting expectations. It highlights the fun side of home cooking and has become a meme among fans of the channel.
What traditional Italian ingredients are used in Not Lasagna and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, arrabbiata sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and lasagna noodles. Substitutes can be ground turkey for beef, marinara with red pepper flakes for arrabbiata, cottage cheese for ricotta, and provolone or cheddar for mozzarella.
How is Not Lasagna traditionally served in Italian-American households?
While Not Lasagna is a comedic creation, it is served much like regular lasagna—cut into squares, plated with a side salad or garlic bread, and enjoyed as a hearty main course for dinner or casual gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is Not Lasagna associated with in the You Suck At Cooking community?
Fans often make Not Lasagna for livestreams, birthday streams, or as a tongue‑in‑cheek alternative for game‑night meals. It’s become a staple “fun‑food” for the channel’s community events.
What makes Not Lasagna special or unique compared to traditional lasagna in Italian cuisine?
Not Lasagna swaps the classic layered structure for a horizontal “spaghetti loaf” concept, adds comedic spice choices, and embraces a no‑boil noodle shortcut. The humor and unconventional naming set it apart from authentic Italian lasagna.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Not Lasagna at home?
Common errors include under‑browning the ground beef, using too much sauce which makes the dish soggy, and cutting the baked loaf before it rests, which causes layers to fall apart.
Why does this Not Lasagna recipe use an egg in the ricotta mixture instead of a traditional binder?
The egg is added as a comedic nod to “legal” breakfast lasagna and also helps the ricotta set, giving cleaner slices after baking. It’s not required for flavor but improves texture.
Can I make Not Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and ricotta mixture up to 24 hours ahead, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What does the YouTube channel You Suck At Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel You Suck At Cooking specializes in humorous, fast‑paced cooking tutorials that blend satire with genuinely functional recipes, often using minimal equipment and witty commentary.
How does the YouTube channel You Suck At Cooking's approach to Italian‑style dishes differ from other cooking channels?
You Suck At Cooking mixes irreverent humor with straightforward, budget‑friendly instructions, avoiding overly fancy techniques. This contrasts with many Italian cooking channels that focus on traditional methods and high‑end ingredients.
You Might Also Like
Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos
EGGS IN PURGATORY
A classic Italian breakfast of poached eggs nestled in a spicy marinara sauce, served with crisp broiled crostini. Simple, comforting, and perfect for breaking out of a boring morning routine.
I Make This QUICK Chicken Scallopini Recipe Every Single Week (Scaloppine al Limone)
A quick, Mediterranean‑style Italian lemon chicken cooked in under 10 minutes. Tender chicken fillets are lightly flour‑coated, pan‑fried in butter and extra‑virgin olive oil, then finished with a bright lemon‑butter sauce and fresh herbs.
Cacio e Pepe (Ketchup Pepe)
A classic Roman pasta elevated with toasted cherry peppercorns, Pecorino Romano, and a silky emulsified sauce. No hacks, just technique: toast and grind pepper, use a concentrated starchy pasta water, and finish the sauce off‑heat for a creamy, pepper‑forward dish that feels like buttered noodles for adults.
Classic Pasta alla Vodka
A quick, creamy Italian pasta dish that balances tangy tomato paste, rich heavy cream, and a splash of vodka for a subtle bite. Ready in about 15 minutes with just 10 ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
A hearty Italian‑style pasta stew made with cannellini beans, bacon (or turkey bacon), vegetables and short pasta. The bean puree thickens the broth for a comforting, one‑pot meal that’s perfect for cold weather.
Liquid Pizza! Ready in 5 Minutes — Mix, Pour & Bake (No-Knead, No Pizza Oven)
A quick‑mix, no‑knead pizza dough that comes together in minutes. The batter‑like dough spreads easily, giving you a thin or thick crust depending on the water ratio. Top with your favorite ingredients and bake for a fast, homemade pizza.