Name: Low Carb Lasagna Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 4 cups spaghetti squash, cooked & shredded; 1 jar marinara sauce (650 mL / 22 oz); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, drained of extra moisture; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Fresh basil, to garnish

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This Low Carb Lasagna Skillet is a wholesome and satisfying dinner that delivers all the rich, cheesy flavor of traditional lasagna without the heavy carbs. Instead of pasta, this recipe uses spaghetti squash to create a lighter, nutrient-rich base that pairs perfectly with seasoned ground beef, marinara, and a gooey ricotta-mozzarella topping. It’s a one-pan meal ideal for busy weeknights and makes excellent leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet lasagna is a low-carb dream come true. It’s hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly, yet skips the carb-heavy noodles in favor of spaghetti squash. You get all the lasagna vibes—meaty sauce, melty cheese, Italian herbs—in a quicker, healthier format. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also easily adapted to suit keto diets, and great for meal prep.

Low Carb Lasagna Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
4 cups spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
1 jar marinara sauce (650 mL / 22 oz)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup ricotta, excess moisture drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

Cook beef: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a deep, oven-safe 12-inch skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Use a paper towel to blot out any excess grease from the skillet.
Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti squash, marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, and salt to the beef. Stir everything together until well combined. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
Bake: Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta across the surface of the skillet, then sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top. Place the skillet into the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Change the veggie base: Replace spaghetti squash with zucchini noodles for an even lower carb count.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for some heat.
Dairy-free version: Substitute plant-based ricotta and mozzarella to make this dish dairy-free.
Add vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers along with the beef for more flavor and fiber.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This recipe hasn’t been tested for freezing; the texture of spaghetti squash may change after thawing.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions until heated through and steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully cook and assemble the dish, then reheat when ready to eat. It reheats well in the microwave.

What’s a good substitute for spaghetti squash?

Zucchini noodles or even thinly sliced eggplant can work if you don’t have spaghetti squash.

How do I cook spaghetti squash?

You can roast it in the oven or cook it in an Instant Pot. Slice in half, remove seeds, and bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, or pressure cook for 7–8 minutes.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, if you use a low-carb marinara sauce like Rao’s, this meal is suitable for keto diets.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

How do I know when the lasagna skillet is ready?

When the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, it’s ready to serve.

Can I add other cheeses?

Absolutely. Parmesan or provolone can be added for more depth of flavor.

Does spaghetti squash need to be drained?

If your spaghetti squash holds extra moisture, blot it with paper towels before adding it to the skillet.

What size skillet should I use?

A 12-inch deep, oven-safe skillet is ideal to hold all the ingredients and go directly from stovetop to oven.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Lasagna Skillet is a weeknight winner—comforting, filling, and made with better-for-you ingredients. It’s a one-pan solution that satisfies lasagna cravings without the carbs, making it perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Whether you’re prepping ahead or cooking on the fly, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Emma