Cauliflower Lasagna Recipe
This Cauliflower Lasagna is a low-carb, flavorful twist on traditional lasagna that replaces pasta with roasted cauliflower florets. Layered with a savory ground beef marinara sauce and creamy ricotta cheese, then topped with melty mozzarella and fresh basil, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy classic Italian flavors with a healthier, gluten-free option.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Roasted Cauliflower
- 1 head Cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 large Onion (chopped)
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil (chopped or cut into ribbons)
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil (chopped or cut into ribbons)
- Preheat and prepare cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roast cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to coat evenly. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
- Cook onions: While the cauliflower roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, cooking for 5-8 minutes until they start to brown and become fragrant.
- Brown ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up with a spatula, season with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is well browned and cooked through.
- Add flavorings and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped basil into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, blend together ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and the optional egg until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble lasagna: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the meat sauce over the cauliflower, spreading it out smoothly. Dollop the ricotta mixture across the meat sauce surface (about 9 dollops) and gently spread it without mixing. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake lasagna: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly. For a golden cheese crust, optionally place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with an additional 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil before serving for a fresh and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Egg in the cheese mixture is optional but helps bind the ricotta for easier spreading.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce overall salt content if preferred.
- Broiling cheese at the end is optional but gives a nice golden-brown crust.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.
Keywords: cauliflower lasagna, low carb lasagna, gluten-free lasagna, Italian casserole, roasted cauliflower recipe