Sweet Potato Lasagna : A Comforting Paleo Dinner Favorite

Looking for a hearty, satisfying, and nourishing dish that doesn’t rely on grains, dairy, or nightshades? This Sweet Potato Lasagna is the perfect solution. Whether you’re following a Paleo, Whole30, or AIP diet, this recipe delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna without inflammatory ingredients. Sweet potato slices act as the pasta replacement, layered with savory ground beef, a creamy squash-based sauce, and herby seasoning.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as part of your weekly meal prep, this Paleo Butternut Squash Lasagna is flavorful, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying. If you’ve enjoyed recipes like Pumpkin Chicken Chili or Vegetable Casserole, this lasagna will become your new favorite healthy comfort food.

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Why You’ll Love This Paleo Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Lasagna

This lasagna isn’t just a creative take on a classic—it’s a well-rounded, gut-friendly meal that fits beautifully into a number of clean eating lifestyles. Here’s why people love it:

• Grain-free & gluten-free: No pasta or wheat needed.
• Dairy-free: Butternut squash provides a creamy, cheesy-like texture naturally.
• AIP-compatible: Easily adjustable to fit Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diets.
• Meal-prep friendly: Holds up well in the fridge and freezer.
• Flavor-packed: Layers of sweet potato, seasoned beef, and rich squash sauce.

For a similar nourishing dinner that’s dairy-free and comfort-focused, you’ll also love our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers or Vegetarian Pasta Primavera.

What Is Sweet Potato Lasagna? (And Why It Works Without Pasta)

Sweet Potato Lasagna swaps traditional pasta sheets with thinly sliced sweet potatoes. These naturally sweet and starchy vegetables soften beautifully when baked, creating distinct layers that mimic lasagna noodles.

The “cheese” component is replaced with a butternut squash béchamel-style sauce, offering richness without dairy. Paired with seasoned ground beef and fresh herbs, it’s a clean-eating spin that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

If you’re on a nightshade-free diet or eliminating grains and dairy for autoimmune reasons, this lasagna is an ideal replacement for traditional comfort food.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Lasagna (Paleo + AIP-Friendly)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying dish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (omit for strict AIP)
• 1 large butternut squash (roasted and puréed)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (full fat)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)

You can also add in leafy greens like kale or spinach for more fiber and nutrition—like we do in our Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Skillet
• Blender or food processor (for squash sauce)
• Foil or oven-safe lid

How To Make Paleo Lasagna Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Squash Sauce

Cut and roast your butternut squash at 400°F for about 40 minutes, or until tender. Once cooled slightly, scoop out the flesh and blend with coconut milk until smooth. Set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent. Add the ground beef, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through.

3. Slice the Sweet Potatoes

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick pieces. These will act as your “noodles.”

4. Layer the Lasagna

In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of sweet potato slices. Add a layer of ground beef, followed by a layer of squash sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a squash layer on top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to lightly brown the top.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

For a festive twist or Halloween-friendly variation, consider the fun presentation of Snake Charmers Pretzels.

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Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Lasagna Texture and Flavor

• Roast the sweet potato slices slightly before layering if you want extra softness.
• Don’t overblend the squash sauce—keep it thick to maintain structure.
• Let it rest after baking to allow clean slices.
• Use a high-quality coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
• Mix in chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.

Try similar tricks in our popular Cottage Cheese Egg Bake or Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lamb if preferred.
• Use acorn or kabocha squash in place of butternut.
• Skip garlic/onion for low-FODMAP versions.
• Add veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more fiber.
• Use white sweet potatoes for a milder taste.

Want a savory side dish to serve with this lasagna? Try Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.

Is This Lasagna AIP and Autoimmune Diet Friendly?

Yes—this recipe is easy to adapt for the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP):

• Omit black pepper and other seed-based spices.
• Use AIP-compliant herbs only (like thyme and basil).
• Ensure your coconut milk and ground beef are AIP-approved.

For more AIP-compliant inspiration, explore recipes like AIP Sweet Potato Hash or Sweet Chili Meatballs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Paleo Lasagna Recipes

1. Slicing sweet potatoes too thick – results in undercooked layers.
2. Using watery squash – will cause runny layers.
3. Not seasoning the beef enough – bland middle layers.
4. Skipping the rest time after baking – leads to messy slices.
5. Under-roasting the squash – affects flavor and creaminess.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

Balance this hearty main with lighter sides or veggie-packed dishes:

• Cucumber Dill Salad
• Creamy Mushroom Soup
• Lavender Lemonade
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

It also pairs well with crusty gluten-free bread or roasted carrots.

How to Store, Reheat, and Meal Prep Sweet Potato Lasagna

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave covered for 2–3 minutes.

This lasagna is a great addition to your meal prep routine, just like our Crack Breakfast Casserole or Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal.

Other Ground Beef Paleo Recipes You’ll Love

Explore more hearty and clean recipes:

• Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Vegetarian Baked Ziti (use meat for variation)
• Crockpot Fajitas
• Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry

Each offers unique flavor while keeping your meals aligned with Paleo or Whole30 goals.

Nightshade-Free Recipes for Autoimmune Diets

If you’re avoiding tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers due to autoimmune sensitivities, here are more ideas:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes
• Cauliflower Nuggets with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Pumpkin Protein Muffins

These dishes are flavorful, satisfying, and designed to reduce inflammation.

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FAQs About Sweet Potato Lasagna

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and reheats beautifully. Make it 1–2 days ahead and store covered in the fridge.

Is this recipe Whole30 approved?
Yes, just ensure all your ingredients (like coconut milk) are compliant.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu as the meat layer.

Do I need to peel sweet potatoes?
Yes, for the best texture and to help layers bind, peel them before slicing.

Can I use canned squash puree?
You can, but roasting fresh squash provides better flavor and thickness.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Sweet Potato Lasagna proves that comfort food doesn’t have to mean heavy or unhealthy. It’s creamy, savory, nourishing, and fully adaptable to your dietary needs—whether you’re following Paleo, AIP, Whole30, or simply aiming for a more anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

If this recipe warmed your kitchen, please share it with your wellness-minded friends, pin it on Pinterest, and don’t forget to subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more clean and satisfying recipes that fuel your best life.

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