Easy Micro Lasagne
Hearty, microwavable lasagne packed with savory sausage, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 jar (32 oz.) spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 container (16 oz.) small curd creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 8 uncooked lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble the sausage into a 2‑quart casserole dish.
- Cover with waxed paper and microwave on High for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up and stirring after 4 minutes, until no longer pink; drain the grease.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and cover tightly; microwave on High for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, until hot.
- Combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and egg in a bowl.
- Spread 1 ⅓ cups of the sauce mixture evenly in a 12 × 7 ½ × 2 or 13 × 9 × 2 inch rectangular dish.
- Lay 4 uncooked lasagne noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
- Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers of sauce mixture, noodles, and cheese mixture.
- Top with the remaining sauce mixture, cover tightly, and microwave on High for 10 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through.
- Microwave on Medium (50%) for 22 to 28 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Let the lasagne stand uncovered for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if preferred. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh parsley and basil enhance the flavor, but dried herbs will work in a pinch. This lasagne is a great way to introduce kids to Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Micro Lasagne with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Pasta Salad for a lovely contrast in textures. For an Italian-themed dinner, consider serving Italian Pinwheels as an appetizer. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If reheating the entire dish, cover it with a damp paper towel and microwave in intervals to ensure even heating without drying out the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Micro Lasagne contains roughly 1371 calories, with 60g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1673mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this lasagne?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone or Gouda for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, so aim for cheeses that melt well.
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagne ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to increase the cooking time slightly if it's cold from the fridge when you microwave it.
What can I serve with this lasagne?
This lasagne is versatile and delicious on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables can add a nice balance. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or a side of Veal Parmesan.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).