Extra-Easy Microwave Lasagne
A quick and satisfying microwave lasagne with rich tomato, sausage, and cheesy layers, perfect for busy weeknights or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz.) can chopped Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 lb. bulk pork sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (1 1/2 oz.) package spaghetti sauce mix ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) container cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 cups uncooked medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Puree tomatoes with tomato paste in blender until smooth. Stir in parsley, oregano, and basil; set aside.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, break up sausage with a spoon.
- Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave on High for 4 minutes.
- Stir and microwave for another 4 minutes or until sausage loses its pink color.
- Pour off excess fat and stir in half of the spaghetti sauce mix.
- Spoon cottage cheese evenly over the sausage mixture.
- Arrange uncooked medium noodles on top of the cottage cheese.
- Sprinkle with remaining spaghetti sauce mix.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the noodles.
- Gently press down with a spoon to moisten all the noodles.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave on High for 10 minutes.
- Rotate dish 1/4 turn and microwave for an additional 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Microwave uncovered for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked sausage or ground turkey as a leaner alternative. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Be sure to stir the noodles occasionally while microwaving to ensure even cooking and absorption of the sauce. For a richer flavor, add a layer of spinach or sautéed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagne with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish, or pair it with Homemade Pizza(Serves 2 To 4 People) for a fun Italian-themed meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or Combination Sandwiches(Italiano).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. You can also bake leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Extra-Easy Microwave Lasagne contains roughly 774 calories, with 57g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (298% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (226% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% 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 gluten-free noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute gluten-free noodles in this microwave lasagne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta may require a different cooking duration. Check the package instructions for specific guidance on microwave cooking times.
Can I prepare this lasagne ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb more moisture as they sit, so you might need to add a little extra sauce or water before microwaving.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for cottage cheese in this recipe. Ricotta will give a creamier texture, while Greek yogurt will add a tangy flavor. Just ensure that the texture is similar for the best results in your lasagne.
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).