Great Microwave Lasagna
Creamy, cheesy microwave lasagna layered with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or when craving comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1/2 (0.75 oz.) envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1/2 (0.75 oz.) envelope brown gravy mix ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper
- 1/3 c. white sugar ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) pkg. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 9 lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine onions, garlic, and olive oil in a 5-quart casserole. Microwave at high for 3 1/2 minutes, stirring once until onions are tender-crisp.
- Crumble the ground beef into the onion mixture.
- Cover and microwave for 10 to 14 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times, until the meat loses its pink color.
- Microwave green pepper in a small covered bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
- Stir in chili sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, oregano, green pepper, and sugar. Microwave for 7 to 10 minutes until hot and bubbly, stirring 2 or 3 times.
- While the sauce is cooking, prepare lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey instead of raw. If you're short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. Adjust the spices according to your taste; fresh herbs like basil and parsley can enhance the flavor. If you want a lighter version, substitute part of the Ricotta cheese with cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a nice touch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Quick Microwave Lasagna for a pasta night, allowing guests to choose their favorite lasagna variation.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions in a covered dish to retain moisture, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Microwave Lasagna contains roughly 1730 calories, with 44g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (305% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, you may need to increase the microwave cooking time slightly to ensure it's heated through. This makes it convenient for a busy weeknight dinner.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you want a leaner option. You could also use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Ensure that you adjust the cooking times as necessary, as different meats may require varying time to cook thoroughly.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent lasagna noodles from sticking, make sure to stir them occasionally while boiling. You can also drizzle a little olive oil in the water. After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water briefly before layering them in your dish, which helps keep them separate.
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).