Lasagna(Microwave)
Creamy, hearty microwave lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for quick comfort food that suits busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. leaf oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) carton Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe dish, cook ground beef and minced garlic until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add water, tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, and basil to the beef. Mix well.
- Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sauce thickens.
- In a bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
- Layer cooked lasagna noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Spread a layer of meat sauce over the noodles.
- Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the sauce, then sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Cover and microwave on high for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, substitute cooked ground beef with pre-cooked meat or use a microwave-safe ready-to-eat sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Always ensure that your lasagna noodles are fully cooked to avoid a chewy texture. Pair this dish with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a side of Quick Minestrone Soup(Low-Fat) for a complete meal. For a more rustic feel, consider serving with a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna(Microwave) contains roughly 313 calories, with 13g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1436mg per serving (62% 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 prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before microwaving. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. When ready to serve, microwave until heated through, adding a few extra minutes if it’s been chilled.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture. Additionally, for a dairy-free option, consider using silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast to replicate the flavor and creaminess.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your lasagna, incorporate red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also layer in sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
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).