Lasagne(Microwave)
A quick and hearty microwave lasagne featuring seasoned ground meat, rich cheeses, and flavorful sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger or ground turkey ⓘ
- 32 oz. jar Ragu spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water or red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 16 oz. Ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley, dried ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 uncooked noodles ⓘ
- 8 oz. Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger or ground turkey in a skillet until fully browned.
- Add the spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, and dried basil to the cooked meat and stir to combine.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and microwave on full power for 7 to 8 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Layer cooked noodles with the meat sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, pepper, and mozzarella cheese in a microwave-safe dish.
- Repeat layers as desired and microwave until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful boost, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can be used instead of uncooked. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey with lean shredded chicken. You can also use low-fat cheese options for a healthier dish. If you have leftover sauce, it pairs well with dishes like Fettucini With Ham And Peas.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a healthier option. For an Italian-themed dinner, consider complementing it with an Italian Party Platter featuring antipasto and bruschetta. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. You can also cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, which helps maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne(Microwave) contains roughly 1076 calories, with 36g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1096mg per serving (48% 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 no-boil lasagne noodles for this recipe?
Yes, no-boil lasagne noodles can be used in this recipe. Just layer them with the sauce and other ingredients as you would with regular noodles. They will soften and cook while microwaving, making the preparation even easier.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. Just ensure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When ready to cook, adjust the microwave time as needed based on the cold temperature of the dish.
What cheese can I use if I don't have ricotta?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese is a great substitute. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar texture. For a unique twist, consider using goat cheese for a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
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).