Lazy Day Lasagna(Microwave Recipe)
A quick and hearty microwave lasagna with savory beef, rich tomato flavors, and cheesy layers, perfect for a comforting meal on busy days or when short on time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato juice from the can ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 8 lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef in a casserole dish.
- Microwave on High power for 4 minutes, stirring once, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in the sliced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, salt, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Cover with a lid and microwave on High power for an additional 4 to 6 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use low-fat cottage cheese instead of regular. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can save you a step. To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture, similar to J. R.'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan on top can add a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Brenda'S Lasagna for a family gathering or potluck. For a more filling meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Lazy Day Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, or cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Lasagna(Microwave Recipe) contains roughly 932 calories, with 30g protein, 196g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2187mg per serving (95% 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 Lazy Day Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the layers, cover it tightly, and bake it when you're ready. If frozen, ensure it’s thawed in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the flavor based on your choice.
How can I add more veggies to this recipe?
To incorporate more vegetables, consider adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture. Sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole for best results, enhancing both nutrition and flavor.
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).