Lazy Day Lasagne(Microwave)
A quick and hearty microwave lasagne featuring savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 8 wide lasagne noodles, uncooked ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a 1 1/2-quart dish.
- Cook on full power for 5 to 6 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring once.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and water.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid and cook on full power for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley flakes.
- Layer uncooked lasagne noodles over the beef mixture, then spread cheese mixture on top, and sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers if desired, ending with shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and microwave on full power for 8-10 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or swapping in turkey for a leaner option. If you're short on time, ready-made pasta sauce can replace the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or chopped vegetables instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lazy Day Lasagne with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Marie Hardegree's Jumbo Stuffed Shells for an Italian feast that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with a microwave-safe lid and warm on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. You can also bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for a crispy top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Lasagne(Microwave) contains roughly 1020 calories, with 55g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2173mg per serving (94% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook, increase the microwave cooking time by a few minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different texture, ricotta cheese can be a great substitute for cottage cheese. It will give a creamier consistency without compromising the flavor of your lasagne.
Can I freeze this lasagne?
Absolutely! After cooking, let the lasagne cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and microwave until hot, or bake in the oven until heated through.
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).