(Microwave) Lazy Day Lasagna
A quick and hearty microwave lasagna with savory meat, cheesy layers, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tbsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble ground meat in a 1 1/2-quart glass casserole dish. Microwave on High for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until no longer pink. Drain.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and water.
- Cover with lid. Microwave for 4 to 5 minutes, until mixture boils.
- Combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley; mix well.
- Layer the cooked meat mixture, cheese mixture, and uncooked lasagna noodles in the dish as desired.
- Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese and microwave until hot and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute ground meat with turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can also use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil works well, but reduce the amount slightly. To enhance the flavor, consider adding some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat mixture, reminiscent of Aunt Monya's Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lazy Day Lasagna with a side salad, such as Favorite Tortellini Salad, and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors perfectly. For a lighter side, consider adding steamed broccoli or a fresh green vegetable. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Lazy Day Lasagna to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of (Microwave) Lazy Day Lasagna contains roughly 1091 calories, with 99g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (304% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (199% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1920mg per serving (83% 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 lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just layer them as directed, and they will cook in the moisture of the sauce while microwaving. Keep in mind you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for optimal texture.
What type of ground meat works best?
Ground beef is a classic choice, but ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a healthier option. You can also use a mix of meats for added flavor. If you're aiming for vegetarian recipes, consider using lentils or a meat substitute.
How can I make this lasagna spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground meat for a bolder flavor. Adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
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).