One-Step Microwave Lasagne
Creamy microwave lasagne combines rich beef, savory spaghetti sauce, and melted cheeses for a quick, comfort-food meal perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a microwave-safe dish on High for 5 minutes, stirring once.
- Drain the cooked beef well.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce, water, and salt, blending well.
- Arrange one-third of the sauce in a 9 x 13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
- Cover with half of the uncooked lasagne noodles.
- Spread 1/2 cup of Ricotta cheese over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering: sauce, noodles, Ricotta, and Mozzarella.
- Top with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Cover with a double layer of plastic wrap.
- Cook on Medium (50% power) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Cook on Medium until the Mozzarella melts, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker cook time, use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with turkey for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Ensure the noodles are submerged in sauce to cook evenly. For added flavor, consider using Mark'S Spaghetti Sauce instead of a store-bought option.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a comforting touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Explore other Italian recipes to complement this dish, such as Pasticchio or Italian Beef Supper.
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 or plastic wrap and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months, but note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One-Step Microwave Lasagne contains roughly 668 calories, with 25g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1872mg per serving (81% 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 oven-ready lasagne noodles instead?
Yes, you can use oven-ready noodles, but follow the package instructions for layering and cooking times. You may need to adjust the water content to ensure the noodles cook properly. Just make sure they are fully covered in sauce to achieve the desired texture.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream can work as a rich substitute, offering a different but delightful flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your lasagne, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the ground beef while cooking. You can also opt for a spicy spaghetti sauce or top the finished dish with hot sauce before serving to give it 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).