This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Quick And Easy Microwave Lasagna
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The microwave makes this classic-style lasagna a breeze
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
3 reviews
ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 cups spaghetti sauce
1 pound ricotta or cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
10 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
directions
Break up the ground beef and place it in a 9x13 baking dish. Cook on HIGH heat in the microwave for 4-6 minutes, or until the meat is mostly cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
Transfer the meat to a bowl and break it up using a fork. Add the spaghetti sauce and mix well.
In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Mix well.
Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Top with 5 uncooked lasagna noodles, overlapping or breaking the noodles as needed to fit.
Cover the noodle layer with another cup of the meat sauce, evenly spreading it over the noodles.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce and then sprinkle with one cup of the mozzarella.
Add another cup of the meat sauce over the mozzarella and another layer of noodles.
For the final layer, add the mozzarella, then the remaining ricotta mixture, then the remaining sauce. The sauce should cover the top all the way to the edges.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes. Rotate the dish 1/2 turn halfway through the cooking time if your microwave does not have a turntable.
Reduce the setting to 50% power and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the noodles are cooked (again, rotate the dish 1/2 turn halfway through the cooking time if your microwave does not have a turntable).
Remove the plastic wrap and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered on HIGH heat for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Cover tightly with plastic and microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 7 minutes (my turntable swings the 9 by 13 dish in the oven). Reset your microwave for MEDIUM and cook for 20-25 minutes or until noodles are tender, rotating the dish 1/2 turn after 10 minutes. Remove the plastic film, sprinkle top with Parmesan and microwave uncovered on HIGH for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
cook's notes
Cooking times are for 600-watt oven; for 1100-watt oven halve times or run at 50% of specified power
recipe tips
To prevent the lasagna from drying out, make sure it's covered tightly with plastic wrap while microwaving.
Try adding some minced garlic or onions in the meat sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
For a healthier version, use whole wheat lasagna noodles and low-fat cheese.
If the lasagna is too liquidy, let it stand for a few minutes after cooking to firm up.
Try adding vegetables like cooked spinach or mushrooms to the layers.
For even cooking, spread the ingredients in even layers and cover the noodles completely with sauce.
Always use oven-safe dishes in the microwave and be cautious when removing hot dishes.
Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
You can use marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce.
Is there a substitute for ricotta or cottage cheese?
You can use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream, but it will change the texture and flavor.
Can I make this lasagna without eggs?
Eggs help bind the cheese mixture, but you can omit them for a looser filling.
What can I use instead of fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave (50-70% power works best to reheat slowly).
Can this lasagna be frozen?
Yes, freeze before or after cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating. Lasagna freezes very well.
nutrition data
801 calories, 49 grams fat, 50 grams carbohydrates, 39 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
July 9, 2016
My oven died and the new one won't be here for another week. Cooking without it has been a challenge but this recipe was by far the best one we've had all week and the lasagna turned out perfect.
November 3, 2013
I used ground pork sausage instead of ground beef. Turned out pretty good for a microwave recipe!
August 23, 2013
I figured the pasta would be gummy but it actually worked. Good recipe. Nothing fancy flavor wise but that can easily be addressed with a good spaghetti sauce and some additional seasonings.