Microwave Lasagna
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
8-9 minsFree Time
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Lasagna is typically a labor of love, but this microwave version is a total time-saver. With our simple recipe, you’ll have a mouthwatering lasagna ready in under 25 minutes! The best part? You don’t need to pre-cook the any of the ingredients. Not only does Anyday make for easy layering and cleanup, but it’s also oven-friendly up to 500F, so you can get that irresistible crispy, cheesy top. Enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ½ cup (110g) part skim milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (10g) fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
- 1½ cup (350ml) tomato sauce, divided
- 2 oz (60g) lean ground beef
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
- ½ cup (30g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 4-6 oven-ready lasagna sheets
Preparation
- Make the ricotta layer: In a bowl, mix the ricotta, chopped spinach, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Parmesan until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Make the meat layer: In another bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the tomato sauce, and chili flakes until well mixed. Set aside. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Assemble the lasagna: Add a spoonful of the remaining tomato sauce to the bottom of the Square dish. Place a single layer of lasagna sheets on top, breaking them if necessary to fit the dish. Spread half of the meat mixture over the pasta sheets as evenly as possible.
- Add another layer of lasagna sheets, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the sheets.
- Continue layering with the remaining lasagna sheets and fillings, ending with a layer of lasagna sheets.
- Top the lasagna with the remaining tomato sauce and cover with the Anyday lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 7-8 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot in the center. Test by inserting a fork and feeling for warmth, or use a kitchen thermometer to make sure the center reaches 165°F.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Vegetarian lasagna: Swap the ground beef for chopped mushrooms to create a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option.
- Extra creamy lasagna: Add a layer of béchamel sauce for an extra-rich and creamy lasagna experience.
- Leaner lasagna: Use ground turkey instead of beef and opt for skim milk ricotta for a lighter, yet still flavorful, version.
- Not-a-ricotta-lover lasagna: Replace the ricotta with extra spinach, seasoning it similarly to how you would season the ricotta for a tasty alternative.
- Discover more Italian recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- For a toasty top, place the cooked lasagna in a preheated 450°F oven until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- You can make your own tomato sauce by following our recipe here.
- The ground beef is layered raw in the lasagna, allowing it to cook thoroughly along with the other ingredients in the microwave. This method ensures the meat stays tender and flavorful.
- Prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Lasagna in the Microwave
What is lasagna?
Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish composed of layers of pasta, meat (or vegetables), cheese, and tomato sauce. It’s cooked until the layers meld together, creating a rich, comforting meal.
Can I make lasagna in the microwave?
Yes, you can make lasagna in the microwave! Use a Square dish for a convenient and time-saving approach. Simply assemble the lasagna, cover it with the Anyday silicone-lined lid, and microwave according to the recipe instructions.
Do I need to cook the ground beef before layering it in the lasagna?
No, there’s no need to cook the ground beef beforehand. In this microwave lasagna recipe, the meat is layered raw and cooks thoroughly along with the other ingredients. This method not only saves time but also ensures that the meat stays tender and flavorful as it cooks in the sauce. Just make sure the lasagna reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the center after the cook time.
Can I make lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! You can prepare lasagna in advance and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 2 days. Just cover it with the Anyday lid and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. If you prefer, you can cook the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat on full power for 1-3 minutes per serving, depending on size of each slice.
How do I know when the lasagna is ready?
Check the tenderness of the noodles by inserting a knife or fork into the center — they should be soft and fully cooked. To ensure it’s heated through, insert a knife and check if it feels hot. The lasagna should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73°C). If needed, continue cooking until fully heated.
What's the best way to reheat lasagna?
For optimal results, sprinkle the top of the lasagna with a bit of water, cover with the Anyday lid, and microwave on full power for 1-3 minutes per serving. Adjust the time based on the thickness of the lasagna, your microwave’s wattage, and your personal preference.
Can I make lasagna without cheese?
Yes, you can make lasagna without cheese. Just omit the cheese layers or substitute with dairy-free options like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Can I substitute ingredients in the lasagna recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your lasagna by substituting ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. For example, use ground turkey instead of beef, or add vegetables like grated broccoli, chopped kale, or mushrooms. Explore our serving suggestions for more creative ideas.
How can I achieve a crispy top for my lasagna?
For a crispy, golden top, bake the fully cooked lasagna uncovered in a preheated 450°F oven. The oven-safe Anyday dish makes it easy to achieve that perfect crispy top while keeping cleanup a breeze.