Oven space always seems to be at a premium during the busy holiday baking season. So, there’s something to be said about food that can be prepared in the microwave, especially entrees that will feed a half-dozen people or so.
Here’s a recipe for easy microwave lasagna that will allow a cook to use the oven to make holiday spritz cookies, Mexican wedding cakes or Hershey Dream Bars for that upcoming party or family get-together.
Easy Microwave Lasagna
½ pound browned ground beef
1 32-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
½ cup water
1½ cups ricotta or cottage cheese
½ teaspoon pepper
8 lasagna noodles, uncooked
½ pound mozzarella, shredded or thinly sliced
½ cup grated Parmesan
Stir spaghetti sauce and water into browned ground beef (chicken or turkey). Combine ricotta cheese, egg and pepper. In oblong baking dish, spoon ½ cup sauce. Alternately layer noodles, egg mixture, mozzarella and sauce, forming 2 layers. Heat, covered, in microwave for 8 minutes on high. Set microwave temperature to medium-low and heat covered, 30 to 32 minutes or until noodles are tender. Top with Parmesan; let stand covered for 15 minutes before serving.
Yield: Serves 6.
Approximae nutritional analysis er serving: 650.7 calories, 37 grams protein, 51.2 grams carbohydrates, 32.2 grams fat (15 grams saturated), 133.4 milligrams cholesterol, 2.9 grams dietary fiber, 1,176 milligrams sodium, 22.9 grams sugar, 471.4 milligrams calcium.
Notes: Brown ground beef when you bring it home from the market and package in freezer bags in various proportions depending on its future use.
Rather than brown ground beef in frying pan, steam it in a large stock pot with strainer, placing a small amount of water in the bottom and covering to steam ground beef. Beef cooks just as well as frying and all the grease drains beneath the strainer.
This recipe can be made ahead the night before you plan to serve it. It also freezes well.