Easy Lasagne
Preparation time: 10 to 15 minutes
Microwaving time: 37 minutes
Standing time:15 to 20 minutes
Once upon a time, making lasagne was almost an all-day project. With the advent of the microwave, however, this favorite Italian casserole can be assembled and baked in about an hour.
4 cups homemade or purchased marinara sauce
1 teaspoon each dry oregano leaves and dry basil
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 cup water
8 ounces dry lasagne
1/2 pound lean ground beef
3 cups (12 oz.) shredded Cheddar or jack cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 package (8 oz.) mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, stir together marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and garlic. Pour about a third of the sauce mixture evenly into a 7- by 11-inch microwave-safe baking dish. Stir water into remaining sauce; set aside.
Rinse uncooked lasagne noodles with cold water. Then arrange a third of the uncooked noodles in a single layer atop sauce in baking dish; evenly crumble uncooked beef on top. Sprinkle beef with 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar cheese; pour a third of the remaining sauce over cheese. Arrange half the remaining lasagne on top; spread with ricotta cheese, sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, and coat with half the remaining sauce. Then layer on remaining lasagne and remaining sauce.
Cover and microwave on MEDIUM (50%) for 20 minutes, giving dish a half-turn after 10 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then give dish a half-turn; microwave, covered, on HIGH (100%) for 15 minutes, giving dish a half-turn every 5 minutes.
Uncover lasagne and arrange mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese. Cover and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and let stand, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until lasagne noodles are tender when pierced. To serve, cut into squares. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Per serving: 648 calories, 36 g protein, 41 g carbohydrates, 39 g total fat, 114 mg cholesterol, 1,387 mg sodium
