Recipe: Microwave Lasagna and Meat Sauce

MICROWAVE LASAGNA AND MEAT SAUCE

If your microwave can handle a 13X9-inch glass baking pan and has multiple power settings, here's an excellent recipe for microwave lasagna:

FOR THE MEAT SAUCE:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 (15 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tsp. Italian herb seasoning
1/4 tsp. pepper
FOR THE LASAGNA:
15 oz. ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided use
1 egg, beaten
9 uncooked lasagna noodles

TO PREPARE THE SAUCE:
In a large 2 quart casserole, combine beef, sausage, onion and garlic. Microwave on HIGH 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain fat from the bowl.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning and pepper. Stir well to blend and break apart tomatoes. Set aside.

TO PREPARE THE LASAGNA:
In medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, and the egg. Mix well and set aside.

Spread one third of the meat mixture in the bottom of an 13X9-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the meat mixture. Spread with half the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once. Cover with remaining noodles and top with remaining meat mixture. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.

Microwave on HIGH for 8 minutes.

Rotate the dish. Reduce to power level MEDIUM and microwave for 30-35 minutes, until noodles are tender, rotating the dish once.

Sprinkle the top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Re-cover the dish and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Adapted from source: Jill McQuown/rec.food.cooking/2003