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Spaghetti in the Microwave

User Rating 5 Star Rating (4 Reviews) Write a review

By , About.com Guide

This casserole not only cooks in the microwave oven, but you can reheat it in that appliance too.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp. dried basil leaves
  • 8 oz. spaghetti pasta, broken into pieces
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

In a 3 quart microwave safe casserole, place beef and onions, crumbling beef to break into small pieces. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring once to break up meat. Microwave on high for 2 more minutes and drain off any fat.

Add spaghetti sauce, water, basil and uncooked spaghetti. Mix gently to combine. Cover with lid and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir well. Cover casserole again and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes longer. Stir well.

If you want to freeze this dish, at this point cool the casserole in the refrigerator. Wrap well, label, and attach a freezer bag with the grated Parmesan cheese inside. Freeze up to 3 months. To thaw and reheat, thaw overnight in refrigerator. Cover casserole with microwave safe paper towel and microwave on medium for 7-8 minutes until warm. Sprinkle with cheese and continue as directed below.

If not freezing, sprinkle with cheese, cover again and microwave on high for 7-8 minutes longer until spaghetti is tender. Let stand 4 minutes before serving. 6 servings

User Reviews

 5 out of 5
Delicious and Practical, Guest Dana-Lynne

I have four kids and babysit three of my nieces and nephews, so I'm always crunched for time, plus I try to feed everyone as frugally as possible. This meal is quick, easy, inexpensive and I didn't have to heat up my kitchen on a hot summer day. We made garlic bread on the barbeque to go with the pasta, served a salad on the side, and I didn't have to turn on my oven or stove. The kids and adults all loved it. Win!

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