Naptime Village

A Mother's Creative Outlet

Busy‑Day Macaroni (Microwave)

Easy23 minutes

Weeknight‑fast microwave pasta casserole with beef, spaghetti sauce, and melty cheese.

Prep

5 minutes

Cook

18 minutes

Total

23 minutes

Serves

4

Busy‑Day Macaroni casserole in a microwave‑safe dish
A 20‑minute, family‑friendly casserole straight from the microwave—minimal prep, maximum comfort.

Ingredients

Servings
UnitsStandard
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Equipment

  • 2‑quart microwave‑safe casserole

  • Microwave

  • Measuring cups

  • Spoon

Step-by-step

4
  1. Microwave beef (5 min)

    • 1. Crumble 1 pound ground beef into a 2‑quart microwave-safe casserole dish.
    • 2. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring twice to break up the beef, then drain off the fat.
  2. Combine & cook (13 min)

    • 1. Stir in 1 (15.5‑oz) jar spaghetti sauce, 1 cup uncooked macaroni, and 1 cup water until the pasta is coated.
    • 2. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 13 minutes, stirring once halfway through to keep the pasta submerged.
  3. Finish & serve

    • 1. Sprinkle 0.5–1 cup shredded cheese over the hot casserole.
    • 2. Let stand for 5 minutes so the cheese melts, then scoop and serve.

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Busy‑Day Macaroni (Microwave) | NapTime Village | NapTime Village