Busy-Day Macaroni (Microwave)

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Ingredients

Servings

Diet focus

UnitsStandard

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Protein
1 pound ground beef
Fiber / plants
1 (15.5-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Fats
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese
Flavor / spices
1 cup macaroni, uncooked
1 cup water

Ingredient notes

Short pasta shapes cook most evenly in the microwave.
Stir halfway through so pasta stays submerged.

Step-by-step

4 servings

1
Step 1
Microwave beef
- Ingredients:
  1 pound ground beef
- Action: Crumble beef into a microwave-safe casserole. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring twice, then drain fat.
2
Step 2
Combine and cook
- Ingredients:
  1 (15 1/2 ounces) jar spaghetti sauce
  1 cup macaroni, uncooked
  1 cup water
- Action: Stir in sauce, macaroni, and water. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 13 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3
Step 3
Finish and serve
- Ingredients:
  0.5 to 1 cup shredded cheese
- Action: Sprinkle cheese over the hot casserole. Rest 5 minutes, then serve.

Step insights

Resting after microwaving lets the pasta finish absorbing liquid and melts the cheese evenly.

Equipment

2 quarts microwave-safe casserole
Microwave
Measuring cups
Spoon

Longevity lens

Adding vegetables and using leaner protein makes this quick casserole more balanced without losing comfort-food appeal.

Longevity score

Avg across key ingredients

52/100

Based on 4 core ingredients.

Benefits

Complete protein supports muscle maintenance
Iron and B vitamins support energy metabolism
Tomatoes provide lycopene
Convenient base for quick meals

Why this score · Original recipe

1 lb ground beef

49/100

Ground beef provides protein and iron but is higher in saturated fat.

Benefits

Complete protein supports muscle maintenance
Iron and B vitamins support energy metabolism

1 (15.5-oz) jar spaghetti sauce

57/100

Jarred sauce adds tomato antioxidants but can be higher in sodium.

Benefits

Tomatoes provide lycopene
Convenient base for quick meals

1 cup macaroni, uncooked

53/100

Refined pasta keeps the recipe fast but adds less fiber.

Benefits

Quick-cooking energy source
Easy to swap with higher-fiber pasta

0.5 to 1 cup shredded cheese

55/100

Measured fats to aid absorption and fullness.

Recipe health

NutriRECIPE balance

74/100

Computed from nutrition data

Factors

Adequacy: Fiber 3g (11% DV)
Adequacy: Protein 26g (52% DV)
Adequacy: plant density 1/3 core ingredients
Moderation: Saturated fat 9g (45% max)
Moderation: Sodium 820mg (36% max)
Moderation: Total sugar 8g (16% max)

Why this score · Original recipe

Based on the original recipe nutrition. Computed from nutrition data.

Adequacy is lifted by Fiber 3g (11% DV) and Protein 26g (52% DV). Moderation is pulled down by Saturated fat 9g (45% max) and Sodium 820mg (36% max).

Why it works

Lean protein helps keep the meal more filling.

Tomato-based sauce adds lycopene and antioxidants.

Whole-grain or legume pasta boosts fiber for gut health.

Nutrition snapshot

Nutrient	Per serving	Per batch
Calories	450 kcal	1800 kcal
Protein	26 g	104 g
Fat	20 g	80 g
Saturated Fat	9 g	36 g
Carbohydrates	42 g	168 g
Fiber	3 g	12 g
Sugars	8 g	32 g
Cholesterol	70 mg	280 mg
Sodium	820 mg	3280 mg

Nutrition notes

Higher sodium; choose low-sodium sauce or add extra vegetables to balance.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tips & tricks

Use elbow macaroni for even cooking.
Check pasta doneness; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water if needed.
Try mozzarella or cheddar for the topping.

What to serve with

Green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli
Garlic bread or gluten-free toast

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Recipe variants

Make it more protein-supportive

Use 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef and add extra cheese.
Stir in cooked lentils to boost protein and fiber.

Make it lighter

Use lean ground turkey and part-skim cheese.
Add 1 cup diced zucchini or spinach.

Troubleshooting

Pasta still firm: Add 2 tablespoons water and microwave 2 more minutes.
Too dry: Stir in extra sauce or a splash of broth.
Too soupy: Let it rest 5 more minutes to thicken.

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