One Dish Spaghetti (For 2)

One casserole dish, one microwave, and dinner for two is done in about 15 minutes. Ground beef and onion cook first, then broken spaghetti, tomato sauce, and water go in and the whole thing microwaves together until the pasta is tender. The noodles absorb the sauce as they cook, soaking up all that meaty, tomatoey flavor.

Breaking the spaghetti into shorter pieces is what makes this work in a small casserole dish. Full-length noodles won’t fit or cook evenly, and they clump together in the microwave.

Stirring twice during the 10-minute cook is important. Microwaves heat unevenly, and without stirring, some noodles end up crunchy while others turn to mush.

Kitchen Tips

• Drain the beef thoroughly after the first cook. Grease in the sauce makes it oily and unappetizing.
• Use Italian-seasoned tomato sauce for built-in flavor without needing extra spices.
• Break spaghetti into roughly 2-inch pieces for the most even cooking.
• Let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes after microwaving. The pasta finishes absorbing liquid and the sauce thickens.

Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking for a little heat.
• Stir in a handful of frozen spinach with the sauce for hidden greens.