Microwave Spaghetti And Meat Sauce
A hearty microwave spaghetti and meat sauce with savory ground meat, rich tomato flavors, and aromatic herbs, perfect for quick, satisfying meals for families or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry parsley flakes
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart casserole, mix together the ground meat, chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on High for 10 minutes, stirring twice. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley flakes, basil, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Cook on High for 25 minutes, stirring twice.
- Remove the bay leaf. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Freeze any remaining sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner sauce, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground meat. If fresh herbs are available, use 1 tablespoon of fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. To enhance the flavor profile, a splash of red wine can be added while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti and meat sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Granny'S Pickled Beets for a tangy contrast. For a vegetarian option, consider tossing some sautéed vegetables into the sauce, or use a meat alternative for a delicious vegan recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge and warming in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Spaghetti And Meat Sauce contains roughly 1587 calories, with 43g protein, 280g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (377% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use any ground meat you prefer, such as turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the tomatoes. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legumes. Ensure that the tomato paste and canned tomatoes are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten as a thickening agent.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).