1. Cook the ¾ pound noodles "al dente" in either the microwave oven or on your conventional burner. Drain and put aside.
2. Put the bacon and onion in a 1-quart casserole and cook 3 to 5 minutes in the microwave oven until the onions are tender.
3. Add the tomato sauce, tomato, ham, sausage, salt, pepper and mushrooms.
4. Cook covered 8 minutes in the microwave oven, stirring several times. Add the broth and cook 3 minutes more.
5. In a 3-quart casserole put in a layer of noodles, a layer of sauce, and some cheese. Continue layering, ending with a layer of cheese.
6. Bake in the microwave oven 5 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes. Cook 2 minutes more. Serve from the baking dish.
TIP:
Microwave cooking is so fast that often a casserole that can not be stirred to redistribute the heat evenly will seem done on the outside. By allowing some standing time before the last 2 minutes of cooking, time is allowed for the heat to reach the center of the casserole. This method should be used for all casseroles that cannot, for whatever reason, be stirred. "AI dente" means that when bitten into there is a slight resistance to the teeth.
