Best Microwave Meals That Are Healthy
It doesn’t get much quicker and easier than cooking food in a microwave. If you’re on the go and tired of the same-old carboard-flavored microwaved food, you’re in for a treat. We’re going to share 20 insanely good microwave meals that will have you rethinking microwave cooking.
But first, let’s answer a question that’s long been debated – is microwaved food bad for you?
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Is Microwave Food Bad for You?
You’ve probably heard that microwave meals are really bad for you, right? Some say it’s the microwaves that cook the food. Others believe microwave food is bad because it’s loaded with junk. Unfortunately, the second statement is sometimes true. There’s plenty of processed food that’s bad for your health in the frozen food aisle.
But what about meals you prepare at home or ones that use healthy ingredients?
As it turns out, microwave meals may be pretty healthy for you. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the microwave may actually have a nutritional advantage. They say that foods retain the most nutrients when they are:
- Cooked quickly
- For a short amount of time
- In as little liquid as possible
Microwaves seem to fit the bill. But like with anything else food-related, it’s all about the ingredients you’re using.
We’re going to share 20 insanely good microwave recipes you can try today. Some are healthy, but others will take your comfort food game to the next level.
20 Insanely Good Microwave Meals
1. Microwave Risotto – Brit+Co
Think you need an hour to make risotto? Think again. This amazing recipe from Brit+Co takes just 10 minutes, and it’s all done in the microwave. You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients either. They provide a few variations for you to try along with a basic risotto recipe, like kale, mushrooms and bacon, or butternut squash and sage.
2. Blueberry Muffin Mug Cake – FiveHeartHome
It’s hard to beat the taste and aroma of freshly baked muffins. But who has time for baking anymore? With this recipe, you can whip up a delicious blueberry muffin in no time.
This recipe is egg-free and cooked in a mug. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a few minutes (literally). Don’t skimp on the sparkling sugar, and use fresh blueberries for the best taste.
3. Spinach Ricotta Lasagna – Healthy Nibbles
We all love a good lasagna, but let’s face it – it takes a long time to make one from scratch. And if you’re only cooking for one or two, it seems like a waste to make a whole lasagna.
With this recipe, you can enjoy melty, cheesy lasagna in just a few minutes (seriously!). It uses all of the classic lasagna ingredients, but cuts it down to mug-size. Pop it in the microwave for just 3 minutes, and you’re ready for dinner.
This is one of those microwave meals you can make time and time again and never get tired of it.
4. 10-Minute Microwave Enchiladas (Gluten-Free) – Flippin Delicious
If you need a quick, gluten-free dinner, these microwave enchiladas will keep you full and satisfied. All you need is a few simple ingredients:
- Gluten-free enchilada sauce (or make your own!)
- Cheese
- Protein (meat or vegetarian)
- Whatever other fillings you like (corn, cilantro, etc.)
Essentially, you’re just taking your typical enchilada recipe and tossing it in the microwave instead of the oven. Use a glass dish and cook until everything is nice and bubbly. For most people, it only takes about 10 minutes to go from microwave to plate.
5. Microwave Pizza Potatoes
Looking for microwave meals that satisfy your craving for comfort food? This recipe ticks all of the boxes. To make it, you only need:
- Baby potatoes
- Butter
- Garlic salt and Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pizza sauce
- Microwave-safe plastic wrap
It takes just 15 minutes total to put this meal together. The melty cheese and creamy potatoes take comfort food to the next level.
6. Mac & Cheese – The View From Great Island
Homemade mac and cheese just can’t compare to the box stuff, but who has time to make a whole pan of it? This recipe cuts it down to mug size, so you can enjoy mac and cheese whenever you want.
You don’t need much to enjoy a mug full of creamy mac and cheese:
- Elbow noodles
- A little milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Water
For an even creamier sauce, use butter instead of milk. Oh, and make sure you use a big mug!
Related: Keto Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
7. Shakshuka – The Kitchn
If you’ve shied away from shakshuka because you thought it was complicated, here’s your chance to give it a try.
This recipe breaks it down into simple steps and cooks everything in the microwave for a quick, easy and satisfying breakfast (or anytime-meal). It adds some chickpeas for extra protein and to make the meal a little heartier.
8. Omelet in a Mug – DashingDish
Looking for a healthy breakfast for one? Try this mug omelet. It uses eggs and egg whites for healthy protein. Roma tomatoes and cheese add flavor, and almond milk cuts out the dairy. You can also add turkey, bacon, spinach, chives or other mix-ins.
You’ll be eating and out the door in five minutes or less with this recipe.
Related: Keto Egg Muffins — Quick & Easy Breakfast Recipe
9. Fettucine Alfredo in a Mug – Kimspired DIY
Fettucine alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, and now, you can make it right in your microwave. All it takes is just five minutes to whip up a serving of this beloved pasta dish. All you need is some pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese and a little salt and pepper.
10. Ratatouille – Food Network
Zucchini and eggplant take a notoriously long time to roast in the oven. With this recipe, you can satisfy your craving for ratatouille in minutes. The prep work takes some time, but cooking takes 20 minutes or less. That’s pretty impressive for such a time-consuming dish.
11. Chicken Pasta and Tomatoes – Big Bear’s Wife
Here’s a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The only thing that isn’t cooked in the microwave is the chicken. You can use whatever pre-cooked variation you have at home, or skip it. It’s just as easy to swap in a vegan protein option, too. Everything comes together in less than 20 minutes.
12. Fried Rice – Just Microwave It
Fried rice can be a delicious and nutritious meal, especially when you make it at home. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to cook. Use leftover rice or minute rice, and add a little soy sauce or teriyaki for more flavor. Here is a good recipe.
13. Saffron Road Chicken Tikki Masala
Frozen microwave meals have come a long way. Saffron Road has some great options if you’re craving Indian food. Their Chicken Tikki Masala uses simple ingredients, is certified Halal and certified gluten-free. Rich and flavorful, you won’t believe it was cooked in a microwave.
14. Amy’s Frozen Raviolis in Tomato Sauce
Amy’s frozen foods are made with high-quality ingredients, and they never taste microwaved. If you’re craving a bowl of raviolis, Amy’s is a great choice. It’s ready in just 4-5 minutes, and it’s made with organic tomatoes and wheat.
15. Chow Mein – Create Yum
Craving chow mein? You can make this dish right at home in your microwave. This recipe creates a single serving of chow mein in a big mug. All you need are a few simple ingredients:
- Noodles
- Veggie broth or water
- Shredded carrots
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Green pepper
- Ginger and garlic (freshly grated)
It takes just five minutes to cook this meal, making it a quick option for a weekday meal.
16. Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya – BBC Food
The microwave makes it quick and easy to cook this spicy dish. The ingredient list is long, but the cooking time is short. And if it’s a hot day, you won’t need to fire up the oven either. It’s worth every step to make this tasty, satisfying and nutritious meal.
17. Irene’s Winter Salad – EatingWell
Here’s a microwave meal recipe for a healthy side dish. It calls for steamed cauliflower and broccoli tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. Add some kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for some Mediterranean flair. It takes just a few minutes to steam these nutritious vegetables in the microwave.
18. Feel Food Foods Potstickers
Here’s another healthy frozen food option that can be microwaved in minutes for a tasty lunch or dinner. Feel Good uses simple ingredients, and this meal is gluten-free. Tamari dipping sauce is included to complete the meal.
19. Purple Carrot Sweet Corn Elote
This flavorful microwave meal is vegan and delicious. It’s packed with chickpeas, brown rice, red bell peppers and quinoa. Top it off with a creamy lime sauce, vegan parmesan and roasted pumpkin seeds.
20. Stuffed Peppers – Crunch & Cream
Stuffed peppers can be healthy and satisfying. Cooking them in the microwave cuts down the time and makes it easy to cook for just one or two people. This recipe calls for healthy ingredients, and takes 20 minutes or less to cook.
Final Thoughts
These are some of our favorite microwaved meals. They taste insanely good, and they cook in minutes. As it turns out, you don’t have to slave over a hot stove to make a delicious and nutritious meal.
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