10 Quick and Easy Microwave Meals for Busy Nights

It’s no secret that life can get busy. When you’re juggling work, kids, and social life, it can be tough to find time to cook a healthy meal. That’s why quick and easy microwave meals are so essential. With these 10 recipes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal in no time!

1. Spicy Sausage and Rice:

This dish is easy to make and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup white rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
2. Add rice, tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
4. Stir before serving.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup:

This comforting soup can be made in just minutes and is the perfect lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth.
2. Pour into a small saucepan; heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.

3. Macaroni and Cheese:

This classic dish is a favorite with kids and adults alike. And, it can be made in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (7 ounces) of elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Add cheese; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.
4. Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.

4. Chili:

This hearty chili is perfect for a cold night. Plus, it can be made in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; mix well.
3. Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.

5. Scalloped Potatoes:

This rich and creamy potato dish is a great side dish for any meal. Because the process of cooking small potatoes in the microwave is very simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Add potatoes; cook for 10 minutes or until tender.
3. Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish; sprinkle with cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.

6. Vegetable Soup:

This healthy soup is a great way to get your veggies in. And, it can be made in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) of great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients; mix well.
2. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.

7. Beef Stew:

This hearty and filling stew can be made in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients; mix well.
2. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.

8. Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche:

This rich and creamy quiche is packed with flavor. And, it can be made in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
• 3 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Place the crust on a greased 9-inch pie plate. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; mix well. Pour into crust. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until quiche is set in the center.

9. BBQ Chicken Pizza:

This easy pizza comes together in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-inch) prebaked pizza crust
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion

Instructions:

Place crust on a greased 12-inch pizza pan. Spread with BBQ sauce. Top with chicken, cheese, and onion. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is hot.

10. Chocolate Lava Cake:

This rich and decadent chocolate cake can be made in just minutes using the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs; mix well. Add flour and cocoa powder; mix well.

Pour into a greased 8-inch microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5-6 minutes or until cake is cooked through. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Conclusion:

These are just a few quick and easy microwave meals that you can enjoy on busy nights. For more ideas, be sure to check out your favorite cooking website. And, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite ingredients. With a little creativity, you can come up with some great microwave meals of your own.