Making quick and easy dinners in the microwave was a struggle until I found these game-changing recipes! As a very busy person, I tried winging it with microwave meals, but it was a big failure. The dishes were bland, rubbery, or just plain inedible. That all changed when I discovered this collection of 25 foolproof, delicious microwave dinners.
With simple ingredients and microwave-friendly cooking methods, you can assemble tasty, satisfying meals quickly!
1. Microwave Baked Potato
Fluffy, steaming potato with a crispy skin and rich, savory toppings.
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes
- Desired toppings (broccoli, cheese, chili, bacon bits, sour cream, etc.)
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes and prick several times with a fork
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, turn over and microwave 5 more minutes
- Continue microwaving in 3 minute intervals until potatoes are soft when squeezed
- Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes before handling.
- Split open, fluff insides with a fork and add desired toppings
Total Cook Time: 15-20 minutes.
2. Quesadillas
Crispy, golden tortilla with a cheesy, melty interior and savory fillings.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, etc.)
- Fillings like chicken, ground beef, beans, peppers, onions, etc.
Instructions;
- Layer half of a tortilla with shredded cheese and fillings
- Fold tortilla in half and place on a microwave-safe plate
- Microwave for 1 minute, then continue microwaving in 30 second intervals until cheese is melted
- Let rest for 1 minute before cutting into wedges
Total Cook Time: 2-3 minutes.
3. Microwave Omelet
Light, fluffy eggs packed with flavor from cheese, veggies and seasonings.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Milk or water
- Shredded cheese
- Diced veggies like peppers, onions, spinach, etc.
- Salt, pepper, herbs.
Instructions;
- Crack eggs into a microwave-safe mug or ramekin and beat well with a fork
- Add a splash of milk/water and mix in cheese, veggies and seasonings
- Microwave for 1 minute, then continue microwaving in 30 second intervals
- Stir gently each time to allow uncooked egg to flow to the bottom
- Stop microwaving when eggs are set but still look slightly undercooked
- Let sit for 1 minute to finish cooking
Total Cook Time: 2-4 minutes.
4. Nachos
Crunchy, salty tortilla chips loaded with gooey melted cheese, zesty salsa, hearty beans and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, etc.)
- Salsa
- Refried or black beans
- Toppings like jalapeños, olives, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Instructions;
- Arrange chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate
- Top with shredded cheese, beans, salsa and any other desired toppings
- Microwave for 1 minute, then continue in 30 second intervals until cheese is melted
- Let cool slightly before serving
Total Cook Time: 2-3 minutes.
5. Microwave Mac and Cheese
Cheesy, creamy, comforting mac and cheese with just the right amount of richness.
Ingredients:
- Box of macaroni and cheese
- Milk, butter, salt and pepper per box instructions.
Instructions;
- Cook macaroni per box instructions in the microwave, usually 6-8 minutes
- Drain and return to dish, add milk, butter and cheese powder
- Microwave for 1 minute, stir well until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Total Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Microwave Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy, hot corn on the cob with a buttery, salty finish.
Ingredients:
- Fresh ears of corn, husks removed
- Butter, salt and pepper for serving
Instructions;
- Wrap each ear of corn in a damp paper towel
- Place wrapped corn on a microwave-safe plate
- Microwave for 3-4 minutes, rearranging halfway through
- Carefully remove paper towels and place corn on plates
- Top with butter, salt and pepper
Total Cook Time: 4-5 minutes.
7. Microwave Meatball Subs
Savory, herbed meatballs in a zesty marinara sauce, stuffed into a soft, toasted sub roll.
Ingredients:
- Frozen pre-cooked meatballs
- Jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce
- Hoagie or sub rolls
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions;
- Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and cover
- Microwave for 2 minutes, stir, then continue heating in 1 minute intervals until hot
- Split sub rolls and place meatballs and sauce inside
- Top with shredded mozzarella and microwave 30-60 seconds until cheese melts
Total Cook Time: 5-7 minutes.
8. Breakfast Taquitos
Soft tortilla rolled around a savory mixture of scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa and breakfast meat.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Cooked sausage, bacon or ham (optional)
- Flour tortillas
Instructions;
- Scramble eggs in a bowl and mix in cheese, salsa, and cooked meat if using
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable
- Place a spoonful of the egg mixture into each tortilla and roll up tightly
- Arrange rolled taquitos seam-side down on a plate
- Microwave for 1 minute, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot
Total Cook Time: 3-4 minutes.
9. BBQ Chicken Wraps
Tangy BBQ sauce coating tender shredded chicken, wrapped up with fresh crunchy veggies.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Flour tortillas or wraps
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, etc.
Instructions;
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with enough BBQ sauce to coat it well
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable
- Layer each tortilla with chicken, veggies, and extra sauce if desired
- Wrap up tightly and arrange seam-side down on a plate
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot
Total Cook Time: 3-4 minutes.
10. Microwave Stuffed Peppers
Sweet bell peppers filled with a savory, hearty mixture of rice, meat, veggies, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, tops cut off, and seeds/membranes removed
- Cooked rice
- Ground meat like turkey or beef
- Diced onion, tomatoes, garlic, etc.
Instructions;
- Shredded cheese
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
- In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, browned ground meat, veggies and seasonings
- Pack the rice mixture firmly into the pepper halves
- Top stuffed peppers with shredded cheese
- Arrange stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish
- Cover with a vented lid or plastic wrap
- Microwave for 4 minutes, then continue heating in 1 minute intervals until peppers are tender.
Total Cook Time: 6-8 minutes.
11. Veggie-Packed Fried Rice
Savory fried rice with fresh veggie crunch, salty soy sauce, and scrambled egg pieces.
Ingredients:
- Microwaveable frozen rice
- Eggs
- I have frozen stir-fry veggies like peas, carrots, corn, etc.
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil (optional)
- Diced onion and garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Cook frozen rice per package instructions in the microwave
- Scramble the eggs in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute, breaking into pieces
- Add the rice, cooked eggs, frozen veggies, soy sauce and seasonings to a bowl
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until everything is hot
- Optionally drizzle with sesame oil before serving
Total Cook Time: 5-7 minutes.
12. Chicken Burrito Bowls
You loaded Mexican rice bowls with tender chicken, zesty salsa, creamy beans, and all your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
- Microwaveable Spanish rice or white rice
- Can of refried or black beans
- Jar of salsa
- Shredded cheese
- Toppings like avocado, sour cream, lettuce, onions, etc.
Instructions;
- Cook rice per package instructions in the microwave
- Heat beans in a separate microwave-safe dish, for about 1 minute
- Layer rice, beans, chicken, and salsa in a bowl
- Top with shredded cheese and microwave for 30-60 seconds until the cheese melts
- Add any additional desired toppings
Total Cook Time: 5-7 minutes.
13. French Bread Pizzas
Crispy, chewy French bread topped with zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
Ingredients:
- French bread or Italian loaf, sliced in half lengthwise
- Pizza sauce or marinara
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, etc.
Instructions;
- Place French bread halves cut side up on a microwave-safe plate
- Top with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and desired toppings
- Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds, then continue heating in 30-second intervals
- Let cool briefly before slicing into pieces.
Total Cook Time: 3-4 minutes.
14. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes
A baked potato overflowing with cheesy broccoli goodness, with a crispy skin.
Ingredients:
- Russet baking potatoes
- Frozen broccoli florets
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper.
Instructions;
- Bake potatoes in the microwave until tender, about 10-12 minutes
- In a bowl, microwave the frozen broccoli with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes
- Drain broccoli and mix with shredded cheese, milk, butter and seasonings
- Split open potato and fluff with a fork
- Stuff each potato generously with the cheesy broccoli mixture
Total Cook Time: 15 minutes.
15. Tuna Melts
Comforting tuna salad baked until warm and melty with cheese on a crispy English muffin.
Ingredients:
- Cans of tuna drained
- Mayonnaise
- Diced celery and onion
- English muffins
- Sliced cheddar or Swiss cheese
Instructions;
- Make tuna salad by mixing drained tuna with mayo, celery and onion
- Toast English muffins briefly in the microwave
- Top each muffin half with tuna salad
- Place a slice of cheese on top of each one
- Microwave for 1 minute until cheese is melted
Total Cook Time: 3-4 minutes.
16. Fajita Bowls
Strips of seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions, served over rice with refried beans.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Bell peppers and onion, sliced
- Fajita seasoning or taco seasoning
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Cooked rice
- Can of refried beans
- Toppings like salsa, guacamole, etc.
Instructions;
- Toss chicken strips with fajita seasoning
- Spray a skillet or sauté pan with oil and heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes
- Sauté chicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through
- Add sliced peppers and onions and continue sautéing for 2 more minutes
- Layer rice and refried beans in bowls, and top with fajita mixture and desired toppings.
Total Cook Time: 10-12 minutes.
17. Pesto Chicken Flatbreads
A crispy flatbread coated in fresh basil pesto, topped with juicy chicken and melty cheese.
Ingredients:
- Flatbreads or naan
- Prepared pesto sauce
- Cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions;
- Place flatbreads on a plate and spread each with a thin layer of pesto
- Top with sliced chicken and shredded cheese
- Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds, then continue in 30-second intervals
- Let cool briefly before slicing into pieces.
Total Cook Time: 3-4 minutes.
18. Microwave Tamale Pie
Layers of savory beef, salsa, and cheesy cornbread baked into a delicious casserole.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Jar of salsa
- Box of corn muffin or cornbread mix
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Milk and egg (per cornbread mix instructions)
Instructions;
- Brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa
- In a separate bowl, prepare cornbread batter as instructed on the box with milk and egg
- In a greased microwave-safe dish, layer half the beef mixture
- Top with half the cornbread batter, then the remaining beef and batter
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top
- Microwave for 6 minutes, then continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until set.
Total Cook Time: 10-12 minutes.
19. Loaded Baked Potatoes
A super stuffed baked potato with all the fixings, cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, etc.
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked crumbled bacon
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions or chives
Instructions
- Bake potatoes in the microwave until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool briefly then slice off the top
- Use a fork or a nice wooden utensil to fluff up the insides and create a hollow shell
- Layer on cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions, and any other desired toppings
- Optionally return to microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt cheese.
Total Cook Time: 12-15 minutes.
20. Microwave Egg Fried Rice
Savory fried rice loaded with scrambled eggs, crisp veggies, and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Eggs
- Frozen stir-fry vegetables
- Soy sauce
- Butter or oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions;
- Cook frozen veggies per package instructions in the microwave, for about 3-4 minutes
- Scramble the eggs in a bowl with a pat of butter or oil, and microwave for 1 minute
- Add rice, cooked veggies, soy sauce, and seasonings to the eggs
- Microwave for 2 more minutes, stirring halfway, until everything is hot
Total Cook Time: 6-8 minutes.
21. Southwestern Chicken Wraps
Spicy southwest seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and fresh salsa wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
- Southwest or taco seasoning
- Black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- Frozen corn kernels
- Salsa
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese and sour cream for serving
Instructions;
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with southwest seasoning
- Mix in drained beans and frozen corn kernels
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable
- Layer each tortilla with the chicken mixture and salsa
- Roll up wraps tightly and arrange seam-side down on a plate
- Microwave for 2 minutes until hot all the way through
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and extra salsa
Total Cook Time: 4-5 minutes.
22. Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
Savory Italian sausage sautéed with bell peppers and onions piled onto a toasted hoagie roll.
Ingredients:
- Italian sausage links
- Bell peppers and onion, sliced
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Hoagie or sub rolls
- Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prick sausages with a fork and microwave until nearly cooked through, 3-4 minutes
- Spray a skillet with oil and heat for 2 minutes in the microwave
- Slice sausages on the bias and add to skillet with sliced peppers and onions
- Saute for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is browned
- Toast hoagie rolls briefly in the microwave if desired
- Layer sausage and pepper mixture onto roll bottoms
- Top with cheese slices and microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt the cheese.
Total Cook Time: 9-11 minutes.
23. Microwave Mug Pizzas
Personal-sized deep dish pizzas baked in a mug, loaded with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- Baking mix (like Bisquick) or pizza dough
- Warm water and olive oil (per dough instructions)
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings like pepperoni, veggies, etc.
Instructions;
- Prepare pizza dough per package instructions with water and oil
- Divide dough into 2-3 portions and press into greased mugs or ramekins
- Top each mug pizza with sauce, cheese, and desired toppings
- Microwave for 1 minute, then continue in 30-second intervals until dough is cooked through
- Let cool slightly before eating right out of the mug!
Total Cook Time: 2-4 minutes.
24. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes stuffed to the brim with BBQ-pulled chicken and gooey cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes
- Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions or chives for garnish
Instructions;
- Bake potatoes in the microwave until soft, about 10-12 minutes
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with enough BBQ sauce to coat well
- Slice open potatoes and fluff with a fork to make a hollow cavity
- Fill each potato with the saucy BBQ chicken mixture
- Top with shredded cheese and microwave for 1 more minute to melt the cheese
- Garnish with green onions or chives
Total Cook Time: 13-15 minutes.
25. Microwave Tacos
Crunchy taco shells stuffed with seasoned taco meat, gooey cheese, lettuce, salsa, and more!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Taco seasoning packet
- Taco shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa, sour cream, etc. for toppings
Instructions;
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet sprayed with cooking oil, for 3-4 minutes
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning with water per packet instructions
- Warm taco shells in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable
- Fill each shell with seasoned taco meat and desired toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa
- Arrange stuffed tacos on a plate and microwave for 1 minute to melt cheese.
Total Cook Time: 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
With this arsenal of 25 quick microwave dinner recipes, you’ll never struggle with last-minute meals again.
From comforting classics to creative spins, there’s something for every craving.
Ditch the frozen dinners and embrace the ease of homemade microwave cooking, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights! Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor await.