In our previous post, “Meals in the Microwave: Breakfast Edition”, we talked about different breakfast meals you can prepare in the microwave. In this post, we will share lunch and dinner recipes that can also be prepared in the microwave.
These recipes are for busy moms, college students, or anyone who needs a quick, healthy meal. Feel free to let us know which one of these recipes was your favorite in the comment section below!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe is quick, simple, and a great meal for a busy work week. You can use any color peppers, and can use garbanzo beans or black beans instead of kidney beans.
Ingredients
- 2 medium red bell peppers (or any color of your choosing)
- 1 8-oz can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
- ⅓ cup quick-cooking brown rice
- ½ cup corn, (frozen or canned, thawed and drained)
- ½ 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp crushed pepper flakes
*you will need plastic wrap and two microwave-safe bowls for this recipe
Directions
- Arrange pepper halves in a 9-inch square glass baking dish. Cover dish with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap for vents, and heat 4 minutes in the microwave, or until tender.
- In a medium bowl, mix tomatoes and their liquid, rice, and water. Cover with plastic, and cook in the microwave for 4 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
- Stir green onions, corn, kidney beans, and red pepper flakes into the tomato mixture. Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Spoon hot tomato mixture evenly into pepper halves, and cover with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic to vent steam, and heat in the microwave for 4 minutes. Remove plastic, sprinkle with cheese, and allow to stand 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
Mac N’ Cheese
Classic baked macaroni and cheese takes around 1 hour to prep and cook. Push the baking pan aside and grab a microwavable mug, because this mac n’ cheese recipe will only take 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- ½ cup elbow macaroni
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons milk
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh chive, to garnish, optional
Directions
- Mix the macaroni, water, and salt in a microwaveable mug.
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
- Add the milk, cheese, salt, and pepper, then stir.
- Microwave for another 30 seconds, stir and garnish with a sprinkle of chives. Enjoy!
Baked Potato
Are you in the mood for a baked potato but don’t want to go through all of the hassles of making it? Well then you’re in luck because this 10-minute recipe will have a baked potato on your plate in no time! This recipe could be used as a side dish or main meal. It’s up to you!
Ingredients
- 1 large Russet potato
- 3 tbsp shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Scrub the potato, and prick several times with a fork. Place on a plate.
- Cook on full power in the microwave for 5 minutes. Turn over, and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. When the potato is soft, remove from the microwave, and cut in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper, and mash up the inside a little using a fork. Top the open sides with butter and 2 tablespoons of cheese. Return to the microwave, and cook for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Top with remaining cheese and sour cream, and serve.
Below, let us know if you tried any of the recipes above. Which one did you like best?
