These Budget-Friendly Microwave Recipes Are Total Time-Savers
As much as we love trying out new recipes, sometimes we just want something fast and efficient that we can get on the table in a matter of minutes. On those busy weeknights (or lazy weekends!) lean on these easy dishes that utilize your kitchen's ultimate quick-cooking appliance – the microwave! From mac and cheese and hearty casseroles to poached eggs and corn on the cob, no one will notice they've been nuked instead of heated on a stovetop.
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Microwave Mac and Cheese
<p> This made-from-scratch mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl – and you don't have to boil the macaroni or heat the cheese sauce separately. We're not kidding! Boasting a creamy blend of American and Jack cheeses, this smooth and tangy recipe simply requires a quick nuke in the microwave. Bon appetit! Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-macaroni-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">macaroni recipes that will satisfy all your pasta cravings</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/microwave-mac-and-cheese/20451/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Microwave Mac and Cheese</a></strong> </p> -
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Microwave One-Bowl No-Nut Granola
<p> No one will <em>ever</em> guess that this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-spring-breakfast-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">breakfast</a> beauty is the result of six minutes in the microwave. The secret ingredient? A single egg white, which helps the granola cluster together and become so golden and crispy that it will look like you laboured over it for hours. Bonus: it's mixed and cooked together in the same bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-people-eat-for-breakfast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things healthy people eat for breakfast</a>. <p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/microwave-one-bowl-no-nut-granola/21843/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Microwave One-Bowl No-Nut Granola</a></strong> </p> -
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Corn on the Cob
<p> Don't have time to break out the BBQ or hover over a grill? Pop all your corn cobs in the microwave and heat on high for three to four minutes – they'll come out so perfectly sweet and crunchy, your family will be none the wiser. Add a little <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/photos/pioneer-woman-best-tex-mex/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mexican flair</a> to this side dish staple with a homemade ancho chile rub or queso fresco cheese. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-corn-on-the-cob-with-lime-butter/16265/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter</a></strong> </p> -
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Mexican Layered Bean Casserole
<p> Rich in both fibre and protein, pinto beans are the perfect healthy addition to any meal – even quickie dishes you can pop in the microwave. Topped with fresh <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-and-delicious-zucchini-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zucchini</a> and ooey-gooey cheese, this recipe is ready in 10 minutes. Bonus: with all its intricate layers, it looks like such a labour of love that no one will guess it was a microwave meal. These <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-recipes-with-beans/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recipes will make your rethink canned beans</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mexican-layered-bean-casserole/19094/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mexican Layered Bean Casserole</a></strong> </p> -
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Make-it-Don't-Buy-it Frozen Vegetarian Burritos
<p> If you've got some extra time on your hands, this scrumptious recipe is the ideal meal-prep go-to. Not only can you make a batch in advance, but they freeze like a dream. So whenever you're craving a wrap, simply cover your frozen burrito in parchment paper and nuke on high in the microwave for four to five minutes. Enjoy! For more inspiration, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/meal-prep-ideas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">these simple meal prep ideas will help you plan like a pro</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-it-dont-buy-it-frozen-vegetarian-burritos/20782/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Make-it-Don't-Buy-it Frozen Vegetarian Burritos</a></strong> </p> -
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Salmon
<p> Although it might lend your appliance a bit of a fishy scent, you can cook salmon in the microwave – and it's a lot easier than you might think! Place the thawed fillets in a microwave-friendly dish and cover. Heat on high for four minutes. Voila! Did you know you can even cook salmon in the dishwasher? It's one of those fascinating <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you probably didn't know your dishwasher could do</a>. For more inspiration, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/ways-to-use-canned-salmon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">canned salmon recipes</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/salmon-and-veggie-grain-bowl/20513/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Salmon and Veggie Grain Bowl</a></strong> </p> -
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Poached Eggs
<p> We totally get it: poached eggs can be the bane of your existence. Why do they come out perfectly only once in awhile? To save yourself time, grab a microwave-friendly cup or small bowl and gently crack an egg, submerging it in water. Cover and nuke on high for roughly one minute (or until the whites are set). It's a miracle! Now you can indulge in that <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-avocado-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">avocado</a> toast and poached egg breakfast you've always wanted. Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/creative-ways-to-cook-eggs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">creative ways to cook eggs</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/avocado-toast-with-poached-eggs-1-dish-2-ways-35175/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs</a></strong> </p> -
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Pasta
<p> Say goodbye to time spent waiting for your pot to boil. If you've got a hankering for a hearty helping of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/giada-de-laurentiis-popular-pasta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pasta</a>, grab a microwave-safe bowl, your favourite pasta shape and just enough water to cover all the noodles. Check the packaging for estimated cooking times and tack on an additional three to four minutes for good measure. Once it's done, simply drain the water and top with your favourite sauce. Find more of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-ever-pasta-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our best-ever pasta recipes for easy dinners</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/cauliflower-puttanesca-pasta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spaghetti Puttanesca with Cauliflower</a></strong> </p> -
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Stuffed Potatoes
<p> <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/tasty-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Potatoes</a> make for one of the easiest and most delicious side dish staples – but they can also be time-consuming. Shorten the cooking time by giving them a head start in the microwave. Submerge them in water and heat on high for four to five minutes until you can easily poke a knife through. Then pop them on the grill for a crispy crunch. You can also enjoy straight from the microwave with some of your favourite toppings. You'll find more options with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/perfect-potato-side-dishes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perfect potato side dishes that will elevate your spuds</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/all-dressed-stuffed-potatoes/10224/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All-Dressed Stuffed Potatoes</a></strong> </p> -
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Quick 'n' Easy Nacho Casserole
<p> With a mere five ingredients and requiring only a quick spin in the microwave, this crunchy and hearty nacho casserole will be on the table in less than 15 minutes. Kids will love all the gooey cheese while adults will appreciate all the time and energy they saved. For more inspiration, check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/30-must-try-casserole-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our easiest casserole recipes to simplify your weeknights</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-n-easy-nacho-casserole/11885/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quick 'n' Easy Nacho Casserole</a></strong> </p>