15 Easy Microwave Recipes Your Roommates Will Beg For: Quick and Delicious Meals

15 Easy Microwave Recipes Your Roommates Will Beg For: Quick and Delicious Meals

By Sara Taylor

15 Easy Microwave Recipes Your Roommates Will Beg For: Quick and Delicious Meals

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

I’ve got your back if you have only a microwave in your kitchen and nothing else. These 15 recipes demonstrate that vegetarian meals can be made without a stove. You will need a microwave and about 15 minutes of your time. Um, warning these meals are so good, your roomates may start to hover when the microwave dings.

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1) Microwave Mac 'N' Cheese

a mug of creamy golden macaroni and cheese in a wide horizontal shot, a spoon resting beside it on a marble countertop, a checkered napkin in the background, natural window light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Get the creamy and cheesy comfort in just 1 mug! No need to boil a massive pot!

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a mug of creamy golden macaroni and cheese in a wide horizontal shot, a spoon resting beside it on a marble countertop, a checkered napkin in the background, natural window light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Microwave Mac 'N' Cheese

Juicy elbow macaroni cooked perfectly in a mug and mixed into a creamy cheddar sauce for the most over-the-top lazy night dinner.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Method
 

  1. Combine the macaroni and water in a large microwave-safe mug.
  2. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway, until the pasta is tender and most of the water is absorbed.
  3. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar.
  4. Microwave 1 more minute, then stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and eat straight from the mug.

Notes

Use a mug at least twice the size of the dry pasta so the water doesn't boil over.

2) Vegetable Omelette Mug

a fluffy vegetable omelette turned out of a mug onto a white plate in a wide horizontal shot, flecks of red pepper and green spinach visible, a fork alongside on a light wood table, soft morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A fluffy veggie-packed omelet without any flipping or pans to scrub.

a fluffy vegetable omelette turned out of a mug onto a white plate in a wide horizontal shot, flecks of red pepper and green spinach visible, a fork alongside on a light wood table, soft morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Vegetable Omelette Mug

Microwaveable soft eggs with peppers and spinach made for a great breakfast to take to class.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp bell pepper diced
  • 2 tbsp spinach chopped
  • 2 tbsp shredded cheese
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a greased microwave-safe mug.
  2. Stir in the diced bell pepper, chopped spinach, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir gently.
  4. Microwave another 45 to 60 seconds until the eggs are just set.
  5. Top with shredded cheese and let it melt for a few seconds before digging in.

Notes

Stop microwaving the moment the eggs look set; carryover heat finishes them so they stay tender.

3) Mug Brownie Bliss

a warm chocolate mug brownie with a soft molten center in a wide horizontal shot, a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, a spoon beside the mug on a dark wood table, cozy warm light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Once your study break is over, a warm and gooey single serve brownie will be ready.

a warm chocolate mug brownie with a soft molten center in a wide horizontal shot, a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, a spoon beside the mug on a dark wood table, cozy warm light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mug Brownie Bliss

A rich chocolate brownie baked in a mug, with a gooey center that is calling for someone to add a scoop of ice cream.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Stir in the milk and oil until the batter is smooth with no dry pockets.
  3. Microwave on high for 60 to 75 seconds, just until the top looks set but the center is still soft.
  4. Let it cool for a minute so the molten middle settles, then eat warm.

Notes

Pull it early; an extra ten seconds turns fudgy into rubbery fast.

4) BBQ Chicken Nachos

a platter of BBQ chicken nachos in a wide horizontal shot, melted cheese stretching over saucy chicken and crisp chips, scattered green onions, a small bowl of sour cream nearby on a rustic table, warm overhead light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It takes the same amount of time to prepare these nachos as it does to pick a show to watch. Plus, they are cheesy, and smoky, and have plenty of toppings.

a platter of BBQ chicken nachos in a wide horizontal shot, melted cheese stretching over saucy chicken and crisp chips, scattered green onions, a small bowl of sour cream nearby on a rustic table, warm overhead light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

BBQ Chicken Nachos

All the best movie nights include a pile of crispy tortilla chips topped with BBQ chicken and plenty of melted cheese!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups tortilla chips
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp green onion sliced

Method
 

  1. Toss the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a small bowl.
  2. Spread the tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate in an even layer.
  3. Scatter the BBQ chicken over the chips, then cover everything with shredded cheese.
  4. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
  5. Sprinkle with sliced green onion and serve right away.

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to keep this under ten minutes.

5) Garlic Butter Shrimp

glistening garlic butter shrimp in a wide horizontal shot, arranged in a shallow white bowl with a buttery sauce, lemon wedges and parsley garnish, a slice of crusty bread on the side, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Shrimp that have a fancy taste and are buttery and garlicky, but take less than five minutes to prepare.

glistening garlic butter shrimp in a wide horizontal shot, arranged in a shallow white bowl with a buttery sauce, lemon wedges and parsley garnish, a slice of crusty bread on the side, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Succulent shrimp soaked in liquid garlic butter with a zesty squeeze of lemon and parsley.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Add the shrimp and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
  4. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

Watch closely near the end; overcooked shrimp turn rubbery quickly.

6) Sweet Potato Chips

a pile of crispy orange sweet potato chips in a wide horizontal shot, scattered across a parchment-lined board with a small dish of flaky salt, a striped towel in the background, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crispy homemade sweet potato chips that don’t require a fryer or oil splattering everywhere.

a pile of crispy orange sweet potato chips in a wide horizontal shot, scattered across a parchment-lined board with a small dish of flaky salt, a striped towel in the background, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet Potato Chips

Salted and microwaved to crispy perfection, sweet potato rounds are a crunchy snack you can enjoy without the guilt.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sweet potato thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

Method
 

  1. Slice the sweet potato as thinly as you can, ideally with a mandoline.
  2. Toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and paprika.
  3. Arrange them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment.
  4. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then flip and continue in 1-minute bursts until crisp.
  5. Let them cool a minute to crisp up fully before snacking.

Notes

Work in batches so the slices don't overlap, or they'll steam instead of crisp.

7) Stuffed Bell Peppers

two stuffed bell pepper halves with melted cheese in a wide horizontal shot, arranged in a shallow baking dish with a few basil leaves, set on a wooden table with a linen napkin, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Savory filling and no oven required!

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two stuffed bell pepper halves with melted cheese in a wide horizontal shot, arranged in a shallow baking dish with a few basil leaves, set on a wooden table with a linen napkin, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sweet Bell Peppers filled with seasoned rice and beef, topped with cheese and steamed to perfection in the microwave.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bell peppers halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
  • 1/3 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Stir the cooked rice, ground beef, marinara, and Italian seasoning together in a bowl.
  2. Spoon the filling into the halved, seeded bell peppers.
  3. Set the peppers in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water to the bottom.
  4. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 7 to 8 minutes until the peppers soften.
  5. Top with mozzarella and microwave 1 more minute until the cheese melts.

Notes

Covering the dish traps steam so the peppers cook through evenly.

8) Egg Fried Rice

a bowl of egg fried rice in a wide horizontal shot, studded with peas, carrots, and green onion, chopsticks resting across the rim, set on a bamboo mat, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can prepare fried rice right on your dorm desk faster than any delivery service!

a bowl of egg fried rice in a wide horizontal shot, studded with peas, carrots, and green onion, chopsticks resting across the rim, set on a bamboo mat, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Egg Fried Rice

Fluffy rice combined with scrambled egg, sweet peas, and a splash of soy sauce. Just one bowl!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp green onion sliced

Method
 

  1. Beat the egg in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave 30 seconds, stirring once, until scrambled.
  2. Add the rice, peas and carrots, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  3. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
  5. Top with sliced green onion and serve.

Notes

Day-old refrigerated rice works best; fresh rice can turn mushy.

9) Taco in a Mug

a taco-loaded mug in a wide horizontal shot, layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, salsa, and crushed chips spilling over the rim, set on a colorful woven placemat, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

All the taco flavor you love packed into one convenient mug.

a taco-loaded mug in a wide horizontal shot, layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, salsa, and crushed chips spilling over the rim, set on a colorful woven placemat, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Taco in a Mug

Take taco cravings to the next level with seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy chips all lovingly layered together.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup canned black beans drained
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup tortilla chips crushed
  • 2 tbsp salsa

Method
 

  1. Stir the ground beef and taco seasoning together in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Layer in the black beans, then half the cheese.
  3. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is hot and the cheese melts.
  4. Top with crushed tortilla chips, salsa, and the remaining cheese before eating.

Notes

Finish with a dollop of sour cream or a few jalapeno slices if you like heat.

10) Microwave Lasagna

a single-serving lasagna with bubbling melted cheese in a wide horizontal shot, layers of noodles and red sauce visible at the edge, a basil sprig on top, set in a small dish on a rustic table, warm light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lasagna without the hassle of turning on the oven for an hour.

a single-serving lasagna with bubbling melted cheese in a wide horizontal shot, layers of noodles and red sauce visible at the edge, a basil sprig on top, set in a small dish on a rustic table, warm light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Microwave Lasagna

Enjoy your own personal Italian style comfort food with layers of ricotta cheese, marinara, and stretchy mozzarella cheese, all on tender pasta.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lasagna noodles broken
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Place the broken noodles and water in a microwave-safe mug or bowl.
  2. Microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once, until the noodles are tender, then drain.
  3. Stir the Italian seasoning into the marinara.
  4. Layer noodles, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella in the mug, repeating until full.
  5. Microwave 2 more minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted, then let it rest a minute.

Notes

Let it sit before eating so the layers set and don't slide apart.

11) Ramen Soup Delight

a steaming bowl of ramen in a wide horizontal shot, curly noodles in golden broth topped with a soft egg and green onions, chopsticks resting on the rim, set on a dark slate surface, moody warm light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Your instant ramen grew up to be worthy of bragging about.

a steaming bowl of ramen in a wide horizontal shot, curly noodles in golden broth topped with a soft egg and green onions, chopsticks resting on the rim, set on a dark slate surface, moody warm light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Ramen Soup Delight

Tender ramen noodles in a delicious broth garnished with a soft boiled egg and green onions.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 instant ramen noodles
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp green onion sliced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Method
 

  1. Place the ramen noodles and water in a large microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes until the noodles soften.
  3. Stir in the seasoning packet, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. Crack the egg into the hot broth and microwave 1 more minute until just set.
  5. Top with sliced green onion and slurp away.

Notes

Use a roomy bowl so the broth doesn't bubble over the sides.

12) Mug French Toast

warm cinnamon French toast cubes in a mug in a wide horizontal shot, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup, a few berries scattered beside it on a light wood table, soft morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

French toast in a mug looks great with a nice touch of cinnamon and is easy to grab and go when you're short on time!

warm cinnamon French toast cubes in a mug in a wide horizontal shot, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup, a few berries scattered beside it on a light wood table, soft morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mug French Toast

Soft cubes of custard-soaked bread that are microwaved into a warm, cinnamon-spiced breakfast in minutes.
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices bread cubed
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup

Method
 

  1. Whisk the egg, milk, cinnamon, and sugar together in a greased mug.
  2. Add the bread cubes and press them down so they soak up the custard.
  3. Let it sit for 1 minute so the bread absorbs the liquid.
  4. Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds until the custard is set.
  5. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy warm.

Notes

Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard best without going soggy.

13) Baked Apples with Cinnamon

warm cinnamon baked apples in a wide horizontal shot, glistening tender chunks in a shallow bowl with a dollop of whipped cream, a cinnamon stick alongside on a cozy wood table, warm autumn light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

No need to wait for the oven, enjoy the warm and spiced baked apple vibes!

warm cinnamon baked apples in a wide horizontal shot, glistening tender chunks in a shallow bowl with a dollop of whipped cream, a cinnamon stick alongside on a cozy wood table, warm autumn light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Baked Apples with Cinnamon

It’s an easy fall dessert of apple pieces, sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 apples cored and diced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Place the diced apples in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Dot with butter and sprinkle on the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes until the apples are soft.
  4. Stir to coat everything in the buttery cinnamon sauce.
  5. Let cool slightly and serve warm, on their own or over yogurt.

Notes

Firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape better than soft ones.

14) Cheesy Quesadilla

a golden cheesy quesadilla cut into wedges in a wide horizontal shot, a gooey cheese pull from one slice, a small bowl of salsa beside it on a rustic plate, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can make a quesadilla without pulling out a single pan!

a golden cheesy quesadilla cut into wedges in a wide horizontal shot, a gooey cheese pull from one slice, a small bowl of salsa beside it on a rustic plate, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy Quesadilla

For the quickest comfort food, a soft flour tortilla folded over cheesy goodness.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flour tortilla
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 tbsp salsa
  • 1 tbsp green onion sliced

Method
 

  1. Lay the tortilla flat on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Sprinkle the cheese and green onion over one half of the tortilla.
  3. Fold the empty half over the filling to make a half-moon.
  4. Microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds until the cheese melts.
  5. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa for dipping.

Notes

Press the folded tortilla down gently before serving so it holds together when you cut it.

15) Microwave Pizza Pocket

a folded pizza pocket cut in half in a wide horizontal shot, melted cheese and pepperoni spilling from the center, a small dish of marinara for dipping, set on a wooden board, warm appetizing light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You'll have a warm and gooey pizza pocket made from scratch quicker than you can make the frozen ones.

a folded pizza pocket cut in half in a wide horizontal shot, melted cheese and pepperoni spilling from the center, a small dish of marinara for dipping, set on a wooden board, warm appetizing light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Microwave Pizza Pocket

A soft tortilla wraps a hand-held pizza fix with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flour tortilla
  • 3 tbsp marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 8 pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Spread the marinara over the center of the tortilla, leaving a border.
  2. Sprinkle on the mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Fold the tortilla up around the filling like a little pocket.
  4. Place seam-side down on a microwave-safe plate and microwave 45 to 60 seconds until the cheese melts.
  5. Let it cool for a minute so the filling doesn't burn your mouth, then eat.

Notes

Secure the fold seam-side down so the pocket stays closed while it heats.
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