In this day and age we have nearly everything at our fingertips or the push of a button.
However, the one thing most of us don’t have much of is free time! From class to club meetings, work to laundry—I’ve even caught myself skipping meals or moving my whole schedule around so I can squeeze in a measly 10 minute lunch break. With all that being said, I have become quite an expert at microwave meals. I’m not talking about the frozen meatloaf you find in the freezer section of your grocery store—I’m talking about real, filling meals that are quick and easy. Here are some of my favorites…
1. Breakfast Scramble
This quick recipe is filling and a great way to start your day with lots of veggies and protein.
1 egg or 2 egg whites
¼ cup chopped spinach
½ cup chopped peppers, tomatoes, and onions
Pepper, to taste
1 tbsp sprinkled cheese (any kind)
Beat the eggs in a microwave safe bowl. Mix in the vegetables and pepper until evenly distributed. Stir in the tablespoon of cheese, for just a bit of creaminess. Microwave 2-3 minutes at 30 second intervals, stirring the eggs in between intervals (like how you would cook scrambled eggs on a stove top.) Continue cooking until the eggs have reached your desired consistency.
2. Barbeque Stuffed Potato
Though this dish isn’t extremely healthy, it is filling and full of flavor. The raw veggies offer some great crunch and you won’t feel quite as guilty.
1 potato
1 cup of pre-cooked shredded barbeque with sauce (You can find a variety of brands in the meat section of your grocery store)
¼ cup shredded cheese
1 handful of chopped chives
¼ cup of chopped onions and celery
Cook the potato in your microwave on the ‘baked potato’ setting. After the potato has cooked, cut it open and spoon out a small area for the barbeque. Place a spoonful of the barbeque right down the middle of the potato. Top with chopped onions, chives, and shredded cheese.
3. Deli Meat Panini
This is always yummy and you can put basically anything on it that you have in your fridge.
2 slices of bread (I prefer whole grain)
1 tbsp pesto
1 slice of provolone cheese (Use any kind you have on hand)
2 slices of tomato
Sliced deli meat (Leftover turkey or chicken works great)
Spread the pesto on the two slices of bread. Lay them on a microwave safe plate.
Place the slice of cheese on one piece of bread. Top your other piece of bread with the sliced meat. Microwave for at least 1 minute, longer depending on how crunchy you want the bread. Remove from the microwave, put the sliced tomato and onions on top and put the two slices together to form the panini.
4. Leftover Macaroni Bake
I love this recipe because it seems like I’ve always got leftover mac ‘n’ cheese in my fridge. The broccoli adds a healthy touch and the crackers are great for a little crunch.
1 ½ cup leftover macaroni and cheese
¾ cup frozen broccoli
10 Ritz crackers
Place the frozen broccoli in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for approximately 2 minutes, or until broccoli is completely steamed. Then microwave the leftover macaroni and cheese in another bowl until warm. Add the steamed broccoli and stir. Crush the Ritz crackers and top and microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
Although we’re all very busy and juggling a million different things, it’s important to remember to eat! Take a look at everything you have in your pantry or fridge—I guarantee you can come up with some pretty creative (and yummy) microwave meals.