Cheap Microwave Rice and Beans Bowl – A Budget Meal!

Craving a filling meal that’s faster than takeout and cheaper than a dollar menu? Our microwave rice and beans bowl is ready in under 10 minutes and costs less than $2 per serving—even your Ramen noodles might get jealous.

This recipe thrives on pantry staples, requires zero fancy equipment, and lets you customize toppings like a DIY chipotle bowl (minus the line). We’ll show you how to turn basic ingredients into something that tastes like effort.

Below, we’ll break down rice-to-microwave ratios, bean hacks, and wallet-friendly flavor boosts that’ll make this your go-to “adulting made easy” meal.

What Does a Microwave Rice and Beans Bowl Taste Like?

Imagine fluffy rice hugging seasoned beans in a cozy microwave marriage. The texture? Think steamy-soft grains mingling with tender beans that hold their shape. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds—mildly earthy from the beans, with a subtle savory backbone from spices.

Flavor Profile Of Microwave-cooked Rice and Beans

My uncle Peter once brought a giant batch to Candice’s birthday party, claiming it tasted “like a mariachi band in your mouth.” While we laughed, he wasn’t wrong. The magic lies in how spices bloom in the microwave. Garlic powder and cumin create depth, while a dash of chili powder adds gentle heat. Acidic touches (think lime or vinegar) cut through the richness like a zesty high-five.

Ingredients for Cheap Microwave Rice and Beans Bowl

This dish thrives on pantry staples. We’re talking under $5 for multiple meals—perfect for college dorms or “wait, is payday tomorrow?” nights. Many people enjoy making affordable tacos with instant mashed potatoes, a fun twist to traditional fillings. Let’s break it down:

Rice Options and Substitutes

• Instant white rice (90-second microwave packs)
• Pre-cooked shelf-stable rice pouches
• Budget swap: Swap half rice with riced cauliflower (frozen)

Bean Varieties and Alternatives

• Canned black beans (drained, $0.89 average)
• Pinto or kidney beans (use what’s on sale)
• Protein hack: Add TVP (textured vegetable protein) for chew

Essential Seasonings for Budget-friendly Flavor

• Garlic powder ($1.19 for 2 oz)
• Cumin (1 tsp elevates the whole bowl)
• Chili powder or smoked paprika (for depth)

Optional Add-ins for Customization

• Frozen corn (25¢ per serving)
• Pickled jalapeños (jar lasts months)
• Avocado slices (when feeling fancy)

Candice once turned hers into “breakfast beans” by adding a microwaved egg—proof that creativity beats cash every time. For a budget-friendly meal, consider pairing your eggs with canned beans, which can be easily heated in the microwave. Ready to assemble your bowl? Let’s nuke this thing.

How to Make a Cheap Microwave Rice and Beans Bowl

Let’s turn pantry staples into a meal that’ll make your microwave proud. I perfected this method during my “ramen burnout” phase in grad school—trust me, it’s survival-tested. If you’re craving crispy fries, there’s a simple trick that can bring back that fried taste. Just add a splash of water to the plate and cover it with a paper towel before microwaving, and you’ll notice a delicious difference!

Step 1: Preparing the Rice in the Microwave

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add ½ cup instant rice + 1 cup water. Cover with a damp paper towel—this traps steam for fluffiness. Microwave on high for 3 minutes (1100W), then let it sit 1 minute. Fluff with a fork. Pro tip: If your rice looks thirsty, add 1 tbsp water and nuke 15 seconds more. Cooking regular rice in the microwave is just as simple; you can follow a similar process to achieve perfectly cooked rice every time.

Step 2: Heating and Seasoning the Beans

Drain a ½ cup canned beans (save the liquid for plants!). In another bowl, mix beans with ¼ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp lime juice. Microwave 1 minute, stir, then 30 seconds more. My roommate once skipped the lime—we don’t talk about that. For a complete meal, pairing these beans with lazy microwave boxed rice makes for a quick, tasty solution. Consider adding canned beans to elevate your rice dishes effortlessly.

Step 3: Combining and Customizing Your Bowl

Layer rice and beans. Now raid your fridge: leftover salsa, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips add pizzazz. For a “fancy” twist, mix in 1 tbsp cream cheese—it melts into creamy luxury. Budget bonus: Frozen corn microwaved for 45 seconds adds sweet crunch. A quick and affordable option for salsa is cheap microwave canned black bean salsa, which can elevate your meal with minimal effort. This flavorful addition not only enhances taste but also keeps things simple and budget-friendly.

Microwave-specific Tips for Perfect Texture

Microwave wattage matters. If yours is below 900W, add 15-30 seconds to each step. Always use shallow bowls—deep containers create uneven heating. For extra moisture, sprinkle 1 tsp water over rice before reheating leftovers. Knowing how to properly reheat rice in the microwave ensures it stays fluffy and delicious. This method is quick and efficient, making leftovers tasty again in just a few minutes.

Also See: 2-minute Microwave Shakshuka in a Mug (Vegetarian)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

We’ve all nuked a sad, crunchy bean brick. Here’s how to dodge kitchen disasters:

Overcooking Rice in the Microwave

Instant rice turns gummy fast. Set a timer—3 minutes max for ½ cup dry. If it’s still firm, let residual heat work. Cover and wait 2 minutes before checking again. For a quicker alternative, consider making minute rice in the microwave instead. It simplifies the cooking process and can save valuable time in the kitchen.

Under-seasoning Beans for Maximum Flavor

Canned beans need flavor CPR. Taste after seasoning! Too bland? Add a pinch of salt or ¼ tsp chili powder. Acid is key—a splash of vinegar brightens everything, especially when you’re using them in a microwaved beans and rice bowl.

Improper Draining Of Canned Ingredients

That gooey liquid? It’s not sauce. Drain beans thoroughly—I use a colander and shake like a maraca. For extra credit, rinse them to reduce sodium by up to 40%. A quick meal option like spicy black bean microwave bowls can utilize these well-drained beans. This makes for a flavorful dish that can be ready in minutes, perfect for busy days.

Also See: Campfire Mug Cake – Microwave S’mores Style in Minutes!

How to Store and Reheat Your Microwave Rice and Beans Bowl

Meal prep this without the mush factor. My weekly batch stays fresh 4 days—here’s how:

Refrigeration Guidelines for Meal Prep

Store rice and beans separately in airtight containers. Beans last 4 days at 40°F or below. Rice stays fresher with a damp paper towel on top—prevents Sahara-level dryness.

Reheating in the Microwave Without Drying Out

Sprinkle 1 tsp water over rice, cover with a vented lid. Heat 1 minute, stir, then 30 seconds more. Beans need 45 seconds with a drizzle of broth or water. This method is a quick way to prepare grains without a traditional stove. Another great option for cooking perfect rice is the microwave trick that ensures fluffy grains every time, no stove necessary.

Freezing for Long-term Storage

Portion into freezer bags, squeeze out air, and lay flat. Thaw overnight in fridge. Reheat with 1 tbsp water—microwave 2 minutes, stir, then 1 minute more. For quick defrosting using the microwave, this method can save time when preparing frozen pizza dough. Gently microwaving the dough helps maintain its texture while speeding up the thawing process. Freezer life: 3 months max for best texture.

Now that you’re a microwave maestro, let’s explore budget-friendly twists to keep your taste buds entertained…

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Budget Meal!

We’ve walked through every step—from choosing the right rice and beans to nailing the microwave technique. This cheap, filling bowl proves you don’t need fancy equipment or expensive ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Grab your favorite mug or microwave-safe bowl, toss in those pantry staples, and let your microwave do the heavy lifting. Hungry yet? Your rice and beans bowl is just minutes away!