Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Green Beans

Who says lazy meals can’t be satisfying? This recipe turns pantry staples into a hot, filling meal without dirtying a single pan. No boiling, no chopping—just dump, zap, and devour.

We’re talking 90 seconds of prep and under 5 minutes in the microwave. Perfect for dorm rooms, hectic weeknights, or those “I’d rather starve than cook” moods.

Ready to hack your hungriest moments? Let’s break down the tools, timing, and tiny tweaks that make this dish work.

What is Boxed Rice?

Boxed rice is our secret weapon for lazy meals. These pre-portioned kits contain parboiled rice, seasonings, and sometimes dehydrated veggies—all sealed in microwave-safe pouches or paperboard boxes. Brands like Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice and Minute Rice dominate this space with 90-second cook times. A quick and convenient addition to this meal prep is the lazy microwave boxed rice mix egg, which combines rice and eggs into a single, seamless dish. This makes it even easier to whip up a satisfying meal in no time.

Microwave-safe Boxed Rice Options

Look for boxes labeled “microwave-safe” with vented plastic film pouches. My kids Sarah and Timmy call these “magic rice bags” because they puff up dramatically during cooking. Avoid boxes with metal accents—we learned that lesson the smoky way during a rushed picnic prep with Dad George!

Top picks:

• Uncle Ben’s Original Ready Rice (2.5-minute cook time)
• Minute Rice Cups (single-serve containers)
• Seeds of Change Quinoa & Brown Rice (750W for 3 minutes)

Why Use Canned Green Beans?

Canned green beans are the ultimate lazy veggie—pre-trimmed, pre-cooked, and shelf-stable. Unlike fresh beans that demand snapping and steaming, these pop open with a satisfying thwunk and microwave in 60 seconds flat. Dad George swears by Del Monte’s “Blue Lake” variety for their crunch retention. For a quick meal, pairing these beans with lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon creates a delicious and effortless side dish. This combination makes weeknight dinners a breeze, ensuring both flavor and convenience without the fuss.

Microwave-friendly Canned Vegetables

Drain the liquid first—that briny can juice causes uneven heating. For every 14.5oz can, microwave 45-60 seconds at 100% power. Stir halfway to prevent cold spots. Pro tip: add a pat of butter before zapping. Sarah insists it makes them “taste like Grandma’s garden,” though we all know Grandma used frozen!

Our picnic hack: mix microwaved beans directly into hot rice—the residual heat softens them perfectly. Timmy calls this combo “green confetti surprise.”

Now that we’ve geeked out on ingredients, let’s assemble your no-fuss meal blueprint…

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Green Beans

Grab these two MVPs from your pantry: one microwave-safe boxed rice (we use Uncle Ben’s 90-second jasmine) and a 14.5oz can of green beans. That’s the base—but our family jazzes it up with garlic powder or furikake when we’re feeling fancy. For a quick and easy side dish, a microwave jasmine rice recipe makes it simple to prepare fluffy rice in no time. This way, you can elevate your meals effortlessly and enjoy the convenience of microwave cooking.

Boxed Rice Alternatives and Substitutes

Out of boxed rice? We’ve used couscous, quinoa pouches, or even instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning). Our neighbor Mrs. Huang once swapped in frozen cauliflower rice—just extend microwaving by 30 seconds. For a quick meal option, a microwave cauliflower rice recipe can be a lifesaver. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Top swaps:

• Rice-a-Roni cups (requires 1 extra minute)
• Lundberg Farms wild rice blend (microwave 4 minutes)
• Leftover takeout rice (splash water, cover with damp paper towel)

Canned Green Bean Alternatives and Add-ins

Not a green bean fan? Try canned corn, peas, or diced carrots. Our college hack: toss in a laughing cow cheese wedge post-microwave for creamy indulgence. Timmy loves crumbling Takis on top for crunch. You can even microwave canned corn along with the rice for a quick and easy meal.

Flavor boosters:

• Butter + Everything Bagel seasoning (Sarah’s obsession)
• Chili crisp oil (1/2 tsp packs heat)
• Canned mushrooms (drain well to prevent sogginess)

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

How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Green Beans

This isn’t so much cooking as it is strategic button-pushing. But when Dad George tried skipping steps last Thanksgiving, we ended up with bean-flavored rice confetti all over the microwave. Learn from our mess!

Step-by-step Microwave Cooking Instructions

1. Drain green beans in a colander—shake vigorously. Residual liquid = mushy rice.
2. Microwave rice in its pouch per box instructions (usually 90 seconds).
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix beans with rice. Cover with a vented lid or paper towel.
4. Zap 45 seconds at full power. Stir. Taste-test—add 15 seconds if needed.

Timing and Power Level Adjustments

Microwaves vary like British weather. Our 1200W beast cooks faster than our 700W dorm unit. Use this cheat sheet:

Wattage	Rice Time	Bean Reheat Time
600-800W	2 minutes	60 seconds
800-1000W	90 seconds	45 seconds
1000W+	60 seconds	30 seconds

Also See: Quick & Easy 2-minute Chocolate-covered Strawberries

Can You Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Green Beans Together?

Technically yes—practically, it’s a texture gamble. We tried layering beans under rice in a 4-cup Pyrex dish. Result? Half-crunchy, half-soggy chaos. Now we microwave separately then combine—takes 20 extra seconds but saves sanity.

Safety and Texture Considerations

Canned beans contain water, which superheats in microwaves. Always drain thoroughly—we pat dry with paper towels when feeling extra. Metal lids? Absolute no-go. Sarah once nuked an unopened can (don’t ask)—fire department jokes still haunt her. For a quick meal that pairs well with canned baked beans, consider cheap microwave hot dogs, which can be ready in moments and are a tasty addition to your pantry staples.

Pro tip: Stir rice halfway through cooking. Those outer grains cook faster than the center, leading to uneven texture. We add beans during this pause for better integration. For a hassle-free approach, try the microwave trick to achieve perfect rice without using a stove. This method ensures even cooking and takes only a fraction of the time.

Now that your dynamic duo is safely zapped, let’s talk about avoiding rubbery rice and transforming this basic bowl into something blog-worthy. A delicious way to elevate your rice bowl is to whip up a microwave egg fried rice bowl, which adds protein and flavor effortlessly. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick heating process, it’s a perfect option for a satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Microwave Rice and Green Beans

We’ve all created microwave disasters—ask Dad George about his “green bean casserole incident.” These pro tips prevent puck-like rice and mushy veggies while boosting flavor. For those looking to simplify mealtime, making green bean casserole in the microwave can be a game changer. Your microwave merit badge awaits!

Avoiding Common Microwave Mistakes

Vent or repent! Forgot to slit the rice pouch? Expect a starchy explosion. Our 2018 kitchen renovation revealed rice cemented to the microwave ceiling—true story. Always follow package venting instructions.

Drain beans like you’re mad at them. Canned veggies hold 3-4 tablespoons of liquid—enough to turn rice gluey. Timmy uses a salad spinner for drama (and drier beans), especially for that lazy microwave boxed rice with canned green beans meal.

Enhancing Flavor With Minimal Effort

A pat of butter and pinch of salt transform bland to grand. Sarah swears by squirting lemon juice over everything—it cuts through the “canned” taste. Our college hack: stir in 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder with rice before microwaving.

Finish with texture: crispy fried onions, crushed nuts, or everything bagel seasoning. Dad George adds bacon bits for health reasons—we don’t question his logic.

Variations and Substitutions for Microwave Cooking

This dish is a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Out of green beans? Swap in canned corn. Hate rice? Let’s get weird with grains. Our rule: if it microwaves in under 5 minutes, it’s fair game.

Seasoning Swaps and Protein Additions

Boost laziness with pre-cooked proteins—diced Spam, canned chicken, or shelf-stable tofu. Our favorite combos:

• Teriyaki Twist: 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce + sesame seeds
• Cheesy Comfort: ¼ cup Velveeta + canned diced tomatoes
• Spicy Surprise: ½ tsp sriracha + lime zest

Using Different Rice Brands or Grain Types

Not all grains nuke equally. Couscous needs 60 seconds less than rice, while quinoa demands 30 seconds more. Our wattage-tested cheat sheet:

Grain Type	Brand	800W Time
Jasmine Rice	Uncle Ben’s	90s
Quinoa	Seeds of Change	3m
Couscous	Near East	1m

Pro tip: Add 1 tbsp water when using parboiled rice from bags—they dry out faster than boxed versions. Experimenting with microwave methods not only ensures tenderness but also enhances flavor. For a delicious meal, try the microwave rice recipe 2, where adding spices can take your dish to the next level.

Mastered these tweaks? Let’s tackle the real challenge—keeping leftovers edible past Thursday’s “mystery container” phase…

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from choosing the right boxed rice to nailing microwave timing for perfect texture. This lazy meal comes together in minutes with minimal cleanup—ideal for busy weeknights or when you just can’t be bothered to cook.

Give it a whirl and tweak the flavors with your favorite seasonings or protein add-ins. Got a killer variation? We’d love to hear how your microwave masterpiece turned out!