Craving something warm and filling without the hassle? This 5-minute meal combines canned soup and instant mashed potatoes into a creamy, budget-friendly bowl of comfort. Perfect for dorm rooms, late nights, or when your wallet’s feeling light!
We’re talking under $2 per serving, minimal cleanup, and a flavor upgrade that turns pantry staples into something surprisingly cozy. Think silky potato texture hugging savory broth—no chef skills required.
Below, we’ll break down the best soups and potato brands, share microwave hacks, and even fix common mishaps (looking at you, lumpy spuds).
Jump To:
Cheap Microwave Canned Soup with Instant Mashed Potatoes
Course: DinnerCuisine: American2
5
minutes5
minutes250
kcal10
minutesWhen you're short on time and budget, this microwave canned soup and instant mashed potatoes recipe comes to the rescue. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up a delightful meal that warms your soul.
Ingredients
of your favorite canned soup
of water or milk for mashed potatoes
of instant mashed potato flakes
salt and pepper to taste
toppings (e.g.
shredded cheese
chopped green onions
or croutons).
Directions
- Open the cans of your favorite soup and pour them into a microwave-safe bowl, stir in any additional ingredients like salt and pepper to taste, microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway for even heating
- In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the instant mashed potato flakes with water or milk according to package instructions, stir well to combine, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until hot and creamy, adding more liquid if necessary to reach desired consistency
- Serve the hot soup alongside the fluffy mashed potatoes, topping with optional garnishes like shredded cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to use any variety of canned soup you enjoy, such as chicken noodle, tomato, or vegetable. You can also customize the mashed potatoes by adding garlic powder or butter for extra flavor. This quick meal is great for those nights when you want something warm and comforting without a lot of fuss!
Why Combine Canned Soup and Instant Mashed Potatoes?
Let me tell you about the time my aunt Clarice “invented” this dish during my middle school sleepovers. She’d toss Campbell’s chicken noodle into a mug, plop in Idahoan instant potatoes, and zap it while we watched Sabrina the Teenage Witch. We thought it was pure culinary magic – turns out it’s pure genius.
This combo works because canned soup brings salty, savory broth (hello umami!), while instant potatoes add creamy body. Together they create a chowder-like texture in under 3 minutes. Perfect when you need warm nostalgia faster than DoorDash can say “delivery fee”.
What Does This Dish Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite soup got a cozy potato blanket. Creamy tomato becomes rustic tomato bisque. Beef vegetable transforms into beef stew’s thicker cousin. Chicken noodle? Think chicken pot pie filling without the crust drama.
The starch from potatoes mellows out canned soup’s sometimes aggressive saltiness. My aunt’s hack: adding a pinch of garlic powder makes it taste like you slow-simmered potatoes in the broth. Pro tip – potato flakes absorb liquid as they cool, so eat it fast (not that you’ll have trouble). When looking for a quick and satisfying meal, consider options like cheap microwave canned soup or instant barley flakes, which are also easy to prepare. These staples offer a convenient way to enjoy nutritious meals without spending much time or money in the kitchen.
Ready to turn your microwave into a comfort food lab? Let’s talk ingredients…
Ingredients for Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Mashed Potatoes
My college survival kit always had three things: ramen, Pop-Tarts, and these ingredients. Let’s break down your shopping list without breaking the bank. For a quick and satisfying meal, consider adding some cheap microwave ramen and frozen mixed veggies. This combination not only keeps costs low but also boosts nutritional value effortlessly.
Canned Soup Options and Substitutes
Stick with condensed cream-based soups (10.5 oz cans) for best texture. Our top picks: Campbell’s Cream of Chicken, Progresso Creamy Tomato, or store-brand mushroom. Broth-based soups work too – just add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water to thicken. For a delightful twist, creamy pea soup made in the microwave offers a quick and flavorful option, ensuring your meal is both nutritious and easy to prepare.
Vegetarian? Swap in Amy’s Organic Cream of Tomato. For gluten-free needs, Pacific Foods’ creamy varieties shine. Pro tip: avoid “chunky” styles – they compete with the potato texture.
Instant Mashed Potato Brands and Alternatives
Idahoan Buttery Homestyle (makes 1/2 cup) is our MVP for rich flavor. Budget pick: Great Value Potato Flakes (4 oz box makes 8+ servings). Need dairy-free? Betty Crocker Potato Buds use water only.
No instant potatoes? Use 1/4 cup leftover mashed spuds or 2 tbsp potato starch. Warning: starch thickens faster – add gradually! For a quick side dish, consider making mashed potatoes in the microwave. This method can save time while still delivering creamy, delicious results.
Recommended Seasonings and Add-ins
My aunt’s secret weapon: a $1 spice blend from the ethnic aisle. Must-haves:
- Garlic powder (not salt!) – 1/4 tsp per bowl
- Smoked paprika – a pinch adds depth
- Frozen peas – 2 tbsp for color
- Shredded cheese – 1 tbsp cheddar melts beautifully
Also See: Microwave-melted Grilled Veggie Panini – Quick & Easy!
How to Make Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Mashed Potatoes
This is where we turn “meh” into “more!” Follow these steps carefully – microwaves vary in power.
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions
- Prep: Empty 1 can condensed soup into large microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/2 can water (use soup can to measure).
- Heat: Microwave uncovered 2 minutes on high (1200W). Stir halfway. Watch for bubbling!
- Mix: Add 1/3 cup instant potatoes. Stir vigorously – lumps are the enemy. Microwave 1 more minute.
- Rest: Let sit 60 seconds. Potatoes will thicken as starches activate.
Tips for Perfect Consistency and Flavor
Too thick? Add warm milk 1 tsp at a time. Too thin? Sprinkle 1/2 tsp potato flakes and wait 2 minutes. For quick and easy meals, consider the convenience of lazy microwave canned chicken and instant quinoa flakes, which can be prepared in no time. These options are perfect for a hassle-free and nutritious meal on busy days.
Flavor boosters: Swirl in 1 tsp butter post-cooking or 1/4 tsp lemon juice for brightness. Burned the edges? Stir in 1 ice cube to stop cooking, then remix. For an even quicker twist, try using microwave lemon zest for a burst of flavor that takes just 15 seconds to prepare. These speedy recipes can enhance your dishes without the hassle of extensive prep time.
Also See: Quick Microwave Pumpkin Oatmeal for a Cozy Morning
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This dish tastes best fresh, but if you must save it (we’ve all been there):
Cool completely, then transfer to airtight container. Refrigerate up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those mashed potatoes, reheating them in the microwave can be a quick solution. Freezing? Not recommended – potatoes get grainy.
Reheating: Microwave in 30-second bursts with 1 tsp water added. Stir between zaps. Expect thicker texture – it’s normal!
Now that you’re a microwave soup-potato maestro, let’s tackle those burning safety questions…
Can You Microwave Canned Soup?
We’ve all been there – cold hands clutching a can of soup, staring at the microwave like it’s a spaceship control panel. Let’s demystify this. It’s important to remember that while microwaves are convenient, they can get exceptionally hot. Knowing how hot microwaves get can help prevent burns and accidents in the kitchen.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Soup
Always transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl first. Metal cans reflect waves (hello, spark show!) and may leach BPA from linings. Use glass or ceramic containers labeled “microwave-safe” – that dollar store mug from 2017? Probably not it. It’s also important to consider the safety of ceramic glazes used on container surfaces, as some may contain lead, which can leach into food when heated. Ensuring that your ceramic dishes are free from harmful contaminants is crucial for safe microwave use.
Stir every 60 seconds to prevent “lava pockets.” Uneven heating can create hidden boiling zones. Trust me, burnt tongues aren’t trendy. Leave a vented lid or paper towel to contain splatters without pressure buildup. For a delicious treat, consider making a microwave lava cake recipe that captures the same delightful gooeyness in just a few minutes.
Can You Microwave Soup in the Can?
Nope – unless you enjoy playing “will it spark?” bingo. Cans’ metal composition disrupts microwaves, risking fire. Even BPA-free lined cans aren’t heat-stable beyond 165°F (74°C).
Pro tip: Use the emptied can to measure water. Most condensed soups need 1:1 liquid – pour broth into your bowl, then fill the can halfway for perfect ratios. Recycling win! For an easy meal, try heating up a microwave soup recipe that uses just a few ingredients and can be ready in minutes.
How Long to Microwave Canned Soup
For a standard 10.5 oz condensed can + water:
| Microwave Wattage | Time |
|---|---|
| 700-900W | 3-4 minutes |
| 1000-1200W | 2-3 minutes |
Always let it stand 1 minute post-zapping. Check temp with a spoon – it should steam but not volcano-erupt. Add 15-second bursts if needed.
Can You Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes?
Yes – but microwaves turn water into wild cards. Here’s how to tame the chaos.
Preparing Instant Potatoes in the Microwave
- Use a deep bowl (they expand!)
- Mix 1/2 cup water per 1/3 cup Idahoan flakes
- Microwave 1 minute, stir, then 30 seconds more
Fluff with a fork – no whisk needed. If your spuds look drier than a desert, add 1 tbsp warm milk. Too gluey? A pat of butter saves the day.
Adjusting Water Ratios for Microwave Cooking
Microwaves evaporate water faster. Start with 10% less liquid than package says. My 700W dorm microwave needed 3/4 cup water for 1 serving – brands assume stovetop use. Interestingly, the way microwaves heat can also affect tap water’s properties. Studies have shown that microwaving water can alter its molecular structure, potentially impacting its taste and health benefits.
Test consistency after initial heating: dip a spoon. If it slides off slowly, you’re golden. Sticks like cement? Sprinkle water and stir. Soupy? Let sit 2 minutes – spuds keep absorbing off-heat.
Now that we’ve mastered the basics, let’s get wild with flavor twists…
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
This cheap microwave canned soup with instant mashed potatoes is our go-to when we need something warm, filling, and ridiculously easy. With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you’ll have a comforting meal in minutes.
Experiment with different soup flavors, potato textures, and fun add-ins to make it your own. Let us know your favorite combos—we’re always looking for new ways to upgrade this budget-friendly dish!
