Ever stared at a box of rice and a can of beans, wondering if dinner could magically appear? This recipe transforms those pantry staples into a hot meal with 98 seconds of active effort. No stirring, no draining, no pretending you enjoy doing dishes.
We’re talking fluffy rice, tender beans, and customizable flavors—all cooked in one mug while you scroll memes. It’s faster than waiting for takeout, cheaper than DoorDash, and requires zero knife skills.
Here’s exactly how to nail this lazy-but-satisfying meal, plus pro tips to avoid mushy rice and sad beans.
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Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice with Canned Beans
Course: Main DishCuisine: Mexican2
5
minutes10
minutes310
kcal15
minutesIf you're looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this lazy microwave boxed rice with canned beans is the answer. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile and delicious. You can customize it with your favorite spices or toppings, making it a go-to option for any meal.
Ingredients
of microwaveable rice any flavor
of beans black beans or kidney beans
olive oil optional
garlic powder
cumin
salt and pepper to taste
fresh cilantro optional for topping
avocado . optional for serving
Directions
- Start by removing the lid from the microwaveable rice box and microwaving it according to package instructions, while the rice is cooking, open the can of beans and drain the liquid, adding the beans to a microwave-safe bowl, season the beans with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, Stir to combine the ingredients well
- Microwave the beans for 1-2 minutes until heated through, once the rice is done, carefully remove it from the microwave and fluff it with a fork, Combine the cooked rice with the heated beans in a serving bowl, Mix well to combine the flavors
- Serve hot, topped with chopped cilantro and diced avocado if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to add additional spices or toppings based on your preference. You can also substitute different types of beans or rice flavors to create your own unique dish. Perfect for a quick lunch or simple dinner, this recipe is an excellent choice for busy days!
What Does Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Beans Taste Like?
Imagine fluffy grains with savory broth undertones hugging plump beans in a slightly creamy sauce. Boxed rice brings seasoned depth (think garlic or turmeric whispers), while canned beans add earthy heartiness. It’s like a hug from your microwave – simple, warm, and oddly satisfying.
My kids Sarah and Timmy call it “confetti dinner” because we jazz it up with freezer corn or paprika confetti (their term for sprinkleable spices). Last Tuesday, Timmy declared it “better than cafeteria nachos” while scarfing it before soccer practice. High praise from a 9-year-old.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Beans
You need just three heroes: 1 box microwave rice (any flavor), 1 can beans (drained weight: 240-400g), and water or broth. Optional upgrades: shredded cheese, hot sauce, or frozen veggies tossed in pre-microwave. This simple combination can easily turn into a cheap microwave canned black bean rice bowl, making it a perfect quick meal option. With just a few ingredients, you can create a filling dish in minutes.
Rice and Bean Alternatives & Substitutes
| Ingredient | Swap Options | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed rice | Instant rice + ½ tsp bouillon | Reduce water by 2 tsp to avoid sogginess |
| Canned beans | 1 cup cooked lentils | Pat dry to prevent mush |
| Water | Vegetable broth | Adds 15% more sodium – taste first! |
Sarah once used cinnamon-infused quinoa (don’t ask) – we learned sticking to neutral bases prevents “weird lunchbox trades.” Black beans and Spanish rice? Chef’s kiss. Chickpeas with cilantro-lime rice? Perfection. Quinoa is incredibly versatile and can be prepared easily with just a microwave. A quick microwave quinoa recipe can be a game changer for simple and nutritious meals.
Ready to turn pantry panic into dinner victory? Let’s microwave smarter, not harder.
How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Beans
We’ve all had those nights where even boiling water feels Olympic-level. This recipe works because microwaves steam rice evenly while gently warming beans without turning them into mushy pellets. My college roommate once burned ramen—this is safer. For those looking for an even easier way to prepare meals, there’s a microwave trick that can make perfect rice without a stove. This method ensures fluffy rice every time, making dinner a breeze.
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions
- Grab a microwave-safe mug or bowl (at least 12oz). Trust me, Timmy learned the hard way with his favorite Pokémon cup—overflow cleanup is no joke.
- Dump in the boxed rice, undrained beans (yes, keep the liquid!), and water/broth listed on the rice package. Stir once—no need to go full Michelin chef here.
- Nuke on high for 3 minutes (1000W) or 4 minutes (700W). Peek after 2 minutes. If it’s bubbling like a science project, pause and stir gently.
- Let it sit 1 minute. Microwave steam finishes the job while you hunt down hot sauce or cheese.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Rice and Beans
- Rinse beans for 8 seconds if you hate sludgy texture. Our dog Bowlster loves licking the strainer—bonus points for pet entertainment.
- Add a ice cube (10ml water) if your microwave runs hot. Sarah’s “crunchy rice phase” taught us this.
- Stir in cheese after cooking. Melted cheddar makes everything better—except maybe lactose intolerance.
Also See: Cheap Microwave Hot Dog Nachos: Snack in Minutes!
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mushy Rice: You added too much liquid. Fix it by microwaving uncovered for 30-second bursts. Think “weaponized fluff,” not sad porridge.
Crunchy Rice: Beans blocked steam absorption. Next time, stir halfway or use wider bowls. My 2 a.m. study snack failures paved this wisdom.
Bland Flavor: Beans drained too thoroughly? Splash in 1 tsp broth or salsa pre-microwave. We keep single-serving hot sauce packets for this exact emergency. Of course, canned beans can be microwaved, but adding flavor before heating makes a big difference.
Now that you’re a microwave maestro, let’s tackle keeping leftovers from becoming science experiments. Microwaving not only makes heating quick and easy, but it can also effectively kill germs and bacteria in leftover food, ensuring a safer meal. Properly reheating leftovers in the microwave helps eliminate harmful pathogens that may have developed while stored.
Also See: Make a Delicious Easy 2-minute Rose Latte in No Time!
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
This lazy microwave boxed rice with canned beans is the ultimate quick-fix meal when you need something hearty without the effort. With just a few pantry staples and minutes in the microwave, you’ll have a satisfying dish that’s both budget-friendly and filling.
Give it a shot—tweak the spices, swap the beans, or add toppings to make it your own. We’d love to hear how your lazy masterpiece turns out!
