Hungry but broke? We’ve all been there. This 5-minute meal costs under $2 per serving and requires zero cooking skills—just a microwave and a mug.
No fancy skills needed—just a microwave and a craving for carbs. We’ll prove instant potatoes and canned peas can become a comforting, budget-friendly dish that doesn’t taste like compromise.
Below, we’ll break down ingredient hacks, microwave timing tricks, and flavor upgrades that’ll make this your new lazy-day staple.
Jump To:
Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes with Canned Peas
Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: American2
5
minutes5
minutes220
kcal10
minutesWhen you're short on time and budget, these microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned peas are a flawless solution. Perfectly creamy potatoes follow an easy prep method, while the peas add a nutritious element to the dish. A great meal idea for any time of the day, whether it's a side or a light lunch.
Ingredients
water
instant mashed potato flakes
of peas 15 oz
butter or margarine optional
salt and pepper to taste
milk or water . for creaminess
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in the microwave for about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of instant mashed potato flakes once the water is boiled.
- Mix the flakes thoroughly until fully combined, Add 1/4 cup of milk or additional water to achieve your desired creaminess, Season with salt and pepper to taste, Stir in the drained canned peas until evenly distributed, Microwave the mixture again for 1-2 minutes to heat everything through..
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or herbs like parsley. You can adjust the amount of milk or water based on how creamy you want your potatoes. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger servings. Use a microwave-safe lid or wrap to cover the bowl to avoid splatters while cooking.
What Do Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Canned Peas Taste Like?
Imagine fluffy clouds of buttery starch cuddling petite green peas that pop with earthy sweetness. This dish is pure comfort food with a cafeteria-chic vibe – nostalgic, filling, and unapologetically simple.
My sister Candice once packed this combo for a last-minute picnic with John. We devoured it cold from Tupperware under a oak tree. Turns out, hunger really is the best seasoning – though we’ll share better flavor tricks shortly.
Ingredients for Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Canned Peas
You need just 2 base ingredients plus water. But strategic upgrades can transform this from “meh” to “more, please!” Here’s our budget breakdown:
Instant Mashed Potatoes (Affordable Brands & Substitutes)
Idahoan Buttery Homestyle ($1.98/box) gives rich flavor without dairy. Hungry Jack Original ($1.25) works for purists. Avoid store brands with “granule” textures – they mimic sand more than spuds.
No instant potatoes? Microwave 1 russet potato (pierced!) for 5 minutes, mash with a fork. Adds 10 minutes but costs ¢30. For a quicker and cheaper alternative, consider using a microwave instant mashed potato bowl. These bowls are budget-friendly and provide a tasty side dish in just minutes.
Canned Peas (Alternatives & Drainage Tips)
Libby’s Sweet Peas ($0.89/can) retain better color than generic. Drain like your dinner depends on it – we press ours through a mesh strainer. Residual liquid = pea soup surprise, especially when used in cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned peas.
Frozen peas? Microwave ¼ cup with 1 tsp water for 1 minute. Costs ¢15 more but offers brighter flavor. Quick microwave garlic butter snap peas can elevate your vegetables even further. Combining garlic and butter not only enhances the taste but also makes for a simple and satisfying side dish.
Optional Add-ins: Butter, Milk, or Seasoning Swaps
John insists on ½ tsp garlic powder (+¢0.02) and a mayo dollop (+¢0.12) for “fancy diner” vibes. Our test kitchen approves these upgrades under $0.20:
- Powdered chicken bouillon (+¢0.05)
- Lemon pepper (+¢0.03)
- Margarine instead of butter (-¢0.10)
Grab your mug and microwave – next we’re cooking smarter, not harder.
How to Make Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Canned Peas
Let’s turn pantry staples into comfort food gold. Total active time: 7 minutes – faster than ordering takeout!
Step 1: Prepare Instant Potatoes in the Microwave
Empty your potato packet into a 16-oz microwave-safe bowl. Add boiling water (check package ratio!) and whisk with a fork. Microwave uncovered for 1 minute. Our test found this reactivates dehydrated spuds better than stirring alone, especially when used for cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned peas.
Pro tip: If your mug overflows during microwaving (we’ve all worn potato hats), pause every 30 seconds to stir. Fluff with a fork post-cooking to banish lumps.
Step 2: Heat &Amp; Drain Canned Peas Safely
Drain peas like your dignity depends on it – we use a mesh strainer and press with a spoon. Microwave peas in a separate ramekin with 1 tsp water for 45 seconds. This revives their color without turning them into mushy army-green pellets. For a quick meal, consider pairing them with lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage. Canned peas and pre-cooked sausage create an effortless dish that’s perfect for busy days.
John once skipped draining and created pea-flavored potato soup. Learn from our mistakes: pat peas dry with a paper towel post-heating. This simple step can significantly improve your dishes, especially when making creamy pea soup in the microwave, which is a quick and delicious option for any meal.
Step 3: Combine &Amp; Adjust Consistency
Fold peas gently into potatoes to avoid smashing them. Too thick? Add warm milk 1 tsp at a time. Too runny? Mix in potato flakes ½ tsp increments until it holds shape. For an easy meal, consider pairing it with lazy microwave boxed rice and canned peas for a quick and satisfying side dish.
We aim for mashed potato texture that slowly oozes – not waterfalls – when tilted. Think lava flow, not Niagara Falls.
Step 4: Season for Maximum Flavor on a Budget
Here’s where we cheat. Raid your condiment drawer:
- Ketchup packets (free from takeout!) add tang
- 0.5¢ worth of garlic powder = gourmet vibes
- Black pepper cracks class into every bite
My college hack: Swirl in ¼ tsp imitation butter extract (+¢0.01) when too broke for real dairy, especially when using butter in recipes like cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned peas.
Also See: Microwave Chicken Liver Pâté Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
Common Mistakes &Amp; How to Fix Them
Even microwave masters slip up. Here’s our damage control guide:
Overcooking Peas: Texture Rescue Tips
Soggy peas? Mix in 1 tsp crushed crackers to absorb moisture. For color revival, stir in 2-3 drops green food coloring (+¢0.05) – we won’t judge your Instagram lies. When cooking frozen peas, using a microwave can be quick and convenient. A simple microwave guide can help you achieve perfectly cooked peas without the risk of overcooking.
Pro prevention: Microwave peas in 15-second bursts. They continue cooking after removal!
Too Watery or Dry Mashed Potatoes: Quick Fixes
Soup instead of spuds? Sprinkle 1 tsp cornstarch (+¢0.02), microwave 20 seconds. Too dense? Add warm broth ½ tsp at a time while whisking aggressively – it’s cheaper than milk. For a quick meal option, consider cheap microwave canned soups that can be paired with instant teff for added nutrition and fiber. Instant teff is a great way to boost your meal without breaking the bank.
Also See: Quick Microwave Chili Lime Cashews: Ready in Minutes!
How to Store &Amp; Reheat Leftovers
Yes, leftovers exist (rarely in our experience). Here’s how to preserve second-day charm:
Refrigeration Guidelines for Combined Dish
Store in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent crust formation – we reuse bread bags for this. Discard if it develops gray spots or smells like wet socks.
Reheating Without Drying Out
Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir, then add 1 tsp water and heat 30 seconds more. Cover with a damp paper towel to simulate steamy revival magic, especially when you’re rehydrating frozen fries alongside your instant mashed potatoes and canned peas.
Ready to get creative? Let’s explore flavor twists that cost less than a vending machine snack…
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Budget Meal!
We’ve covered all the tricks to make creamy instant mashed potatoes with canned peas in minutes. From choosing the right microwave-safe bowl to nailing the perfect seasoning balance, you’re set for success.
Give this cheap, comforting dish a try tonight – just don’t blame us when you start craving seconds! The best part? You can customize it endlessly with whatever pantry staples you have on hand.
