Craving creamy mac and cheese but allergic to effort? We’ve hacked the boxed classic with a five-minute microwave method that skips boiling water and dirty pots. Bonus: canned diced onions add savory depth without the tearful chopping drama.
This recipe isn’t just fast—it’s impossibly lazy. We’re talking “stir-with-a-fork” lazy, “Netflix-pause-button” lazy, “sweatpants-are-still-pants” lazy. Yet the result? A surprisingly satisfying meal that’s better than basic.
Below, we break down how to transform pantry staples into a microwave miracle—no culinary skills required.
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Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese with Canned Diced Onions
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes8
minutes300
kcal15
minutesSometimes you just want a quick and easy meal without the hassle. This lazy microwave boxed mac and cheese with canned diced onions takes convenience to the next level. With just a few simple ingredients and your microwave, you can create a delicious dish that's rich in flavor, thanks to the addition of savory onions. It's perfect for those days when you want comfort food, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
of macaroni and cheese
water
canned diced onions
butter optional
salt and pepper to taste.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the macaroni from the box with 1 cup of water, stir to combine
- Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring halfway through
- Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the cheese packet along with the canned diced onions
- Add the butter if desired, and mix well until everything is combined
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through
- Let it sit for 2 minutes before serving, allowing the mac and cheese to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Feel free to add more canned diced onions or other ingredients like cooked bacon, peas, or shredded cheese to enhance the flavor. This recipe is also customizable, so you can get creative based on what you have at home. For an even creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or more butter before serving.
What Makes This Recipe So Easy?
We’ve all had those nights where even takeout feels too ambitious. This recipe requires three items: a microwave, a bowl, and a fork. No boiling water, no colander gymnastics, no onion-induced crying sessions. Even my kids Sarah and Timmy (ages 7 and 5) can assemble it between LEGO builds.
Boxed mac and cheese already skips measuring spices. We take it further by microwaving pasta directly in water—no separate pot needed. Canned onions eliminate chopping, and their pre-softened texture blends seamlessly into the cheese sauce. It’s summer camp cafeteria nostalgia without the mystery meat.
How Do Canned Diced Onions Enhance Boxed Mac and Cheese?
Canned onions bring a savory-sweet punch that cuts through the cheese’s richness. Their slight caramelization from the canning process mimics slow-cooked flavors—something fresh onions can’t achieve without actual cooking. We’re basically hacking flavor complexity while keeping our hands clean. For a quick meal, combining canned soup with cheese creates a deliciously comforting option that can be ready in minutes.
Drain them for sharper bite, or keep the liquid for saucier mac. Pro tip: microwave the onions with a dab of butter for 20 seconds first. This mimics the Maillard reaction, creating deeper flavors without firing up a stove. Sarah calls it “magic sprinkles” – high praise from a kid who thinks ketchup is spicy. Just like any microwaved food, it takes a bit of trickery to make it taste delicious.
Ready to transform your pantry staples? Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need…
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Canned Diced Onions
Boxed Mac and Cheese Base
Grab any 7.25 oz boxed mac and cheese—we’re partial to Kraft Original or Annie’s Classic. The magic lies in that powdered cheese packet. No need to upgrade to deluxe versions with liquid cheese; we want maximum laziness here. For those extra busy days, a lazy microwave boxed mac cheese hack allows maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Check your pantry for elbow macaroni. If you’ve got shells or spirals? Rock those. Shape doesn’t trump speed in this recipe. Microwaving pasta is a quick and easy solution when you want a fast meal. Just a few minutes in the microwave can transform macaroni into a delicious dish.
Canned Diced Onions: Fresh Vs Canned Options
Canned onions are our MVP—no tears, no knives, no fuss. Del Monte and Great Value work equally well. Their brine adds subtle tang, while fresh onions demand actual cooking to mellow their bite. For an even quicker option, instant caramelized onions can be made using a microwave hack. This simple meal prep strategy transforms your cooking experience with minimal effort.
If using fresh, microwave 1 tbsp diced onion with 1 tsp water for 60 seconds first. But let’s be real—that’s effort. We’re here for the pop-top convenience. For an even easier option, consider using canned diced onions, especially when preparing cheap microwave egg dishes. They provide added flavor without the hassle of chopping and fresh ingredients.
Milk and Butter Substitutes
Out of dairy? Try these swaps:
- Milk: Almond milk (unsweetened), oat milk, or even 2 tbsp cream cheese + 3 tbsp water
- Butter: Olive oil, mayo, or bacon grease for smoky richness
Ratios matter: use 2-3 tbsp liquid and 1 tbsp fat substitute. More? You’ll get soup. Less? Concrete pasta. Keeping the right balance is crucial, especially when it comes to making a simple microwave soup recipe. This method allows for quick and delicious meals with minimal effort.
Also See: Quick & Delicious: Easy 2-minute BBQ Chickpeas!
How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Canned Diced Onions
Step 1: Combine Macaroni and Water in Microwave-safe Bowl
Dump dry pasta into a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 ¾ cups water—enough to cover noodles by ½ inch. Glass or ceramic bowls prevent plastic flavor-taint. Yes, even your “I Love Cats” mug works in a pinch. Cooking pasta in the microwave is not only convenient but also saves time. It allows for a hassle-free way to prepare a quick meal without the need for a stove.
Step 2: Microwave Cooking Time and Power Settings
Nuke on high (100% power) for 3 minutes. Stir. Microwave another 1-2 minutes until pasta is al dente. Lower wattage (700-900W)? Add 30 seconds. Watch for boil-overs—clean microwaves are overrated, but safety first. When reheating pasta, using a microwave can save time and energy, providing a quick way to enjoy your leftovers. Just remember to cover the pasta to retain moisture and heat it evenly.
Step 3: Stirring in Cheese Powder and Butter Alternatives
Immediately add cheese powder and your fat of choice. Stir vigorously for 45 seconds—this emulsifies the sauce. Lazy doesn’t mean lazy stirring. Pretend you’re whisking a Michelin-star sauce… or just hungry. For an even quicker and simpler option, consider making lazy microwave 3 ingredient mac cheese that requires minimal effort. This dish is perfect for those busy days when comfort food is needed without much prep.
Step 4: Draining Vs Undrained Canned Onion Techniques
Drain onions for sharper texture. Keep brine for saucier mac (adds ~2 tbsp liquid). My college hack? Use the onion can’s lid as a strainer. Resourcefulness: 10/10. Dishwasher safety: 0/10. For a quick and easy way to enjoy onions, consider microwaving them—this method can help retain their flavor and nutrients while saving time in the kitchen.
Step 5: Adjusting Consistency With Milk or Broth
Too thick? Add liquid 1 tsp at a time:
| Liquid | Effect |
|---|---|
| Milk | Creamier |
| Broth | Savory depth |
| Onion brine | Tangy kick |
Also See: Quick Microwave Parmesan Green Beans in Minutes!
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Overcooked Pasta Prevention
Check at 3 minutes—noodles should bend without snapping. Mushy pasta? Next time, reduce power to 70% and add 1 minute. It’s science, not sorcery (though my kids disagree).
Balancing Onion Flavor Intensity
Overpowered by onions? Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice or ½ tsp sugar to neutralize sharpness. Pro tip: add onions gradually. I once dumped the whole can and tasted onion phantoms for days.
Mastered the basics? Let’s talk about keeping your cheesy masterpiece edible beyond the first serving… Microwaves can quickly reheat or cook your food, making them essential for busy kitchens. Learning the secret symbols on your microwave will help you whip up perfect 2-minute recipes effortlessly.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve walked through every lazy shortcut for transforming basic boxed mac into a flavor-packed meal with canned onions. The best part? You’re just 5 minutes away from cheesy, oniony comfort without turning on the stove.
Give this microwave hack a spin tonight—we bet you’ll love how the sweet-tangy onions cut through the richness. Just don’t blame us when this becomes your new guilty pleasure!
