Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Ramen

Craving something hearty without the hassle? This cheap microwave canned soup with instant ramen transforms pantry staples into a filling meal in under five minutes. No stove, no pots, and no fancy ingredients required.

We love this combo because it’s endlessly customizable. Swap in whatever canned soup you’ve got, toss in that ramen packet collecting dust, and boom—comfort food magic.

We’ll walk you through picking the right soup-ramen pairings, avoiding microwave mishaps, and leveling up your bowl with simple add-ins.

Why Combine Canned Soup and Instant Ramen in the Microwave?

My grandma called this “pantry alchemy” – turning two humble ingredients into a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Canned soup brings flavor depth (and salt, let’s be real), while ramen adds chewy texture and fills hungry bellies. Together? They create a dorm-room feast without the takeout price tag.

During college finals week, Aunt Clarice taught me to microwave this combo between study sessions. No stirring pots or babysitting burners. Just 3-4 minutes for a steaming bowl that fueled all-nighters. We’ve tweaked her method over the years, but the core remains: fast, cheap, and shockingly satisfying.

Ingredients for Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Ramen

You’ll need just three basics: a 10-15 oz can of soup (any variety), one brick of instant ramen (discard or use seasoning packet), and ½ cup water or broth. Making a tasty microwave soup is quick and easy. It can be a go-to recipe for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying.

Canned Soup Alternatives and Substitutes

• Broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable): Best for lighter meals. Add less water.
• Creamy soups (tomato bisque, mushroom): Creates richer broth. Thin with ¾ cup liquid.
• No cans? Use 1.5 cups store-bought broth + 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon.

Instant Ramen Options (Including Low-sodium Alternatives)

Standard Maruchan or Top Ramen work, but we love Lotus Foods Millet & Brown Rice ramen (less sodium, same cook time). Pro tip: If using full-sodium soup, skip the ramen seasoning packet to avoid salt overload—especially when using cheap microwave canned soup with instant ramen.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor or Texture

• Protein punch: Diced rotisserie chicken, tofu cubes, or a cracked egg
• Veggie boost: Frozen peas, canned corn, or baby spinach
• Flavor fireworks: Chili crisp, lime wedges, or furikake

Ready to transform these ingredients into your new lazy-day staple? Let’s nuke that bowl.

How to Make Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Ramen

Let’s turn those pantry staples into a steamy, slurpable meal. Pro tip: Use your biggest microwave-safe mug if you’re craving that “cozy café” vibe. But Aunt Clarice’s chipped mixing bowl works just as well. For an even quicker option, consider trying a lazy microwave canned cornbread mug, which combines ease and flavor in just minutes. This tasty treat offers a warm, comforting side that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Step 1: Choose a Microwave-safe Bowl and Prep Ingredients

Grab a 4-cup capacity bowl—trust us, soup expands when heated. Glass or ceramic prevents that weird plastic taste. Avoid metal accents! (Yes, Kyle from dorm 3B learned this the smoky way.) To keep toppings crunchy while reheating, consider using a lid trick that retains moisture without steaming. This simple method helps preserve your delicious garnishes, making each bite just as enjoyable as when you first made the soup.

Crack open your ramen brick. Discard or save the seasoning packet. Crush noodles slightly if your bowl is shallow—no one wants a noodle stalactite. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a quick and satisfying meal using the microwave. A simple ramen noodle recipe in the microwave can turn your brick of noodles into a hearty dish with minimal effort.

Step 2: Combine Soup, Ramen, and Liquid in the Bowl

Dump in the entire can of soup. Add ramen noodles. Pour in ½ cup water (or broth for extra oomph). Cheap microwave canned soup with instant noodles needs more liquid—think ¾ cup. Stir gently—this isn’t a CrossFit workout.

Feeling fancy? Toss in frozen peas or leftover rotisserie chicken now. The microwave will handle the rest. While you’re at it, consider adding some lazy microwave frozen chicken nuggets for a quick and tasty meal. They make for a fun twist in any stuffing bowl, combining convenience with flavor.

Step 3: Microwave in Intervals to Prevent Overcooking

Nuke on high for 1 minute. Stir. Repeat. Total cook time: 2-3 minutes. Ramen should bend but not snap. Mushy noodles mean you’ve crossed to the dark side. For a quick upgrade to cheap microwave canned soup with instant ramen, add some fresh veggies and protein.

Microwaves vary—my 2012 dorm model took 4 minutes. Peek between intervals like it’s a season finale.

Step 4: Stir and Let Sit Before Serving

Let it rest 1 minute. This lets noodles soak up broth like a sponge. Resist the urge to dive in—molten soup burns are zero fun. For a quick and comforting option, try making easy 2-minute miso soup. It’s just as satisfying and perfect for those days when you’re short on time.

Top with chili crisp or a fried egg if you’re feeling ✨extra✨. Chopsticks optional, smug satisfaction guaranteed.

Also See: Microwave Eggless Cake in a Mug Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

We’ve all been there—hungry, impatient, and one microwave beep away from disaster. Here’s how to dodge the classics.

Overfilling the Bowl or Using Non-microwave-safe Containers

Soup volcanoes happen. Leave 2 inches of space. Test containers by microwaving empty for 10 seconds. If it’s cool, you’re clear. Hot? Toss it—Tupperware shouldn’t double as a hand warmer.

Overcooking the Ramen (Resulting in Mushy Noodles)

Ramen cooks FAST. Microwave in 1-minute bursts. Noodles should be springy, not squishy. They’ll keep softening as they sit—factor in carryover cooking! If you’re in a rush, cooking ramen noodles in the microwave is a great option. Just add water and follow the package instructions for quick, delicious results.

Not Adjusting Liquid Ratios for Different Soup Types

Brothy soups (like chicken noodle) need less water. Creamy ones (tomato bisque) require more. Too thick? Add a splash after microwaving. Too thin? Stir in instant potato flakes—your secret thickener. A perfect creamy tomato soup can be made in just one pot using the microwave, simplifying the process even further. This method allows for quick preparation and easy cleanup while still delivering rich and delicious flavors.

Also See: Microwave Cinnamon Raisin Oats for a Cozy Morning

What Does This Microwave Soup and Ramen Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite canned soup got a textural glow-up. The ramen adds a satisfying chew, while the broth becomes silkier as starch from noodles thickens it. It’s like wonton soup’s laid-back cousin.

Using cream of mushroom? Expect umami richness with a carb backbone. Chicken noodle version tastes nostalgic but heartier. Add sriracha, and it’s a spicy hug in bowl form.

Now that you’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk about keeping leftovers fresh (because even ramen can’t defy science forever). When it comes to storing and reheating your ramen, the microwave can be your best friend. Properly reheating ramen in the microwave not only revives its flavor but also saves you time for your next meal.

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Meal!

We’ve walked through the entire process—from picking the right canned soup to avoiding mushy ramen disasters. This budget-friendly microwave hack delivers comfort in minutes with minimal cleanup. Your soup-ramen fusion awaits!

Got a favorite combo we didn’t mention? Toss in some sriracha, crack an egg, or throw in leftover veggies. The microwave’s your playground here. Just remember our golden rule: 30-second intervals prevent noodle tragedies. Happy microwaving!