Craving a protein-packed meal without the fuss? Our microwave eggs and canned beans dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—and it’s ready in under 5 minutes.
Perfect for tight budgets, this recipe uses pantry staples to create a balanced, filling meal that skips the stovetop chaos. No pans, no splatter, just one microwave-safe mug or bowl.
We’ll walk you through microwaving eggs safely, reheating beans without mushiness, and customizing your meal with spices or cheese.
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Quick Microwave Eggs and Canned Beans
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Breakfast, LunchCuisine: American2
5
minutes3
minutes300
kcal8
minutesThis recipe provides a quick and cheap way to enjoy eggs and canned beans in the microwave. Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch, it's nutritious, budget-friendly, and can be customized to your taste. You can add various spices or vegetables to the mix for extra flavor. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s an ideal choice for busy individuals or families.
Ingredients
eggs
of beans (15 oz
drained and rinsed)
shredded cheese optional
salt and pepper to taste
paprika optional
green onions or cilantro for garnish . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, crack the eggs and beat them gently with a fork.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans to the eggs and mix until combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using, then mix well.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir the mixture, and microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until the eggs are fully cooked.
- Let it sit for a minute after microwaving to finish cooking.
- Optionally, sprinkle cheese on top and return to the microwave for 30 seconds to melt.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also experiment with different spices like cumin or chili powder for a twist. This dish is great served with salsa or avocado for added flavor. Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave's wattage, ensuring the eggs are fully cooked.
Can You Microwave Eggs?
Microwaving eggs is totally doable—if you avoid turning them into mini kitchen fireworks. My dad George once nuked a whole egg (shell included!) during my middle school lunch prep. Let’s just say our microwave needed a deep clean and I ate PB&J that week. For a mess-free option, consider making over easy eggs in the microwave instead. This method saves time and helps prevent any accidental explosions.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Eggs
Always crack eggs into a microwave-safe bowl first. We prick yolks with a fork to prevent steam explosions—those “egg-splosions” spray cooked yolk everywhere. Cover dishes with a paper towel to contain splatter while allowing steam escape.
Use 50-70% power for gentler cooking. Start with 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals. Our golden rule? 1 large egg needs ~45 seconds total at 800W.
Common Mistakes When Microwaving Eggs (and How to Fix Them)
- Rubbery texture: Overcooking denatures proteins. Stop at “almost done”—eggs keep cooking off-heat
- Uneven doneness: Stir every 15 seconds. Add 1 tsp milk per egg for creamier consistency
- Metal mishaps: Never use aluminum foil or containers. Opt for ceramic/glass instead
Can You Microwave Canned Beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are pre-cooked, making them microwave MVPs. George’s college hack? He’d drain a can of pinto beans, zap them with chili powder, and devour straight from the bowl between classes. For a quick meal, pair those beans with lazy microwave boxed rice for a satisfying dish that requires minimal effort.
Prepping Canned Beans for the Microwave
Always drain and rinse beans first—this removes up to 40% sodium from the canning liquid. For every 1 cup beans, add 1-2 tbsp water to prevent drying. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap.
Heat on high 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add seasonings after heating—acidic ingredients like tomato sauce can toughen beans if microwaved together.
Ready to turn these tips into a meal? Let’s crack into the step-by-step process for combining eggs and beans into a budget-friendly powerhouse dish.
Benefits Of Microwaving Eggs and Beans
We’ve all been there—staring into the fridge at 8pm, too tired to cook but craving something hearty. That’s when this dynamic duo shines. Eggs and beans deliver 18g protein per serving for under $1.50 total. Beat that, fast food! For an even quicker meal, consider cheap microwave egg canned green beans as a delightful option. It’s a simple way to enjoy nutritious ingredients without breaking the bank.
Time-saving Advantages
Traditional stovetop eggs demand constant stirring. Microwave eggs? Crack, zap, done in 90 seconds flat. I once prepped this meal between Zoom calls while my cat “supervised” from the keyboard. Multitasking magic! Cooking eggs in the microwave not only saves time but also minimizes cleanup. It’s a simple and quick method for perfectly cooked eggs, whether scrambled or in a mug.
Beans from scratch need hours of soaking. Canned beans? Rinse, heat, eat. Our microwave method skips the pot entirely—just 2 minutes from can to bowl. Pair them with lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon and canned beans for an effortless meal that’s ready in minutes. This combination takes convenience to a new level, perfect for those busy days when time is short.
Cost-effective Protein Options
At $0.20 per egg and $1 per can, this meal costs less than a vending machine snack. Compare that to $5 deli sandwiches! When my car broke down senior year, this recipe kept me fed for weeks on a $15 grocery budget. For an even easier option, try adding canned mixed vegetables to microwaved eggs. This combination is not only an economical meal with eggs and canned mixed vegetables but also a quick way to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Beans stretch further than meat—1 can yields 3.5 servings. Mix with eggs for complete protein rivaling chicken breast’s 31g per serving. Your wallet and muscles both win.
Also See: Mint Chocolate Mug Cake (Microwave-ready)
Ingredients for Microwave Eggs and Canned Beans
This recipe thrives on simplicity. My college version literally used dollar-store spices and dented cans. Fancy ingredients? Optional. Survival mode? Fully supported.
Essential Components
- Eggs: Large, medium, jumbo—any size works
- Canned beans: Black, pinto, or kidney hold up best
- Oil or butter: 1/4 tsp prevents egg sticking
- Salt & pepper: The bare minimum flavor boosters
Budget-friendly Substitutes & Alternatives
No butter? Use cooking spray (10-second spritz = $0.02 cost). Out of black beans? Chickpeas add crunch for same price. Spice drawer bare? Try these swaps: For a quick and cost-effective meal, consider making a cheap microwave canned black bean salsa. This easy-to-make dish can be prepared in minutes and is perfect for a snack or topping.
| Ingredient | Cheap Swap | Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded cheese | Crushed saltines | $0.30/serving |
| Fresh herbs | Dried Italian seasoning | $1.50 per jar |
Also See: Easy Hot Buttered Rum Mix (Microwave Melt) – Quick & Cozy

How to Make Microwave Eggs and Canned Beans
Let’s transform these humble ingredients into your new go-to meal. Pro tip: Use a 16-oz mug if you’re eating solo, or a 2-qt bowl for meal prep. For those nights when cooking feels like too much work, instant mug meals are a simple solution. They offer quick and tasty options that require minimal effort and clean-up.
Step 1: Prepping Your Microwave-safe Dish
Grease your container thoroughly—eggs stick like glitter glue. I learned this the hard way during my “no-oil” phase. Let’s just say my spoon left permanent marks on that mug.
Step 2: Cooking Eggs in the Microwave
Whisk 2 eggs with 1 tbsp water until frothy. Microwave at 70% power for 45 seconds. Stir. Repeat in 15-second bursts until just set. Residual heat finishes cooking—patience prevents rubberiness! For a quick meal, consider delicious egg recipes tailored specifically for the microwave, making breakfast or snacks effortless and fun.
Step 3: Heating Canned Beans Properly
Drain and rinse 1/2 cup beans. Add to separate greased dish with 1 tsp water. Cover with vented lid. Microwave 1 minute. Stir. Heat 30 more seconds. They’ll stay plump, not mushy.
Step 4: Combining and Seasoning
Layer eggs over beans. Top with your $0.10 flavor squad: garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce. My roommate’s hack? Crush ramen seasoning packets over everything. Judge later, taste first. Speaking of ramen, try adding a splash of microwaved egg to your ramen for a quick, tasty meal. Microwave egg ramen is not only convenient but also delicious and customizable to your taste!
Pro Tips for Better Texture
- Fluffier eggs: Add 1/4 tsp baking powder per egg before whisking
- Crispier beans: Pat dry post-rinse, skip added water
- No separation: Mix eggs and beans BEFORE microwaving for unified texture
Now that you’ve nailed the basics, let’s jazz things up. Next up: turning this simple dish into spicy burrito filler or cheesy brunch scrambles!
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic combo, let’s remix it. These twists kept me sane during finals week—when my culinary creativity peaked at “whatever clears the brain fog.”
Spicy Microwave Egg & Bean Burrito Filling
Transform your eggs and beans into a zesty wrap stuffer. My roommate Jess once swapped hot sauce for ketchup here—our midnight study snack became a dorm legend.
After Step 4, mix in:
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (or 5 shakes of Taco Bell packet leftovers)
- 1 tbsp salsa—jarred, fresh, or gas station variety
- 5 canned jalapeño slices, chopped (freebie from pizza orders count!)
Microwave 15 seconds more to bloom spices. Spoon onto a tortilla with 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fold like you’re mad at the exam that inspired this.
Cheesy Microwave Bean & Egg Scramble
This is breakfast alchemy—turning pantry scraps into melty comfort. My broke post-grad self survived on this using cheese ends from the deli’s “$1 clearance” bin.
At Step 2, whisk 2 eggs with 1 tbsp milk. After initial 45-second cook, stir in:
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar (or 3 torn American singles)
- 2 tbsp rinsed black beans
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or crushed ramen seasoning)
Microwave 20 seconds. Stir vigorously—the residual heat will melt cheese into gooey ribbons. Top with crushed chips if you’re feeling ~fancy~. For an easy and delicious twist, try melting cheese in the microwave for a quick snack. It’s a simple way to enjoy cheesy goodness without the hassle of a stove.
Hungry for more? Let’s talk about keeping leftovers fresh so you can meal prep these variations once and feast all week.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip It Up!
We’ve walked through the entire process—from safely microwaving eggs to perfectly heating canned beans. This protein-packed combo takes under 5 minutes and costs roughly $1.50 per serving. No fancy equipment, no culinary degree required.
Grab those eggs and beans, fire up your microwave, and let’s turn pantry staples into something delicious. Tag us on social media if you try our cheesy scramble variation—we’d love to see your spin on it!


