Craving a filling meal but stuck with a tight budget and a microwave? We’ve cracked the code for a cheap, fast, and tasty solution that requires zero stove skills.
This recipe costs under $2 per serving, cooks in 5 minutes flat, and skips the sink full of dishes. All you need is a mug, a microwave, and a hunger for comfort.
Let’s turn that canned spud skepticism into a fluffy, savory triumph—no chef’s hat required.
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Microwave Egg and Canned Diced Potatoes Delight
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Breakfast, Dinner, LunchCuisine: American1
2
minutes3
minutes250
kcal5
minutesThis dish offers a simple way to combine eggs and canned diced potatoes for a fulfilling and economical meal. By utilizing the microwave, you can whip up this flavorful recipe in just 5 minutes, making it great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
eggs
canned diced potatoes drained
shredded cheese optional
salt and pepper to taste
chopped green onions optional
cooking spray or butter for greasing.
Directions
- Start by greasing a microwave-safe bowl with cooking spray or butter.
- Add the drained canned diced potatoes to the bowl.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix everything together until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, add shredded cheese and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or lid.
- Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, checking for doneness after 2 minutes.
- When the eggs are puffed up and fully cooked, remove the bowl from the microwave carefully.
- Let it cool for a minute before serving..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. This dish can also be made dairy-free by omitting the cheese. For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sausage if desired.
Can You Microwave Canned Diced Potatoes?
Absolutely! Canned diced potatoes are microwave-ready straight from the can. Just drain and rinse them first—this cuts sodium by up to 40% based on USDA data. My brother Joseph once surprised us at a reunion by whipping up “emergency potatoes” this way when Sarah and Timmy demanded snacks mid-grill session. It’s similar to when I use cheap microwave ramen with canned diced potatoes for a quick and easy meal.
Preparing Canned Potatoes for Microwaving
Drain those spuds thoroughly. Excess liquid leads to soggy results. Pat them dry with a paper towel—they’ll crisp better. Pro tip: Add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder for a flavor boost before nuking.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Avoid metal lids!
- Cover with a damp paper towel to lock in steam.
- Microwave on high (800W) for 1 minute. Stir, then repeat until tender (usually 2-3 minutes total).
Timmy calls these “zap-tatoes” because they’re done before his cartoons end.
Can You Microwave Eggs?
Yes, but with finesse. Eggs can turn into mini “egg-splosions” if microwaved recklessly. We learned this the hard way when Sarah tried cooking breakfast solo at age seven. Let’s avoid yolk grenades, shall we? If you’re interested in a safer way to cook eggs, using a microwave can be a quick solution. With proper techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked eggs without the mess.
Tips for Microwaving Eggs Safely
- Always pierce yolks with a fork if cooking sunny-side up.
- Use 50% power for even cooking without rubbery textures.
- Stir scrambled eggs every 15 seconds—trust us, it’s worth the babysitting.
Microwaving Eggs Step-by-step
- Crack 1-2 eggs into a greased mug or bowl. Add 1 tbsp milk for fluffiness.
- Whisk vigorously with a fork—no fancy tools needed.
- Microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until set (1-2 minutes total).
Ready to marry these microwave marvels into one budget-friendly meal? Let’s talk ingredients—because even Joseph’s infamous “ketchup-only” phase taught us flavor matters. With a bit of creativity, making quick, delicious meals in your microwave can feel just like ordering takeout. Try out some simple recipes that bring that takeout taste home without the hassle.
Ingredients for Microwave Egg and Potato Delight
Let’s raid that pantry! This recipe thrives on simplicity—no truffle oil or artisanal salts required. My college roommate once made this with leftover ketchup packets, but we’ll aim for slightly more sophistication today. Sometimes, heating up ketchup in the microwave can elevate its flavor, perfect for dipping. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe container to avoid any messes!
Essential Ingredients
- 1 can diced potatoes (15 oz)—drained well
- 2 large eggs—or 3 if you’re hangry
- 1 tsp oil or butter—bacon grease works too (we don’t judge)
- Salt & pepper—the dynamic duo
Optional upgrades: shredded cheese, dried herbs, or hot sauce. Sarah swears by adding everything bagel seasoning—it’s a game-changer. For an even faster flavor boost, consider using microwave fresh herbs crushed in just 10 seconds, which can elevate any dish effortlessly.
Affordable Substitutes and Alternatives
No canned potatoes? Chop a raw russet potato into ½-inch cubes—microwave them for 3-4 minutes first. When done right, microwaving can yield perfectly boiled potatoes quickly. Use margarine instead of butter, or skip fat entirely if your mug is nonstick.
Egg substitutes like liquid egg whites work, but reduce cooking time by 20 seconds. For vegan friends, crumbled tofu + turmeric mimics eggs surprisingly well. This quick and easy method can be turned into a delightful 2-minute microwave tofu scramble, making it a perfect vegan breakfast option. With just a few ingredients and a microwave, a healthy and satisfying meal is ready in no time.
Also See: Cheap Microwave Instant Noodles With Butter
How to Make Microwave Egg and Canned Diced Potatoes
Grab a microwave-safe mug or bowl—this cooks faster than you can say “ramen upgrade.” Pro tip: Use a 16-oz container to prevent overflow. We learned that lesson during Timmy’s “volcano egg” phase.
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Drain potatoes in a colander. Shake aggressively—get that can liquid OUT.
- Rinse under cold water for 10 seconds to reduce sodium. Pat dry with paper towels.
Skip rinsing if you’re salt-craving, but your taste buds might stage a protest later.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Toss potatoes with ½ tsp oil in your mug.
- Cover with a damp paper towel—prevents potato shrapnel in your microwave.
- Nuke on high (800W) for 90 seconds. Stir halfway. They should be fork-tender.
If potatoes seem dry, add a teaspoon of water. Soggy? Blame insufficient draining—blast them uncovered for 15 extra seconds. When cooking potatoes, it’s crucial to ensure they are cooked properly, especially if you’re preparing a Microwave Egg and Canned Diced Potatoes Delight.
Step 3: Add the Egg
- Crack eggs directly into the mug with potatoes.
- Pierce yolks with a fork (unless you enjoy egg fireworks).
- Mix gently—leave some potato chunks intact for texture.
Want scrambled style? Whisk eggs separately first. My cousin Dave insists on adding cheese here—sharp cheddar melts like a dream. For a quick and delicious meal, consider making 2 minute microwave cheesy scrambled eggs. This method is perfect for busy mornings or a late-night snack.
Step 4: Final Cooking and Seasoning
- Microwave uncovered at 50% power for 60 seconds.
- Stir, then cook in 15-second bursts until eggs set. Usually takes 30-90 seconds more.
- Season with salt, pepper, and/or hot sauce. Serve straight from the mug!
Overcooked eggs turn hockey-puck rubbery. When in doubt, undercook—residual heat keeps cooking them post-microwave. Learning to make over easy eggs in the microwave can help achieve that perfect balance. With the right technique, you’ll enjoy fluffy, perfectly cooked eggs every time.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Soggy potatoes? Drain better next time. Blot current batch with paper towels.
- Eggs exploded? You skipped yolk-piercing. Scrape the microwave later.
- Bland flavor? Add ¼ tsp onion powder or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Pro move: Let it rest 1 minute post-cooking. Eggs firm up, flavors mingle—patience pays.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk leftovers (because even Joseph can’t finish a full can in one sitting). When it comes to quick meals, lazy microwave mug omelet leftovers can be a game changer. They can be stored easily and reheated for a satisfying snack when hunger strikes.
Also See: Quick & Budget-friendly: Cheap Microwave Lentil Soup

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Meal!
We’ve walked through every step to create this budget-friendly microwave egg and canned diced potatoes dish. From prepping to seasoning, you’ve got all the tools for a speedy, satisfying meal.
Why not give it a try tonight? It’s faster than waiting for delivery, cheaper than takeout, and you probably already have the ingredients. We’d love to hear how your microwave masterpiece turns out!


