Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Craving comfort food without the effort or expense? Our microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned gravy deliver hot, hearty satisfaction in under 5 minutes for under $2 total. No peeling, boiling, or gravy-making skills required.

This meal solves emergency carb cravings while keeping your wallet and energy levels intact. Perfect for dorm rooms, late-night snacks, or “I forgot to grocery shop” moments.

We’ll walk you through whipping up fluffy potatoes and warming gravy in minutes—plus pro tips, flavor upgrades, and storage hacks.

What Are Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes?

Microwave instant mashed potatoes start as dehydrated potato flakes – cooked, mashed, and dried spuds that resurrect with hot water or milk. We call them “emergency potatoes” in our house because they rescue hungry humans in 90 seconds flat. No boiling, no potato peels stuck to the sink drain.

Brands like Idahoan or Betty Crocker dominate this space, offering varieties from buttery homestyle to loaded baked potato. The texture isn’t identical to from-scratch mashed potatoes, but George (my dad) once served them at a family reunion when real potatoes boiled over and scorched. Three cousins asked for his “secret recipe.”

Why Use Canned Gravy for Microwave Mashed Potatoes?

Canned gravy is the flavor superhero of lazy cooking. Heinz and Campbell’s versions cost $1.50-$3 per can and mimic diner-style gravy better than most last-minute attempts. At that reunion disaster, George grabbed a can of beef gravy from the pantry shelf – crisis averted, carbs saved. Quick and affordable meals can be enhanced with simple ingredients like cheap microwave ramen and canned mixed vegetables, adding both flavor and nutrition to your dishes.

Homemade gravy requires pan drippings, a roux, and patience. Canned gravy needs 60 seconds in the microwave. Stir thoroughly post-heating to redistribute thickness – gravies often develop hot spots. For vegetarians, mushroom or onion gravy works beautifully without breaking the $2 budget. It’s a key component, especially when you’re pairing it with cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes and canned beans for a quick and budget-friendly meal.

Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s assemble your spud-and-gravy toolkit.

Ingredients for Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Gravy

You need just four pantry staples: instant potato flakes ($0.99-$1.50 per box), canned gravy ($1.25-$2.50), water or milk, and butter/margarine. My college survival kit always included Idahoan Buttery Homestyle and a $1.29 can of Heinz turkey gravy – still my go-to 12 years later. A simple variation to consider is pairing those instant mashed potatoes with a can of corn for a quick and satisfying meal. This combo provides a hearty and affordable option that’s perfect for busy days.

Instant Potato Flake Substitutes

Out of flakes? Use instant potato pearls (Hungry Jack) or granules (Bob’s Red Mill). Pearls take 30 seconds longer but yield creamier texture. Granules require 1 extra tablespoon liquid per serving. Avoid refrigerated pre-made mashed potatoes – they’ll turn gummy when microwaved. For an even quicker option, consider a lazy microwave instant mashed potato bowl that combines convenience with delicious flavor.

Canned Gravy Alternatives

Jarred gravy (shelf-stable until opened) or powdered mix (McCormick) work if cans are sold out. Powder needs 1/4 cup water per packet – microwave 45 seconds, whisk, then 15 more seconds. Pro tip: Add a dash of soy sauce to beef gravy powder for umami depth without added cost. For a complete meal, consider pairing the gravy with cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes and canned diced tomatoes for a comforting dish.

Also See: Quick Microwave Stuffed Dates: A 5-minute Delight!

How to Make Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Canned Gravy

I’ve made this weekly since 2012 – here’s the foolproof method perfected after one…ahem…gravy explosion incident.

Step 1: Microwaving Instant Potato Flakes

In a 2-cup microwave-safe bowl, mix 1/3 cup flakes + 1/2 cup water. Microwave 90 seconds on high (1100W). Stir in 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp milk. Let sit 1 minute – this lets residual heat absorb excess moisture. Fluff with fork. Too thick? Add milk 1 tsp at a time. For an even tastier side, consider a simple trick that can make microwaved fries taste fried again. giving them a crispy texture reminiscent of restaurant fries.

Step 2: Heating Canned Gravy in the Microwave

Pour gravy into a short, wide container (not the can – metal risks sparks). Microwave 30 seconds, stir, then 15-30 seconds more until steaming. Gravies thicken unevenly – my roommate once created a gravy lava dome that erupted like Mount Vesuvius. Stirring prevents crusty film. For an easy meal solution, consider pairing this gravy with cheap microwave instant rice. The combination not only saves time but also creates a satisfying dish without much effort.

Step 3: Combining Potatoes and Gravy

Scoop potatoes into a bowl, make a well in the center, and pour gravy. For optimal coverage, layer: potatoes → gravy → potatoes → gravy. My 4-year-old calls this “volcano style” – it prevents gravy pooling at the bottom. Eat immediately – cooled gravy skins over like cling wrap. If you’re in a hurry, consider making mashed potatoes in the microwave for a quick and easy side dish. It’s a convenient way to enjoy creamy potatoes without much fuss.

Also See: Quick Microwave Garlic Mushrooms: A Side in Minutes

Common Mistakes When Microwaving Instant Mashed Potatoes

Overcooking flakes: Microwaving beyond 2 minutes dries potatoes into paste. Set timers – distraction leads to hockey-puck texture. This is a common mistake many make when microwaving food. Knowing how to properly microwave various foods, like potatoes, can help avoid several pitfalls in cooking.

Skipping the gravy stir: Canned gravies separate during storage. Unstirred gravy microwaves into oily puddles with flour clumps. Vigorous whisking post-heat is non-negotiable, especially when you’re making gravy in the microwave for your instant mashed potatoes.

Using cold liquid: Room-temp water/milk helps flakes hydrate faster. Ice-cold liquids require 20-30 extra seconds, risking uneven cooking. I microwave liquids 15 seconds first during winter. Heating milk in the microwave is a quick way to get it warm for cooking or baking. Just remember to stir it well to avoid hot spots.

Mastered the basics? Let’s explore how to transform this humble dish into something that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

What Do Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Gravy Taste Like?

Imagine diner-style comfort food without leaving your kitchen. The potatoes have a light, fluffy texture – like a cloud wearing a butter cape. Canned gravy brings savory depth, with notes of pan-seared meat drippings and black pepper warmth. It’s not your grandma’s from-scratch Thanksgiving spread, but for a 3-minute meal? Shockingly satisfying.

The beauty lies in the contrast: creamy potatoes act as a blank canvas for gravy’s rich umami punch. I once served this to a friend who deadpanned, “This tastes like the $12 ‘meatloaf masterpiece’ at that hipster gastropub.” (We checked – their gravy costs $2.79 per can wholesale.)

Texture varies slightly by potato brand. Idahoan’s buttery homestyle flakes yield silkier results, while store brands trend grainier. Gravy viscosity matters too – thicker varieties cling better, while runnier ones create a broth-like pool. My pro tip? Mix half beef and half mushroom gravy for layered flavor without extra cost (especially when you’re using cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned gravy).

Leftovers (if any exist) won’t win any beauty contests, but let’s talk about keeping them safe…

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

We’ve walked you through every step—from choosing the right instant potato flakes to perfectly heating that canned gravy. Whether you’re craving a quick solo dinner or need an effortless side dish, this combo delivers creamy, savory satisfaction in minutes.

Got a twist on the recipe? Toss in some shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits for extra flair. Just remember: microwaves vary, so adjust timings if needed. Happy microwaving!