Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potato With Gravy

Hungry but broke? We’ve all been there. This recipe delivers creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy in under 5 minutes using just your microwave and pantry staples. No peeling, boiling, or fancy tools required.

Best part? Each serving costs under $2 and creates minimal cleanup. Perfect for dorm rooms, midnight cravings, or stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Here’s how to transform those dusty instant potato flakes and gravy packets into a meal that’ll make your wallet (and taste buds) happy.

Can You Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Microwaving instant mashed potatoes is quicker than boiling water for pasta. These dehydrated flakes thrive with a splash of milk or broth and 2-3 minutes of microwave magic. We’ve tested brands like Idahoan and Hungry Jack – all work beautifully. And if you’re looking for a tasty twist, don’t forget to check out our guide on microwaving instant mashed potatoes with cheese.

My grandpa swore by this method during fishing trips. He’d whip up a mug of potatoes lakeside using a camping thermos as a makeshift microwave-safe bowl. If it survived his “picnic experiments,” your modern microwave has this handled.

Just avoid overheating – nuke in 30-second bursts and stir. Overzealous microwaving creates potato concrete, not clouds. We want fluff, not fossils!

What Do Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Gravy Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite diner’s $8 comfort meal, minus the waitress side-eye for ordering just sides. The potatoes taste buttery and light if properly hydrated, while microwave gravy delivers savory depth through browned flour and broth. For those who crave that diner experience at home, a cheap microwave instant mashed potato bowl can bring similar satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s a quick and affordable way to enjoy creamy mashed potatoes anytime you want.

Grandpa’s version involved a dubious “gravy rock” (dehydrated bouillon cube) smashed with a fishing weight. Today’s instant gravy packets taste far better – think peppery warmth hugging each cloud-like potato mound. It’s not Michelin-starred, but beats sad desk salads.

Texture matters most. Under-microwaved potatoes stay gritty. Overworked ones turn gluey. Nail the sweet spot, and you’ll swear someone peeled actual spuds.

Ready to transform flakes into fame? Let’s raid your pantry – chances are, you’ve got everything needed already.

Ingredients for Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Gravy

We’re building this budget meal from pantry staples. Check your cabinets before buying anything – my college self once made “gravy” with soy sauce and cornstarch during a 3am study session. Let’s aim higher today. For a quick and satisfying option, consider pairing instant mashed potatoes with a simple canned gravy. This combination not only saves time but also fits perfectly within a tight budget.

Instant Mashed Potato Base &Amp; Substitutes

You’ll need 1/2 cup instant potato flakes per serving (store brands work great). For creamier spuds, swap water with:

• Milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
• Leftover pasta water (free flavor!)
• Chicken/vegetable broth (bouillon + water = $0.05/serving)

No butter? Use mayo or a dash of olive oil. My camping hack: steal those tiny butter packets from cafeteria toast stations. For a quick and easy solution, melting butter in the microwave is a great option when you need it fast.

Gravy Ingredients &Amp; Affordable Alternatives

Instant gravy packets ($0.25 each) are cheapest, but homemade costs pennies. Mix:

• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup broth (or bouillon + water)

No broth? Steal 2 tbsp seasoning from ramen packets. Pro tip: check dollar stores for 10-packs of gravy mix – they’re cheaper than grocery stores. To make your meal even heartier, consider adding cheap microwave ramen canned mixed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. They complement ramen perfectly, transforming a simple dish into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Also See: Lazy Microwave Canned Chili Cheese Fries – Ready in Minutes!

How to Make Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Gravy

We’ll tackle potatoes and gravy simultaneously. Multitasking chefs can finish in 3 minutes flat – slower than some TikTok dances, but tastier. A quick method to prepare potatoes is using a microwave, which helps retain their flavor and nutrients. Microwaving potatoes not only saves time but also results in a delicious side dish ready to complement your meal.

Step-by-step Microwave Mashed Potato Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 1/2 cup potato flakes + 1/2 cup liquid
2. Microwave uncovered 1 minute. Stir vigorously – lumps fear commitment
3. Add 1 tbsp butter/mayo. Microwave 30 seconds. Fluff with fork

Caution: Bowl gets nuclear hot. Use oven mitts or wrap in a dish towel like my grandma’s “redneck hot pad.” Microwaves heat food quickly, often leading to extreme temperatures. Knowing how hot microwaves get can help prevent burns and damage.

Preparing Quick Gravy in the Microwave

1. Whisk 1 tbsp flour + 1/2 cup broth in microwave-safe cup
2. Microwave 45 seconds. Whisk. Repeat until thickened
3. Stir in 1/8 tsp black pepper (or stolen pizza parmesan)

Gravy too thin? Add 1/2 tsp cornstarch slurry. Too thick? Splash more broth. My roommate once used coffee creamer – don’t be my roommate.

Also See: Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Sausage and Egg

Tips for Perfect Microwave Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Fluff factor: Let potatoes rest 1 minute post-microwave. Steam escape = lighter texture. Stirring too much activates potato glue – gentle folds only. For a quicker alternative, consider making mashed potatoes in the microwave. It’s a fast and easy way to enjoy this classic dish without the hassle of boiling water.

Gravy gloss: For diner-style shine, whisk in 1/4 tsp instant coffee granules. Sounds weird, adds depth without coffee taste. Learned this from a Waffle House cook named Earl.

Budget boost: Top with crushed chips ($0.10/serving) for crunch. Crumble bacon bits (soy-based for savings) if feeling fancy. My “luxury” version uses leftover fried onion strings. For an even healthier crunch, consider making crunchy veggie chips in the microwave. These veggie chips are a great alternative that can be made quickly and easily right at home.

Leftovers? We’ll cover storage hacks next – including how to revive gravy that’s turned into edible rubber cement.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

We’ve all faced the “next-day gravy brick” dilemma. Proper storage keeps your spuds fluffy and gravy pourable. My college roommate once stored leftovers in a used yogurt cup – let’s avoid that level of desperation.

Store mashed potatoes and gravy in separate airtight containers. Combined, they morph into a starchy cement. Glass jars or reusable microwave-safe tubs work best. Budget hack: repurpose clean pasta sauce jars.

• Fridge: Lasts 3 days. Potatoes may dry out – stir in 1 tsp milk before reheating
• Freezer: Portion into ice cube trays (gravy) or muffin tins (potatoes). Thaw overnight

Reheating requires finesse. Nuke potatoes in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between zaps. Gravy needs full power but frequent whisking to combat separation. Add 1 tbsp water if it resembles a science experiment. When it comes to mashed potatoes, reheating in the microwave is not only convenient but can also keep them creamy and delicious. Mastering this technique ensures you enjoy your leftovers just as much as when they were first served.

1. Place potatoes in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with damp paper towel
2. Heat 1 minute at 50% power. Stir. Repeat until warm
3. Pour gravy into separate container. Microwave 45 seconds. Whisk

Pro tip: Stir a pat of butter into reheated potatoes. It revives creaminess better than my aunt revives drama at Thanksgiving. For gravy skin? Skim it off or embrace the texture – we don’t judge here. If you’re in a hurry, softening butter in the microwave can make preparation even quicker. Just be cautious to avoid melting it completely, as a few seconds can make all the difference.

Even with perfect storage, mishaps happen. Burnt gravy? Lumpy taters? Let’s tackle those next with some “chef’s choice” fixes. One quick solution to consider is making gravy in the microwave, which can save time and reduce mess. This method allows for easy adjustments, ensuring your gravy turns out just right.

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

We’ve covered everything from the basics of microwaving instant mashed potatoes to crafting that rich, savory gravy in minutes. With these simple steps and budget-friendly ingredients, you’re all set to enjoy a warm, satisfying dish without breaking the bank.

Give it a try and let us know how your microwave mashed potatoes with gravy turned out—was it creamy, fluffy, and downright delicious? We bet it will be!