Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes & Diced Tomatoes

Craving comfort food but stuck with a tight budget and even tighter time? This microwave instant mashed potato with canned tomatoes comes together in 5 minutes for under $2.

We’re talking fluffy potatoes and tangy tomatoes in one bowl, ready faster than you can say “microwave magic.” No fancy skills or rare ingredients needed—just your trusty microwave and pantry staples.

In this guide, we’ll walk through ingredients, step-by-step prep, and creative twists to keep this dish exciting.

What Are Instant Mashed Potatoes?

Instant mashed potatoes are dehydrated potato flakes that transform into creamy spuds with hot water or milk. Think of them as potato time travelers – they’re peeled, cooked, mashed, and dried into shelf-stable granules ready to revive in minutes. My grandma always kept a box in her pantry for “emergency carb situations” like surprise blizzards or my bottomless teen hunger.

Most brands contain just potatoes, preservatives like sodium bisulfite, and sometimes milk solids or butter flavoring. They’re cheaper than fresh potatoes per serving (about $0.25 vs $0.50) and last months unopened – perfect for dorm rooms or last-minute meals.

Can You Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Microwaving is actually the fastest way to prepare instant mashed potatoes. Just combine flakes and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl, nuke for 2-3 minutes at 800W, then fluff with a fork. The steam from microwaving helps hydrate the potatoes evenly without lumpy drama. This method is especially useful when you’re making cheap microwave instant mashed potato dishes, like when you’re mixing in canned diced tomatoes.

Why Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Tomatoes?

Canned diced tomatoes cut through the potatoes’ richness with their bright acidity – like a flavor defibrillator for your taste buds. During summer camp, we’d stir tomatoes into instant potatoes to make “poverty paella” that tasted shockingly gourmet next to burnt marshmallows. They pair especially well with pre-cooked sausage and canned diced tomatoes for a quick, satisfying meal.

Tomatoes also add texture contrast and moisture. A 14.5-oz can costs about $1 and provides 30% of your daily vitamin C. Plus, microwaving them together melds flavors faster than stovetop cooking – we’re talking 90 seconds versus 8 minutes. For a quick and delicious meal, consider mixing these tomatoes with some cheap microwave hot dogs. The combination is not only tasty but also budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for a fast dinner option.

Ready to turn these pantry staples into actual dinner? Let’s grab your bowl and unleash that microwave’s true potential. Many foods actually taste better when microwaved instead of baked, making your meal prep quicker and more flavorful.

Ingredients for Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Tomatoes

You only need three basics: instant potato flakes, canned diced tomatoes, and water/milk. My broke college self kept these staples under $5 total – cheaper than a gas station sandwich. For two servings: Instead of canned tomatoes, consider adding some canned diced zucchini for an extra nutritional boost. This combination pairs perfectly with cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes for a quick, satisfying meal.

• ⅔ cup instant mashed potato flakes
• ½ cup water or milk (dairy/plant-based)
• ½ cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instant Mashed Potato Substitutes

Out of flakes? Grate 1 medium russet potato (skin-on for fiber), microwave for 4 minutes, then mash. Sweet potato puree adds vitamin A but requires 5-6 minutes cooking. Leftover takeout mashed potatoes? Reheat them with tomatoes for 1.5 minutes. If you’re looking to reheat mashed potatoes more simply, using the microwave is an effective option. When reheating, add a splash of milk or butter to keep them creamy and delicious.

Canned Diced Tomato Alternatives

Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky depth. Fresh Roma tomatoes? Chop and microwave 45 seconds first. No tomatoes? Use 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste + ¼ cup water for concentrated flavor. My camping hack: ketchup packets stirred in for sweetness, especially when making cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned diced tomatoes.

Also See: Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potato With Gravy

How to Make Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Canned Tomatoes

This dish is faster than boiling water – we timed it at 3 minutes 17 seconds. Use a wide, shallow microwave-safe bowl (like CorningWare) for even heating. Microwaving water can be a quick solution when you need to prepare dishes rapidly. It’s essential to remember that boiling water in the microwave may have its own set of precautions to ensure safety.

Step 1: Preparing the Instant Potatoes

1. Mix ⅔ cup flakes + ½ cup liquid in bowl
2. Microwave 1 minute at 1000W (80% power)
3. Stir – should look like wet sand

Step 2: Mixing in Canned Tomatoes

Drain tomatoes thoroughly – excess liquid makes potatoes gummy. Fold in ½ cup tomatoes gently. If using herbs (we love ¼ tsp dried basil), add now. Pro tip: Save 1 tbsp tomatoes for garnish – makes it Instagram-ready.

Step 3: Microwaving for Perfect Texture

1. Nuke mixture 1.5 minutes at 800W
2. Rest 30 seconds – residual heat finishes cooking
3. Fluff with fork, taste, add salt if needed

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Soggy potatoes: Overcooked tomatoes – drain better or pat dry
• Lumpy texture: Stir halfway through final cook
• Overheating: Burnt edges mean too high wattage – reduce power 20%

Also See: Microwave White Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Imagine your friendly neighborhood diner’s meatloaf side got a zesty glow-up. The potatoes stay creamy (not gluey) while tomatoes add juicy pops of tang. It’s like comfort food did a collab with a Mediterranean salad.

Texture-wise, think cloud-soft potatoes with occasional tomato nuggets – like finding treasure in mashed sand. My kid calls it “pizza potatoes” because the acidity mimics tomato sauce. Add black pepper, and it becomes surprisingly sophisticated for a $1.75 meal. This delightful combination is reminiscent of a cheap microwave instant mashed potato pizza, making it a quick and fun dinner option for the family.

Curious how long this masterpiece lasts? Let’s talk storage hacks so you can meal prep between Netflix episodes.

How to Store and Reheat the Dish

Got leftovers? This dish stays fresh for days if stored right. My roommate once kept it for a week (don’t be like my roommate) – here’s the smarter approach.

Refrigerating Leftovers

Transfer cooled potatoes to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll last 3-4 days at 40°F or below – label your container unless you enjoy surprise science experiments. Pro tip: Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent drying.

Avoid freezing unless you crave grainy textures. Potatoes’ cell structure breaks down when frozen, while tomatoes become mushy. If you must freeze, expect to lose 30% of the original texture – better suited for potato pancakes than solo servings.

Best Reheating Methods

Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potato with Canned Diced Tomatoes: Place in a shallow bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and nuke at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir, then continue in 30-second bursts until steaming (145°F internal temp). The towel prevents Sahara-level dryness, unlike some microwaved potatoes which can be unevenly cooked.

Method	Time	Texture
Microwave	2 mins	Creamy (with stirring)
Stovetop	5 mins	Fluffier

Stovetop upgrade: Warm 1 tsp oil in a pan, add leftovers + 1 tbsp broth/milk, and stir over medium-low heat. This restores fluffiness better than microwaving – ideal for date nights or forgiving roommates. It’s crucial to be cautious with reheating oils in the microwave, as some fats can transform into toxic substances when overheated.

Always reheat to 165°F to zap any bacteria. If you spot mold or smell ammonia (thanks, acrylamide!), compost it and mourn briefly.

Now that your leftovers are secured, let’s explore how to transform this base recipe into 10+ flavor adventures – because nobody wants to eat the same $2 meal forever. Especially when you can use some tricks to elevate your microwave meals.

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip It Up!

This cheap microwave instant mashed potato with canned diced tomatoes is your golden ticket to a quick, filling meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.

Give it a try and let us know how your version turns out—whether you kept it simple or added your own twist with extra spices or proteins. Happy microwaving!