Craving comfort food without the effort or expense? We’ve cracked the code for whipping up creamy mashed potatoes with spinach in minutes—no stove required.
This recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a satisfying meal for under $2 per serving, proving budget-friendly eats don’t have to be bland.
We’ll walk you through nailing the texture, avoiding microwave mishaps, and boosting flavor on a dime—because cheap eats shouldn’t skimp on taste.
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Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potato with Canned Spinach
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes5
minutes250
kcal10
minutesThis recipe provides a delicious and affordable way to enjoy instant mashed potatoes with the added bonus of canned spinach. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need to prepare a meal quickly without compromising flavor or nutrition. Just a few simple ingredients and your microwave will do all the work for you.
Ingredients
of instant mashed potato flakes
of water
of spinach 15 oz
of milk or water
of butter optional
salt and pepper to taste.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the instant mashed potato flakes with water and stir well.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir again.
- Add the drained canned spinach to the mixture and stir until combined.
- If using, add the milk or water and butter, then mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Microwave the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Stir once more and let it sit for a minute before serving..
Notes
- For a creamier texture, feel free to add more milk or water according to your preference. You can also enhance the flavor by adding garlic powder or grated cheese to the potato mixture. This recipe is super versatile, allowing you to incorporate other canned vegetables or spices you may have on hand.
What Does Microwave Instant Mashed Potato With Canned Spinach Taste Like?
Imagine fluffy clouds of potato with earthy spinach swirls – that’s this dish in a nutshell. The instant potatoes bring familiar buttery comfort, while canned spinach adds a subtle mineral tang that somehow tastes like responsible adulthood (but in a good way).
At our last family reunion, Sarah and Timmy dubbed it “Hulk Smash Potatoes” for its vibrant green streaks. The texture walks the line between creamy and hearty – think mashed potato hug with spinach confetti. Not gourmet, but the kind of simple satisfaction that makes paper plates feel like fine china.
Can You Microwave Canned Spinach?
Absolutely – canned spinach is microwave-ready straight from the tin. Unlike fresh greens needing wilting, these pre-cooked leaves just need reheating. We’ve found draining them well prevents sogginess – Timmy once skipped this step and we ate something resembling swamp mush for days. For a quick and nourishing meal, combine the spinach with lazy microwave boxed rice for a hassle-free dish. This easy pairing offers not only convenience but also a delicious way to enjoy nutritious greens without much effort.
Microwaving intensifies the spinach’s flavor slightly, so we balance it with garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon. Pro tip: stir spinach halfway through heating to avoid cold spots. Your microwave won’t magically make it taste farm-fresh, but it’ll deliver that pop of color and nutrients in under 90 seconds. However, there are certain common foods that people often microwave incorrectly, which can lead to undesirable results.
Ready to transform these humble ingredients? Let’s break down what you’ll need to build your budget masterpiece…
Ingredients for Microwave Instant Mashed Potato With Canned Spinach
Grab these staples: instant mashed potato flakes (1/2 cup per serving), one 14.5oz can of spinach (we like the no-salt-added variety), water or milk, and butter or margarine. Our 3am college hack? Keep onion powder in your junk drawer – it’s the Clark Kent of flavor enhancers. For even easier meals, consider pairing this with cheap microwave canned soup or instant mashed potatoes, which can be prepared quickly and affordably. These options make for a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for late-night cravings or busy days.
Instant Potato & Spinach Substitutes
No potato flakes? Try instant stuffing mix (trust us) or microwave-ready couscous. Swap canned spinach with frozen chopped spinach thawed in a bowl for 5 minutes. We once used leftover kale chips crumbled into powder during a pantry raid – the result was… interesting.
Budget-friendly Flavor Boosters
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp per serving)
- Dollar store grated Parmesan
- Black pepper with a dash of paprika
- Lemon juice (brightens canned spinach’s earthiness)
Our roommate Dave insists on adding crushed potato chips – we don’t invite him to dinner parties anymore. It turns out, these chips can be easily made at home. A quick microwave potato chips recipe could have saved us from his odd culinary choices.
Also See: Cookie Butter Dip (Microwave Sweet Blend): A Quick Delight!
How to Make Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes With Canned Spinach
This is where science meets hunger. You’ll need a microwave-safe mug or bowl (we’ve used clean coffee mugs in desperation) and a fork for furious mixing. Using microwave-safe coffee mugs can be a practical choice, allowing you to enjoy your food without any hassle. Just make sure to check that the mugs are indeed safe for microwave use to avoid any accidents.
Prepping Canned Spinach for Microwaving
- Drain spinach in a sieve, pressing with a spoon to remove 90% of liquid
- Fluff with a fork to separate clumps
Pro tip: Rinsing reduces sodium by 40% if you’re watching salt intake. We learned this after a “why is my face numb?” incident with extra-salty spinach.
Mixing & Microwaving Steps
- In bowl, mix ½ cup potato flakes + ⅓ cup hot water
- Stir in ¼ cup prepared spinach, 1 tsp butter, seasonings
- Microwave 1 minute, stir, then 30-second bursts until creamy
If your mixture resembles cement, add liquid 1 tbsp at a time. My cousin Mark once used cold soda – we don’t speak of it. When experimenting with adhesives, it’s important to know the effects of heat. For instance, putting glue in the microwave can alter its properties and affect the bonding process.
Also See: Cheap Microwave Canned Black Bean Nachos in Minutes!
How Long to Microwave Instant Mashed Potatoes and Spinach
Standard 1100W microwaves take 1.5-2 minutes total. Our test kitchen found:
| Microwave Wattage | Total Time |
|---|---|
| 700-900W | 2.5-3 minutes |
| 1000-1200W | 1.5-2 minutes |
Stir every 30 seconds to prevent potato volcanoes. The spinach should be hot but still vibrant green – overcooking turns it army fatigue color. This technique can also be applied when making a delicious microwave spinach artichoke dip. A quick microwave method ensures that the dip remains creamy and flavorful without compromising the freshness of the spinach.
Got your timing down? Let’s tackle the sneaky pitfalls that can turn your spud masterpiece into a sad cafeteria plate…
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We’ve all been there – hungry, impatient, and suddenly facing a culinary catastrophe. Let’s troubleshoot the two biggest microwave mishaps before they strike your spud masterpiece.
Avoiding Soggy Spinach
Liquid is the enemy here. Canned spinach packs more water than a toddler’s rain boots. Last week, my nephew “drained” his by casually tipping the can – we ate something resembling algae soup.
Use a fine mesh strainer and press firmly with a spoon until the spinach resembles damp moss. For extra dryness, spread it on a paper towel and pat like you’re comforting a tiny spinach ghost. Rinsing cuts sodium by 40% but adds moisture – compensate by microwaving spinach alone for 30 seconds first. Microwaving spinach can quickly wilt it while preserving nutrients, making it a convenient cooking method for busy kitchens.
Fixing Lumpy Potatoes
Instant potatoes can turn into science fair projects if treated wrong. The culprit? Insufficient liquid temperature or rushed mixing. My college roommate once used room-temperature tap water – we repurposed his “mashed potatoes” as doorstop. For those looking to avoid culinary disasters, using a microwave to make mashed potatoes can be a quick and effective solution.
Heat your liquid (water/milk) for 45 seconds first – steam is key. Stir vigorously with a fork, making figure-8 patterns like you’re Zorro fighting starch clumps. If lumps persist, microwave another 15 seconds and whip like you’re auditioning for a baking reality show. This technique is especially useful when preparing cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes with canned spinach, as ensuring the milk is properly heated and stirred can make all the difference in texture.
Mastered these fixes? Your next challenge: keeping leftovers tasting fresh (because let’s be real – you’ll want seconds tomorrow), especially when using microwaving techniques for meals like cheap instant mashed potatoes with canned spinach.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Meal!
With just a microwave and a few pantry staples, you’ve got a budget-friendly, filling dish ready in minutes. The creamy mashed potatoes and tender spinach make a surprisingly tasty combo—don’t knock it till you try it!
Experiment with cheese, garlic powder, or hot sauce to customize your bowl. Got leftovers? They reheat beautifully for an even faster meal tomorrow. Happy microwaving!
