Easy and Affordable: Cheap Microwave Instant Rice and Gravy

Craving comfort food without the hassle? Our cheap microwave instant rice and gravy delivers hot, savory satisfaction in under 10 minutes—no stove required.

This recipe is budget-friendly (under $2 per serving!) and uses pantry staples you likely have already. Perfect for dorm rooms, busy weeknights, or when your inner chef needs a break.

Below, we break down how to nail this dish every time—plus pro tips to avoid mushy rice or bland gravy.

What is Instant Rice and Gravy?

Instant rice is pre-cooked, dehydrated rice that cooks in minutes—no simmering required. Gravy here means powdered mixes (like brown or chicken flavor) that thicken with water. Together, they’re the emergency backup dancers of pantry meals: affordable, shelf-stable, and ready to perform.

I first leaned on this combo during a chaotic holiday party when my dad George insisted “real food” takes hours. While he grilled turkey, my kids Sarah and Timmy whipped up microwave rice and gravy for 12 guests in 8 minutes flat. The empty mugs spoke louder than George’s raised eyebrows.

Can You Microwave Instant Rice and Gravy?

Absolutely! Microwaving is the fastest, cheapest method for this dish. Use a microwave-safe bowl (we’ve all melted a container or two) and follow package instructions closely. Most instant rice needs 5-7 minutes on high with water, while gravy powders thicken in 1-2 minutes. For a quick meal, lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage pairs perfectly with instant rice, making it an ideal option for busy days. This combination allows for a satisfying and effortless dish in no time.

Watch the power levels. Microwaves vary—ours is a 1200-watt beast that once turned gravy and rice into a volcanic eruption. Stir every 2 minutes to prevent hotspots. If your rice gets gluey, add a splash of broth next time. George still claims stove-top tastes better, but he’s stolen my midnight leftovers three times this month.

Ready to build your own budget-friendly bowl? Let’s talk ingredients and microwave hacks.

Ingredients for Microwave Instant Rice and Gravy

Let’s raid your pantry! This recipe thrives on minimal ingredients with maximum flavor potential. Here’s what you’ll need to start.

Base Ingredients

• Instant rice (1 cup dry) – white or brown, depending on your budget ($0.50-$1.50 per pouch)
• Gravy mix packet – brown, chicken, or mushroom flavor ($0.99-$1.25)
• Water or broth – tap water works, but broth adds depth
• Butter or oil (optional) – a teaspoon boosts richness

Budget-friendly Substitutes and Alternatives

No gravy mix? No problem. We’ve made this with bouillon cubes + cornstarch (1 cube + 2 tbsp starch per cup of water). Swap butter for bacon grease if you’re feeling southern. Frozen peas ($1.19/bag) or canned mushrooms ($0.89) add bulk without breaking the bank. A quick and affordable way to enhance your meal is by adding cheap microwave instant mashed potato gravy, which perfectly complements any dish.

My cousin Dave once used leftover KFC gravy packets here. It was… aggressively salty, but he claims it “tasted like victory.” Proceed with caution.

Also See: 90-second Keto Bread in a Mug – Quick & Easy!

How to Make Microwave Instant Rice and Gravy

This dish is foolproof with the right technique. Follow these steps to avoid gluey rice or lumpy gravy. If you are looking for a quick way to prepare gravy, using a microwave can be a great option. Microwaving gravy allows for easy reheating and perfect consistency without much hassle.

1. Preparing the Rice and Gravy Mixture

1. Combine 1 cup instant rice and 1.5 cups water/broth in a microwave-safe bowl (we use a 4-cup Pyrex).
2. Whisk in gravy powder until dissolved. Add butter/oil if using.

Too thick? Add 2 extra tablespoons liquid. Too thin? The microwave will evaporate moisture—trust the process.

2. Microwaving Instant Rice and Gravy Safely

3. Microwave uncovered on high (1200W) for 5 minutes.
4. Stir thoroughly, scraping edges. Microwave 2-3 more minutes until gravy bubbles and rice is tender.

Lower wattage? Increase time by 15-30 second intervals. Our 700W office microwave needed 9 total minutes. Stir every 2 minutes to prevent volcanic gravy eruptions. Remember, as microwaves heat food, they can also get quite hot themselves, so be cautious. A hot microwave can cause burns if not handled properly.

3. Resting and Serving Tips

5. Let sit 2 minutes – gravy thickens as it cools.
6. Fluff with fork. Top with black pepper, hot sauce, or fried onions ($0.99/can).

Serve in the bowl for minimal cleanup, or plate it with a fried egg ($0.18 each) for protein. George insists it’s “fancy enough for brunch” when garnished with parsley from his garden. For an easy and delicious meal, a microwave egg fried rice bowl is a great option that combines convenience with flavor.

Also See: Easy 2-minute Ginger Garlic Tofu Recipe

What Does Microwave Instant Rice and Gravy Taste Like?

Imagine buttery, savory clouds with a hint of umami. The rice stays distinct but absorbs gravy flavor beautifully—like a deconstructed casserole. Texture-wise, it’s softer than stovetop versions but still satisfying. If you’re looking for a quick and tasty option, consider making a creamed rice recipe in the microwave. It’s an easy way to achieve that creamy texture and rich flavor in just a few minutes.

My kids call it “meatless pot roast juice rice.” When Timmy brought it to school, his teacher asked for the recipe. We later learned she used it during camping trips with a portable microwave. You can also easily make perfect rice using a simple microwave trick, eliminating the need for a stove. This method not only saves time but also ensures fluffy, delicious rice every time.

Not quite gourmet, but hits that comfort food sweet spot between ramen noodles and homemade casseroles. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, but first—let’s troubleshoot common mishaps. For an easy meal option, microwave ramen noodles can be a quick fix. A simple ramen noodle recipe done in the microwave can save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even the simplest recipes can go sideways. Here’s how to rescue your rice and gravy from microwave mishaps—no culinary degree required.

Overcooking or Undercooking Adjustments

Microwave wattage is sneaky. Our 1200W zapper cooks rice in 7 minutes, but my sister’s 800W model needs 10. If your rice is crunchy after 7 minutes, add 1-2 tbsp water and microwave 30-second intervals until tender. Stir between each burst.

Mushy rice? You’ve overcooked. Next time, reduce liquid by 2 tbsp and cut cook time 1 minute. For immediate fixes, spread the mixture on a plate to cool—it’ll firm up slightly. George once blamed his dentures for “soggy rice,” but we all saw him hit ‘3 minutes’ instead of ‘30 seconds.’ For perfect rice every time, consider using minute rice in the microwave. It’s quick, easy, and takes just a few minutes to prepare without the risk of sogginess.

Fixing Texture or Flavor Imbalances

Gravy too thin? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp cold water, stir into the bowl, and microwave 45 seconds. Too thick? Splash in broth or milk (1 tbsp at a time) while hot. For gluey rice, fluff with a fork and let it sit uncovered 5 minutes—steam escape works wonders. If you’re looking for a simple side dish to pair with your gravy, a quick microwave rice recipe is an excellent choice. For an easy and satisfying option, check out microwave rice recipe 2 for a perfectly cooked rice every time.

Bland flavor haunts budget meals. Boost it with ¼ tsp garlic powder ($0.02/serving) or a dash of soy sauce. Too salty? Stir in cooked plain rice or a diced potato (nuke it first) to absorb excess sodium. My neighbor Karen once used beef gravy mix in a sugar-free frenzy—we salvaged it with lemon juice and called it “sweet & sour surprise.” For quick and affordable meals, consider the delicious combination of cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes and canned gravy. They make a satisfying side dish that complements the flavors you’re already enhancing.

Mastered these fixes? Let’s tackle keeping leftovers fresh (because midnight snack attacks are inevitable).

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up Some Comfort

Microwave instant rice and gravy is the ultimate budget-friendly hack for busy days when you need a warm, satisfying meal fast. With our simple steps and clever tweaks, you’ll get fluffy rice and rich gravy without the stovetop hassle.

Try it tonight and let us know how your quick-fix feast turns out—just don’t blame us if you start craving it weekly! Whether you jazz it up with veggies or keep it classic, this dish proves cheap eats don’t have to skimp on flavor.