Craving mac and cheese but dreading the dishes? Our microwave hack turns boxed kits into creamy comfort food with zero pots and just five minutes.
No pots, no strainers—just dump, nuke, and stir. Canned veggies add a sneaky nutrient boost, making this lazy meal feel (almost) virtuous.
We’ll walk through nailing the microwave cook time, balancing moisture from the veggies, and customizing your bowl with extra protein or dairy-free tweaks.
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Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese with Canned Mixed Veggies
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesThis lazy microwave boxed mac and cheese recipe is the ideal solution for those nights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. With just a microwave and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy and delicious meal in no time. Adding canned mixed veggies makes it a complete dish full of flavor and nutrition, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
of macaroni and cheese
of mixed vegetables drained
of water
of milk optional
of butter optional
salt and pepper to taste.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of water and the macaroni from the boxed mac and cheese
- Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged, Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring halfway through cooking
- Once cooked, carefully drain excess water from the bowl, adding the cheese powder from the box, canned mixed veggies, milk, and butter if using
- Stir until well combined and creamy
- Microwave the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring once more to ensure even cooking
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider seasoning your mac and cheese with garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top before the final microwaving step. You can also swap in different canned veggies based on your preference or what you have on hand. This recipe is flexible and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
What is Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Canned Mixed Veggies?
Picture this: my grandpa’s 70th birthday party, where my dad George forgot to cook sides for 20 people. His solution? Seven boxes of microwave mac and cheese mixed with canned veggies from the pantry. The crowd cheered louder for this hack than the actual birthday cake.
This dish is exactly what it sounds like – boxed macaroni cooked entirely in a microwave, then tossed with canned veggies like peas, carrots, or corn. No boiling water, no colander dances, no cheese sauce whisking. Just 5-minute magic that turns pantry staples into a belly-warming meal.
What Does Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Canned Mixed Veggies Taste Like?
Imagine nostalgia wearing sweatpants. The sauce stays creamier than stovetop versions thanks to precise microwave steam control. Canned veggies (don’t knock ‘em!) add pops of sweetness and texture – like nature’s sprinkles reminding you to “eat the rainbow,” even if that rainbow is slightly briney.
Dad George insists on adding black pepper until it “tastes like Tuesday nights in 1998.” For me, it’s the glorious mushiness where every bite hugs your tongue – no fancy al dente pretensions here. It’s the culinary equivalent of a weighted blanket for your stomach.
Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need…
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Canned Mixed Veggies
We’ve all stared into the abyss of an empty fridge at 8pm. Here’s your survival kit:
Boxed Mac and Cheese Essentials
Grab any 7.25 oz box – Kraft Original reigns supreme, but store brands work too. You’ll need:
- 1 box mac and cheese (noodles + cheese powder pouch)
- 1 1/4 cups water (substitute broth for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup milk (any percentage – even oat milk plays nice)
- 2 tbsp butter (or margarine for dairy-free)
Pro tip: Skip the pre-measuring. Your coffee mug holds exactly 1 1/4 cups – we’ve tested 14 brands.
Canned Mixed Veggies and Substitutes
That dented can in your pantry? Perfect. 8.5 oz canned mixed vegetables (drained) add color and texture. No mixed veggies? Swap in for veggies in your ramen, or add to any dish for a quick cooking boost.
- Canned peas + diced carrots (50/50 mix)
- Frozen corn (microwave 45 sec first)
- Jarred roasted red peppers (chopped)
My college roommate swore by adding kimchi juice instead of draining veggies. We don’t judge here.
Also See: Microwave Pumpkin Pie Oats for a Cozy Morning
How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Canned Mixed Veggies
This isn’t so much cooking as edible alchemy. Let’s transform pantry dust into gold.
Step 1: Preparing Microwave-safe Bowl and Ingredients
Use a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl – glass prevents pasta explosions. Dump in dry noodles straight from the box. No stirring yet. Just walk away. Cooking noodles in the microwave is convenient and quick. It saves time compared to traditional boiling methods.
Drain those veggies over the sink while muttering “I’m basically Jamie Oliver.” Pat dry? Ha! Extra moisture prevents cement-like cheese sauce later.
Step 2: Microwaving Macaroni and Adjusting Liquid Ratios
Add water and microwave uncovered on high:
- 1100W microwave: 5 minutes
- 700W microwave: 7 minutes
Noodles should be tender with 1/4” water remaining. If it’s too dry, add 2 tbsp hot water. Too soupy? Let sit 1 minute – starch works fast. When it comes to quick meals, I often cook egg noodles in the microwave for convenience. It’s an easy method that saves time while still delivering a tasty dish.
Step 3: Adding Cheese Mix and Veggies
Stir in butter until melted in microwave, then milk. Sprinkle cheese powder like you’re seasoning a Michelin star dish. Add veggies and stir 15 seconds – they’ll heat through from residual warmth.
Fun fact: Adding veggies last prevents them from turning into mushy science experiments. We learned this after the Great Pea Puree Incident of 2020. Microwaving vegetables is a quick and effective way to retain their nutrients while ensuring they don’t lose their texture. Perfecting this technique can turn your side dishes into vibrant, healthy options without much fuss.
Step 4: Final Mixing and Texture Tips
Stir vigorously for 30 seconds. The sauce should coat noodles like a velvety blanket. If it’s gluey, add 1 tsp milk. Crunchy? Microwave 30 seconds more. You can easily cook pasta sauce together in a microwave-safe bowl for quick meals. This method allows for simple preparation and great flavor without much fuss.
Let sit 1 minute – this isn’t patience, it’s strategy. The sauce thickens as the noodles absorb remaining liquid. Resist eating straight from the bowl (or don’t). For a quick and satisfying meal, easy 2 minute Thai noodles are a perfect option to consider. They offer a delicious way to enjoy flavorful noodles without the wait.
Also See: Quick & Easy: Cheap Microwave Egg and Cheese Sandwich
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Yes, leftovers exist. My cat once found a three-day-old bowl behind the toaster. She didn’t share.
Microwave-safe Containers for Storage
Use glass containers with vented lids. Plastic absorbs cheese odors – your yogurt will taste like regret tomorrow. Portion into single servings so hungry roommates can’t “accidentally” eat yours.
Reheating Without Drying Out the Dish
Add 1 tsp milk/water per cup, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave 1 minute at 50% power. Stir. Repeat every 15 seconds until warm. The damp towel creates a steam sauna – your mac stays creamy. For a quick and satisfying meal, try making a 2 minute mug mac cheese; it’s an easy way to whip up a delicious, cheesy dish in no time.
Even with perfect prep, sometimes life (or microwaves) throws curveballs. Let’s tackle common disasters before they strike…
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve walked through every lazy shortcut for turning boxed mac and cheese into a veggie-packed microwave meal. From nailing the liquid ratio (we swear by 1:2 pasta-to-water) to reviving leftovers without the dreaded rubbery texture, you’re fully equipped. The canned veggie juice trick? Total game-changer.
Grab that microwave-safe bowl and get experimental—toss in some tuna, swap the cheese powder for Greek yogurt, or go wild with sriracha. This is your 5-minute canvas. Let us know which lazy hack becomes your weeknight MVP!
