Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese With Green Beans

We’ve cracked the code for maximum laziness meets edible satisfaction—this microwave mac and cheese takes 5-7 minutes flat. No pots, no draining, no patience required.

Got a mug, a microwave, and questionable cooking confidence? Perfect. This recipe turns boxed noodles and canned veggies into a steamy, cheesy hug without boiling water or adulting skills.

We’ll walk through microwaving hacks, green bean upgrades, and how to avoid gluey cheese disasters.

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Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese with Canned Green Beans

Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

2

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

When life gets hectic, and you need a meal fast, this lazy microwave boxed mac and cheese with canned green beans is your solution. Skip the stove and simply pull your ingredients together for a wholesome, cheesy delight that is ready in no time. It's an uncomplicated dish that still delivers on flavor and comfort, perfect for busy individuals or families.

Ingredients

• of microwaveable mac and cheese

• of green beans

• of water

• salt and pepper to taste

• cheese optional for extra creaminess

• a sprinkle of garlic powder . optional

Directions

• Start by pouring the contents of the boxed mac and cheese into a microwave-safe bowl, Add 1 cup of water to the bowl and stir the pasta slightly, Microwave the bowl on high for about 4 minutes or until the pasta is tender, Remove the bowl from the microwave carefully, and stir in the cheese sauce packet that comes with the mac and cheese, Open the can of green beans and drain the liquid, Add the green beans to the pasta mixture and stir to combine, Microwave the bowl for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure everything is heated through, Season the dish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired, Serve hot and enjoy your lazy yet delicious meal..

Notes

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding cooked proteins like chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. You can also top it with additional shredded cheese before microwaving for an extra cheesy experience. This lazy microwave recipe is not only quick but also allows for creativity depending on what ingredients you have on hand!

Can You Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely – we’ve nuked 47 boxes (for science) to confirm. Microwaving boxed mac and cheese skips the stove entirely. Just use a microwave-safe bowl and watch your noodles bob in water like tiny edible buoys. It’s almost as lazy as adding some canned green beans for extra flavor.

My grandma pioneered this method during chaotic family reunions when 14 grandkids demanded “cheesy noodles NOW.” Her secret? 2.5 minutes on high, stir, then another 1.5 minutes. The result? Less dishwashing, more time for grandkid wrangling.

Modern boxes often suggest stovetop prep, but microwaving works if you adjust liquid ratios. We use ¾ cup water per 2oz packet – enough to cook pasta without soup-ifying the cheese sauce.

What Does Lazy Microwave Mac and Cheese Taste Like?

Imagine childhood nostalgia with a side of canned greenery. The microwaved cheese sauce turns velvety, not gluey, hugging each noodle tighter than my grandma’s post-nap hugs. Green beans add earthy crunch against the salty tang. Pairing this dish with quick microwave garlic green beans brings an extra layer of flavor and simplicity to the table. These tender green beans come alive with just a hint of garlic, making a perfect side that complements the creamy pasta.

Texture shifts subtly versus stovetop versions. Noodles stay slightly plumper, absorbing steam rather than boiling water. Canned beans? We drain but don’t rinse – their brine gives a 12% flavor boost according to our taste-test squad (me and my cat). If you’re wondering about the noodles, yes, you can microwave them for this lazy box routine.

Is it gourmet? Nope. Is it the warm, carb-loaded comfort you crave during a streaming marathon or post-adulting meltdown? You betcha. Long microwave warmies can deliver that cozy feeling instantly, wrapping you in warmth. They’re perfect for relaxation, especially after a long day.

Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down what you’ll need…

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Mac and Cheese With Green Beans

Grab these pantry staples for our emergency hunger extinguisher:

• 1 box microwave-safe mac and cheese (we’re loyal to brands with cheese powder, not liquid packets)
• 1 can (14.5oz) green beans – classic cut, not French-style (unless you’re feeling fancy)
• ¾ cup water (tap’s fine – we’re not bottling mineral water here)
• Optional: 1 tsp butter or garlic powder for luxury mode

Ingredient Substitutes and Alternatives

Out of green beans? Canned peas or corn work – just avoid leafy greens (they’ll wilt into sad confetti). For gluten-free folks, use chickpea pasta boxes. Vegan? Swap cheese powder for nutritional yeast + ¼ tsp turmeric. When time is tight, lazy microwave meals like boxed rice and canned green beans can be a lifesaver. These options are convenient and quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy days.

My college roommate used Spam chunks instead of beans – we don’t endorse it, but desperation breeds innovation. Want creamier sauce? Replace ¼ cup water with milk or oat milk. When looking for quick meal options, microwave canned beans offer a convenient and tasty choice. They can be easily integrated into various dishes, providing a hearty source of protein.

Also See: Lemon Bars With Spring Zing (Microwave Crust)

How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Mac and Cheese

This isn’t rocket science – it’s microwave science. We’ll nuke noodles first, then ambush them with beans. Total active time: 4 minutes (7 if you’re narrating each step to your cat). For a quick meal option, lazy microwave canned chicken instant noodles can be a lifesaver. Combining canned chicken with instant noodles creates a delicious and effortless dish that’s perfect for busy days.

Microwaving the Mac and Cheese: Step-by-step

1. Dump dry noodles into a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. No bowl? A large mug works if you stir every 60 seconds.
2. Add ¾ cup water – use a measuring cup, not eyeballing (trust me, mushy noodle regrets are real).
3. Microwave uncovered on high for 2 minutes. Stir with a fork (beware of steam sneezes).
4. Nuke another 1.5-2 minutes until noodles are al dente (they’ll soften more when sauced).
5. Mix in cheese powder immediately – residual heat makes sauce smoother than a jazz playlist.

Adding Canned Green Beans to the Dish

Drain beans but don’t rinse – that salty liquid is flavor gold. Stir them into the hot mac and cheese. The residual heat warms beans perfectly without making them soggy. For a quick twist, consider preparing a mac and cheese in the microwave. This method is fast and keeps the dish creamy and delicious.

Pro tip: For crispier beans, microwave them separately for 30 seconds first. Want zing? Add a dash of hot sauce or black pepper before mixing. Just like you don’t microwave pre-cooked bacon and canned beans together.

Also See: Microwave Tiramisu Mug No-bake Dessert in Minutes!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours. Refrigerate up to 3 days – beyond that, your beans might develop more personality than desired.

Reheating? Microwave portions in 30-second bursts with 1 tsp water. Stir between zaps to revive the sauce. Avoid the freezer – thawed noodles turn into rubber bands.

Even with these tips, mishaps can happen. Let’s tackle common mac and cheese meltdowns next…

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

This lazy microwave boxed mac and cheese with canned green beans is the ultimate quick-fix meal when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, and slightly nutritious dish in minutes.

We’d love to hear how your microwave mac and cheese adventure turns out! Did you add any creative twists or stick to the classic lazy version? Either way, enjoy your effortless comfort food creation.