Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Diced Beets

Craving a meal that’s faster than takeout? This recipe transforms boxed rice and canned beets into a vibrant, filling dish with under 5 minutes of active effort. No chopping, no pots, and zero guilt about “lazy” cooking—just sweet, earthy flavors in a microwave-safe bowl.

We’ll walk through nuking boxed rice safely, reheating beets without turning them rubbery, and jazzing up this duo into something you’ll crave. Got a fork? Let’s turn your microwave into a shortcut kitchen.

Below, we cover microwave safety for rice and beets, flavor-boosting hacks, and fixes for common mishaps like mushy grains or bland bites.

Why Microwave Boxed Rice and Canned Beets?

My grandma once told me, “Hungry guests arrive unannounced – but lazy cooks stay prepared.” Her pantry always had boxed rice and canned veggies for emergency meals. Combine them? You’ve got a 5-minute dish that’s filling, colorful, and shockingly tasty. For even greater convenience, adding canned chicken to microwave boxed rice creates a quick and satisfying meal option that anyone can whip up, even on the busiest days.

The Laziest Way to Combine Pantry Staples

Boxed rice (like Uncle Ben’s or Knorr) comes pre-seasoned and par-cooked. Canned beets? Already softened and pre-diced. Together, they’re the culinary equivalent of a high-five – minimal effort, maximum reward. My sister Candice even made this at summer camp using a dorm microwave when the dining hall food got… adventurous.

No draining pans. No babysitting burners. Just pop, heat, and mix. If you’ve got a microwave-safe bowl and a fork, you’re already halfway done.

Can You Microwave Boxed Rice?

Absolutely – but vent the lid unless you want starchy explosions. Most boxed rice needs 3-5 minutes in an 1100W microwave. Check the package directions, then subtract 10-15 seconds to avoid overcooking. Trust me – mushy rice is sad rice. When reheating rice, it’s important to add a splash of water to maintain moisture and improve the texture. This simple step helps ensure your rice comes out fluffy and delicious each time.

Safety, Time, and Texture Tips

Use a deep bowl (rice expands!), and cover with a microwave-safe plate instead of plastic wrap. For 90-second rice brands like Minute Rice, heat 1 minute, stir in beets, then zap 30 more seconds. The beet juice adds moisture without making grains soggy.

Pro tip: Place a damp paper towel under the bowl to prevent splatters. Grandma’s trick? Add a pat of butter before microwaving – it keeps rice fluffy and adds richness. We call that a two-second upgrade with five-star impact. It’s just one of those simple tricks, like tricking the microwave to cook corn on the cob perfectly – makes all the difference when you’re doing lazy microwave boxed rice with canned diced beets.

Up next: Let’s tackle the beet of the matter – how to nuke those ruby-red gems without turning them into rubbery lumps.

Can You Microwave Canned Diced Beets?

Absolutely – but always drain them first. That beet juice might look vibrant, but nuking them in liquid leads to uneven heating and soggy texture. I learned this the hard way during a midnight snack escapade that turned my bowl into a pink swamp.

Draining, Heating, and Flavor Retention

Drain beets thoroughly using a colander or fork-pressing them against the can’s lid. For ½ cup beets, microwave 30-45 seconds in a covered dish at 1100W. Add 1 tsp water or apple cider vinegar to keep them moist without leaching color. Pro tip: Stir halfway – heat pockets love hiding in beet cubes! Combining these beets with cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes creates a quick and nutritious meal option. This simple addition not only enhances flavor but also adds color and texture to your dish.

Want bolder flavor? Sprinkle thyme or drizzle balsamic glaze before heating. My roommate swears by adding orange zest – “like sunset in a bowl,” she says. We call it her “microwave gourmet” phase. This approach can elevate dishes like grilled watermelon salad, especially when paired with a microwave balsamic glaze that adds a sweet tang to the mix.

Also See: 5 Microwave Questions for Seafood Lovers: Quick Tips!

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Rice and Beets

This dish thrives on simplicity, but here’s how to riff on it:

Boxed Rice Alternatives (Instant, Flavored, or Plain)

• Instant: Minute Rice (plain) for 90-second prep
• Flavored: Knorr Spanish Rice or Rice-A-Roni Cheddar Broccoli
• Fancy: Seeds of Change Quinoa & Brown Rice blends

My camping hack? Use those single-serve microwaveable rice pouches. No measuring, no mess – just tear and nuke.

Canned Beet Substitutes (Fresh, Pickled, or Other Veggies)

• Fresh: Dice 1 small beet, microwave 3-4 minutes with 1 tbsp water
• Pickled: Adds tang – drain well to prevent sogginess
• Other veggies: Canned carrots, peas, or corn (drained!)

Once, during a beet shortage, I used jarred roasted red peppers. Not the same, but still delish – lazy cooking wins again!

Optional Add-ins and Seasoning Swaps

• Creamy: Goat cheese crumbles or Greek yogurt
• Crunchy: Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds
• Herbs: Dill (fresh or dried) pairs perfectly

My college staple? A dash of Everything Bagel seasoning. Sounds weird, but the garlic and sesame make beets pop.

Also See: Microwave Apple Crisp Recipe- 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Make Lazy Microwave Rice and Beets

Grab your bowl and let’s turn pantry staples into magic:

Step 1: Prepping the Boxed Rice for Microwaving

Empty rice into a deep, microwave-safe bowl. Add water or broth per package instructions – but reduce liquid by 1 tbsp to account for beet moisture. Cover with a vented lid or paper towel. Microwave 3 minutes at 1100W, then fluff with a fork. Underdone? Zap in 20-second bursts. This method is a great way to prepare rice without needing a stove, making it perfect for quick meals. With this microwave trick, anyone can achieve perfectly cooked rice in no time.

Step 2: Draining and Heating Beets Efficiently

Press canned beets in a sieve to remove 90% of juice. Spread in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Heat 45 seconds – they should be warm but firm. Toss with a pinch of salt to enhance natural sweetness. Burned your tongue testing one? Join the club – patience is overrated. Cooking beets in the microwave is not only quick but also retains their vibrant color and flavor. The method makes it easy to enjoy this nutritious vegetable without the hassle of boiling or roasting.

Step 3: Combining and Customizing Your Bowl

Mix beets into rice gently to avoid staining every grain pink (unless you’re into that). Top with your add-ins – I’m team “goat cheese + honey drizzle.” For spicy kicks, add chili crisp or sriracha. My brother once used leftover taco sauce – “fusion cuisine,” he called it. We called it dinnertime. For an even quicker meal, a microwave Mexican rice recipe can elevate your dish with minimal effort and time.

Pro Tips for Avoiding Mushy Rice or Overheated Beets

• Separate heating: Never microwave rice and beets together initially
• Power down: Use 70% power for beets if your microwave runs hot
• Stir smarter: Fold beet juice into rice after cooking for even color

Craving more texture contrasts? Try pickled beets – their acidity balances the rice’s richness beautifully.

Now that we’ve nailed the basics, let’s explore how this unlikely duo actually tastes – spoiler: it’s way better than “lazy” implies.

What Does Microwave Rice With Beets Taste Like?

Imagine buttery rice grains hugging sweet, earthy beet cubes – it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. The beets bring subtle sweetness (nature’s candy, honestly), while boxed rice adds savory depth. My first attempt at Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice with Canned Diced Beets tasted suspiciously gourmet for a 4-minute meal – “accidental elegance,” as my book club friend declared.

Sweet, Earthy Flavors With Speedy Satisfaction

Depending on your rice flavor, expect:

• Savory: Spanish or garlic rice balances beets’ sweetness
• Cheesy: Cheddar broccoli rice creates indulgent comfort
• Plain: Lets beets shine, especially with citrus zest or herbs

Texture-wise? Tender yet firm beets contrast fluffy rice. Add walnuts for crunch or feta for creaminess – lazy doesn’t mean monotonous!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

We’ve all been there – pink mush in a bowl, weeping over a rubbery beet. Fear not; these fixes save the day (and your dinner).

Overcooked Rice? Quick Salvage Methods

If your rice resembles wallpaper paste:

1. Spread it on a plate to release steam
2. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil to separate grains
3. Mix in uncooked instant oats (1 tbsp) to absorb excess moisture

Pro tip: Repurpose mushy rice into beet-rice patties. Pan-fry with an egg binder – crisis averted! An easy alternative for those tired of mushy rice is to make cheap microwave egg fried rice using leftover rice. This dish transforms leftovers into a quick, tasty meal in just minutes.

Too Much Liquid? Beet Juice Adjustments

Beet juice stains fingers, shirts, and rice bowls crimson. If your mix looks soupy:

• Drain beets over the sink, pressing with a spoon
• Microwave rice uncovered for 30 seconds to evaporate moisture
• Stir in breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan to thicken

Save that vibrant juice! Use it to tint deviled eggs or mix into salad dressing – waste not, want not.

Bland Results? Instant Flavor Boosters

If your bowl tastes “meh,” raid your fridge:

• Acid: Lemon juice or pickled beet brine (1 tsp)
• Heat: Chili flakes or horseradish (¼ tsp)
• Umami: Soy sauce or nutritional yeast (½ tsp)

My desk-lunch secret? A packet of honey mustard from last week’s takeout. Sweet, tangy, and gloriously lazy. It’s perfect for quick meals, especially when whipping up something simple like microwave honey mustard chicken.

Mastered the art of microwave improvisation? Let’s tackle keeping leftovers fresh (because sometimes even lazy cooks make too much).

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from safety to flavor hacks—your lazy microwave rice and beets bowl is just minutes away. Whether you’re craving earthy sweetness or need a pantry-staple rescue, this combo delivers.

Got a twist? Swap in pickled beets or toss in some feta. The microwave won’t judge your laziness, and neither will we. Happy microwaving!