We’ve all been there: hangry, impatient, and eyeballing that can of beans like it’s emergency snack mode. Good news—this lazy microwave bacon and beans recipe turns pantry staples into a hot, savory meal in under 5 minutes with zero real cooking required.
Pre-cooked bacon and canned beans team up here for a protein-packed dish that’s faster than doomscrolling Uber Eats. Seriously, even your microwave can’t mess this up.
Below, we’ll cover ingredient swaps, safety checks, and creative twists to keep your lazy meals exciting.
Jump To:
Lazy Microwave Bacon and Beans Delight
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American2
2
minutes3
minutes300
kcal5
minutesThis Lazy Microwave Bacon and Beans Delight is the ultimate quick meal solution. Using pre-cooked bacon and canned beans allows you to whip up a hearty dish in record time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute dinners. Enjoy the rich flavor of crispy bacon paired with creamy beans for a satisfying combination. This recipe takes minimal effort and time while delivering delicious results.
Ingredients
of pre-cooked bacon
of your favorite beans 15 oz
shredded cheese optional
salt and pepper to taste
sauce (optional
for serving).
Directions
- Place the pre-cooked bacon on a microwave-safe plate, and cover with a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, pour in the canned beans and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warm.
- Once the bacon is heated, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the beans.
- Stir to combine thoroughly.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until the cheese melts.
- Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste, then serve immediately..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the beans before heating for more flavor and nutrition. You can also replace the bacon with turkey bacon or a meat alternative for a different twist. Experiment with different types of beans and cheeses to find your favorite combination!
What Are Lazy Microwaved Bacon and Canned Beans?
Imagine a meal that’s faster than texting “I’m hungry” to your group chat. That’s lazy microwaved bacon and beans: pre-cooked bacon (the shelf-stable or refrigerated kind) and canned beans heated together in a bowl. No skillet, no draining grease, no patience required.
My brother Joseph once forgot to pack food for a lakeside picnic and “MacGyvered” this dish using a gas station microwave. We ate it straight from the paper bowl with plastic sporks. It was chaotic, delicious, and proof that hunger breeds genius.
What Does Lazy Microwave Bacon and Beans Taste Like?
Think salty-smoky bacon dancing with creamy, earthy beans—like campfire food without the smoke in your eyes. The pre-cooked bacon stays slightly chewy if microwaved for 60 seconds, but crank it to 90 seconds for crispy shards. Navy beans melt into a velvety base, while kidney beans add firmer bites. For a quicker and easier option, a microwave bacon recipe can elevate your dish. Using the microwave for bacon not only saves time but also results in perfectly crispy slices to complement those beans.
Joseph’s gas station version used baked beans in tomato sauce, which gave it a sweet-tangy kick. We still argue about whether that accidental syrupiness was “gourmet” or “questionable.” Either way, it’s comfort food that tastes like a win when you’re too tired to adult.
Craving more than just flavor theory? Let’s break down how to build your own lazy masterpiece with smart ingredient hacks. A simple microwave trick can enhance the taste of vegetables, making them more flavorful and enjoyable. With the right technique, you can elevate your everyday veggies to taste as if they came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Bacon and Beans Delight
Grab pre-cooked bacon (the crispy shelf-stable kind) and any canned beans. We’re talking minimal effort here. My college roommate once used gas station beef jerky as a bacon substitute—let’s not repeat that experiment. For a quick meal, lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon pairs perfectly with canned green beans, making dinner a breeze.
Pre-cooked Bacon Alternatives
No pre-cooked bacon? Try refrigerated cooked bacon (30 secs in microwave) or turkey bacon strips. For plant-based options, soy-based “bacon bits” add crunch. Just avoid raw bacon—it’ll turn your bowl into a grease pool (cooking raw bacon in microwave isn’t recommended for this dish).
Canned Bean Substitutes
Black beans, pinto, or chickpeas work if you’re out of navy beans. Avoid baked beans in syrupy sauce unless you want sweet-salty chaos (we’ve tested it—it’s divisive). Rinsed beans = less sodium, more control over flavor. For a quick and easy option, consider trying microwave black beans. They offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this nutritious food without lengthy cooking times.
Also See: 3 Delicious Microwave Recipes Featuring Bacon
How to Make Lazy Microwave Bacon and Beans Delight
This is where laziness shines. I’ve made this while half-asleep using a motel microwave. Pro tip: don’t wear pajamas with syrup stains. You’ll regret it later. If you’re looking for an even easier option, consider making a lazy microwave instant pancake mug. It’s a quick and delightful way to whip up pancakes without the fuss of a full kitchen setup.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Dump 1 cup beans (drained) into microwave-safe bowl.
- Rip 4-6 pre-cooked bacon slices into bits over beans.
- Microwave uncovered 60-90 seconds (1200W). Stir halfway.
- Check temp: 165°F means it’s safe. Add hot sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for Perfectly Microwaved Bacon and Beans
- Stop rubbery bacon: Microwave in 15-second bursts after 60 seconds.
- Prevent bean explosions: Cover bowl with paper towel if your microwave hates you.
- Boost flavor: Sprinkle garlic powder or smoked paprika pre-nuking.
Also See: Easy 90-second Keto Flatbread Ready in No Time!

Can You Microwave Canned Beans Safely?
Yes, but ditch the can. Microwaving metal is a spark-tastic disaster. Transfer beans to a bowl first. Trust me—Joseph once tried microwaving a bean can “for science.” The microwave survived; his dignity didn’t. For a quick and easy meal, consider using microwave canned beans instead. They can be heated in just a few minutes, offering a hassle-free option for a nutritious side dish.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Canned Beans
- Drain liquid to avoid splatter tsunamis.
- Stir beans every 30 seconds for even heating.
- Use oven mitts—bowls get hotter than a TikTok debate.
Microwave-friendly Canned Bean Brands
Bush’s, Goya, and Heinz beans come in BPA-free cans (still, transfer to bowls). For pre-seasoned options, Eden Organic’s no-salt-added beans won’t turn your meal into a sodium bomb. They make for a quick addition to meals, especially when paired with lazy microwave boxed rice or canned beans.
Now that your belly’s full, let’s tackle storing leftovers without summoning the food safety police. With a little creativity, those remnants can be transformed into delightful meals. Utilizing microwave tricks to elevate leftovers can turn ordinary scraps into gourmet status in no time.
How to Store Microwaved Bacon and Canned Beans
Leftovers? Transfer your bacon and beans to an airtight container within two hours. We once left a bowl out during a Netflix binge—let’s just say the next day’s “reheating your bacon in the microwave” smelled like regret. To avoid such mishaps, consider reheating your bacon in the microwave, which can quickly bring it back to its crispy glory. Just place the bacon between paper towels to absorb excess moisture and heat in short intervals for the best results.
Fridge storage keeps it edible for 3-4 days. Freezing works for beans, but bacon turns rubbery upon thawing. To avoid this, you can use the microwave to quickly thaw bacon without compromising its texture. Pro tip: freeze beans solo, then add fresh bacon bits later. Your future self will high-five you.
- Reheating: Add 1 tsp water, cover with damp paper towel, microwave 45-60 seconds.
- Texture rescue: Revive soggy bacon by microwaving 10 seconds on a paper towel.
Recipe Variations for Bacon and Beans Delight
Boredom is the enemy of lazy cooking. My roommate once added sriracha to our beans and declared it “culinary school level.” We’ve refined that chaos into these upgrades.
Spicy Microwave Bean and Bacon Bowl
Toss in 1/2 tsp chili powder, 4 sliced pickled jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot honey with your beans. Microwave 75 seconds. Top with avocado if you’re feeling luxurious. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl without the cleanup.
Cheesy Bacon and Bean Nachos
Layer tortilla chips, beans, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar on a microwave-safe plate. Nuke 45 seconds. Repeat until cheese becomes molten lava. Dip in sour cream—suddenly, it’s “gourmet snack time.” For an even simpler treat, try making cheap microwave tortilla chips topped with melted cheese for a satisfying snack. You can easily whip up a batch in minutes and enjoy the cheesy goodness right at home.
Even with these creative twists, sometimes things go sideways. Let’s tackle common blunders before they crush your lazy chef spirit.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve walked through everything from safety tips to flavor-boosting tricks for your lazy microwave bacon and beans. This 5-minute meal proves convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Grab that pre-cooked bacon and canned beans—your next satisfying meal is just a microwave beep away. Let us know which variation you loved most!


