Microwave family meals
Make these easy microwavable meals on busy weeknights – discover our favourite dishes, including chilli, sweet & sour chicken and a cheesy vegetable hotpot.
When we are short on time, the last thing we want to be doing is cooking recipes that are long-winded and complex. But, there is the worry that quick meals are not always the healthiest. We have just the solution with our microwave chilli, pasta and one-pot dishes, plus even more fuss-free meals filled with goodness and flavour.
The microwave shouldn't be dismissed as an essential kitchen tool – it can make anything from jacket potatoes and scrambled eggs, to plenty more of our favourite recipes. Also, read our top tips on how to cook in a microwave to be sure you get the most out of yours.
There are also microwave desserts to keep the kids happy after dinner. For other efficient ways of cooking, check out our collection of healthy family freezable meal ideas.
1) Microwave chilli
Jack Monroe’s speedy vegetarian kidney bean chilli is perfect for all the family and healthy, too. It's a great midweek meal that incorporates two of your five-a-day. Simply double or triple the ingredients to serve your family and top with tangy soured cream and coriander.
See our other chilli recipes.
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2) Microwave penne pappa el pomodoro
This delicious garlic and tomato pasta is perfect for all the family. It takes just 25 minutes in the microwave, and is a great lunch for kids to take to school, too.
See our other pasta dishes.
3) Microwave leeky salmon in a parcel
Assemble these easy parcels a few hours ahead or the evening before serving, zap in the microwave and you'll have a healthy, delicious dinner in no time. Make as many parcels as you need to feed the family.
See our other salmon recipes.
4) Microwave risotto primavera
This healthy risotto is a great way to make sure all the family get their greens in, and it can be made 20 minutes in the microwave. It's also high in fibre and folic acid, making it ideal for midweek.
See our other risotto recipes.
5) Microwave cheesy vegetable hotpot
This warming vegetarian hotpot can be made with minimum effort in the microwave. Packed with vegetables, it's a perfect midweek dish for the family. Don’t worry about leftovers, either – it's just as good reheated.
See our other hotpot recipes.
6) Microwave bacon & fish o'leekie
This low-fat dish will ensure kids and adults alike get a serving of omega-3 fatty acids. It's also packed with flavour, so all the family is sure to enjoy it.
See our other fish recipes.
7) Microwave bacon & bean casserole
This casserole is a delicious twist on classic baked beans. Add them to this rich stew with plenty of other vegetables to feed all the family – it can be made in the microwave in just 3 minutes.
See our other casserole recipes.
8) Microwave fish with peas & lettuce
This microwavable fish dish is packed with all the green vegetables you need, and is an easy midweek meal for the family. Packed with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, simply double or triple the ingredients if you need to feed more.
See our other cod recipes.
9) Microwave stuffed peppers
Bring sunny flavours to your table with these peppers filled with rice, pesto, goat's cheese and olives. This heathy supper is ready in 15 minutes and will leave all the family satisfied.
See our other stuffed peppers recipes.
10) Microwave tuna sweet potato jackets
Swap classic baked potatoes for sweet potatoes – ours are loaded with our spicy tuna, and are a budget-friendly microwave meal.
See our other sweet potato recipes.
11) Microwave mac 'n' cheese
Jack Monroe’s easiest macaroni and cheese is a great meal for kids. Add either spinach or yeast extract to make it even tastier, and double and triple the ingredients to feed more if you need.
See our other macaroni cheese recipes.
12) Microwave butternut squash risotto
This impressive butternut squash risotto is a special weekend treat for the family. It’s a source of vitamin C, counts as one of your five-a-day and is ready in under 30 minutes.
See our other butternut squash recipes.
13) Microwave salmon & leek one-pot
This flavoursome one-pot wonder can be made in just three steps. The olive oil, mustard, honey and lemon sauce is mixed with salmon and vegetables for a light, summery supper.
See our other leek recipes.
14) Microwave steamed salmon
These steamed salmon pieces are served with coriander springs, and have been inspired by a classic Chinese New Year dish. Try it as an alternative to your Friday night takeaway.
See our other steamed recipes.
