Comparison: Best Microwave Meals (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be real—some days, cooking just isn’t happening. That’s where microwave meals swoop in like kitchen superheroes. But with so many options lining the grocery aisles, how do you know which ones are actually worth your time (and taste buds)? We’ve eaten our way through dozens of frozen trays to find the **best microwave meals** that don’t taste like a compromise. Spoiler: some are shockingly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a quick solo dinner, we’ve got the real scoop on flavor, quality, and value.
- Best for protein variety pack: HORMEL COMPLEATS Protein Variety Pack Microwave Trays (Pack of 5)
- Best for real beef pasta: Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Microwave Cup
- Best for hearty beef roast: HORMEL COMPLEATS Beef Pot Roast Microwave Tray
- Best for aged cheddar comfort: Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Best for mixed meal pack: HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack (Pack of 5)
- Best for healthy chicken marinara: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan
- Best for ginger beef bowl: Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl
- Best for teriyaki beef bowl: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki
- Best for classic meatloaf comfort: HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy With Mashed Potatoes Microwave Tray
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Meals
HORMEL COMPLEATS Protein Variety Pack Microwave Trays (Pack of 5)
- HORMEL COMPLEATS Protein Variety Pack: This variety pack includes 1 each of our high protein Trays: Chicken Alfredo, Turkey and Dressing, Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, plus 2 Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes
- Shelf To Table: Made with high quality ingredients and homestyle recipes HORMEL COMPLEATS products deliver a satisfying dinner or lunch that is ready to eat in 60 seconds; No prep, no mess, and no clean up
- Real Food. Real Fast: HORMEL COMPLEATS microwave trays are shelf stable and deliver a hearty dinner; Stock your pantry, desk, or locker for a quick, tasty dish anytime
- Good Taste: From chili with beans to Salisbury steak, mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, pot pie and more, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwaveable trays are an easy, affordable way to get dinner done
- HORMEL COMPLEATS products: On the job or at home after a long day, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwavable trays meet you where you’re at; satisfying lunch or dinner that is ready in 60 seconds with no prep, clean-up, or freezer required
Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Microwave Cup, 2 oz (6 Pack), Real Beef, 8g Protein, Ready in 4 Minutes, Quick Microwavable Pasta Meal or Snack for Midweek Dinners, Busy Evenings, and Families on the Go
- PASTA: America’s favorite Hamburger Helper in a savory beef pasta entree, blending pasta, sauce, and real spices
- QUICK AND EASY: Make Hamburger Helper in three easy steps: simply add water and included flavor pouch, microwave for 4 minutes, then stir and enjoy!
- INGREDIENTS: Packaged food is made with real beef and spices and no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources
- ENDLESS OPTIONS: Add your own twist with additional ingredients and head to the Betty Crocker website for Hamburger Helper recipes and pastas the whole family will love
- CONTAINS: 2 oz per cup
HORMEL COMPLEATS Beef Pot Roast Microwave Tray, 9 Ounces (Pack of 6)
- Microwave Beef Pot Roast: Featuring tender beef with potatoes and carrots in a savory brown sauce. This convenient dish hits the spot with 16 grams of protein per serving
- Shelf To Table: Made with high quality ingredients and homestyle recipes HORMEL COMPLEATS products deliver a satisfying dinner or lunch that is ready to eat in 60 seconds; No prep, no mess, and no clean up
- Real Food. Real Fast: HORMEL COMPLEATS microwave trays are shelf stable and deliver a hearty dinner; Stock your pantry, desk, or locker for a quick, tasty dish anytime
- Good Taste: From chili with beans to Salisbury steak, mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, pot pie and more, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwaveable trays are an easy, affordable way to get dinner done
- HORMEL COMPLEATS products: On the job or at home after a long day, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwavable trays meet you where you’re at; satisfying lunch or dinner that is ready in 60 seconds with no prep, clean-up, or freezer required
Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl, Convenient Oven or Microwave Meal With Chicken and Rice, Frozen Meal, 12 OZ
- One 12 oz Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl frozen meal
- Featuring rice and chicken breast in a rich cheese sauce, this easy-to-prepare, hearty family meal offers savory taste everyone will love
- The family dinner contains 19 grams of protein per serving and is made without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, so you can enjoy wholesome, ready made meals without compromising on flavor
- Bake this multi-serve frozen dinner in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes and let stand for 2 minutes for convenient family meals
- Marie Callender’s delicious, quick meals are perfect for a family-style lunch or dinner; keep frozen dinners in the freezer until you are ready to prepare
HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack (Pack of 5), 7.5 oz Microwave Tray– Pasta, Rice, and Chicken dishes- Microwave Meals, Prepared Foods
- Includes 5- 7.5 oz HORMEL COMPLEATS meals. One each of HORMEL COMPLEATS Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, HORMEL COMPLEATS Dumplings and Chicken, HORMEL COMPLEATS Chicken and Noodles, HORMEL COMPLEATS Beefy Mac and Cheese and HORMEL COMPLEATS Rice and Chicken
- Shelf To Table: Made with high quality ingredients and homestyle recipes, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwave meals deliver a satisfying dinner or lunch that is ready to eat in 60 seconds; No prep, no mess, and no clean up
- Great taste and microwaveable trays are an easy, affordable way to get dinner done
- HORMEL COMPLEATS meals are perfect for on the job or at home after a long day, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwavable trays meet you where you’re at; satisfying lunch or dinner that is ready in 60 seconds
- Other HORMEL COMPLEATS varieties you may enjoy; HORMEL COMPLEATS Chili with Beans, HORMEL COMPLEATS Salisbury Steak, HORMEL COMPLEATS Macaroni & Cheese or HORMEL COMPLEATS Hearty Chicken Pot Pie Stew
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
- One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan frozen meal
- Featuring grilled chicken breast with penne pasta and broccoli in zesty marinara sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, the frozen pasta meals offer a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen dinner for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 3 1/2 to 4 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen food in the freezer until ready to prepare
Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl, Convenient Oven or Microwave Meal with Beef and Rice, Frozen Meal, 11.8 OZ
- One 11.8 oz Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl frozen meal
- Featuring tender beef, broccoli and rice smothered in a savory sauce, this easy-to-prepare frozen burrito makes for a warm, hearty meal anywhere and anytime
- This frozen family dinner contains 17 grams of protein per serving and is made without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, so you can enjoy wholesome meals without compromising on flavor
- Heat this frozen dinner in the microwave for 4 minutes, stir, re-cover and cook an additional 1 1/2 minutes, or prepare in the oven 45 to 50 minutes, let stand for 2 minutes, for convenient, comfort food flavor
- Marie Callender’s offers a variety of frozen meals that are perfect for a family dinner or individual microwave meals any time of the day; keep frozen food in the freezer until you are ready to prepare
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
- One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki frozen meal
- Featuring tender beef strips with rice, carrots, broccoli and water chestnuts in a sweet teriyaki sauce, these frozen entrees provide an easy and healthy solution for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, this frozen beef dish offers a satisfying, healthy dinner with a flavor everyone will love
- Perfect frozen meal for those who value health and want an easy meal solution without compromising on flavor or quality
- Microwave meal is ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen dinner in the freezer until ready to prepare
HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy With Mashed Potatoes Microwave Tray, 9 oz. (6 Pack)
- Six 9 oz. microwave trays of HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy With Mashed Potatoes is comfort food ready in 60 seconds – it’s America’s no.1 shelf stable tray
- Made with high quality ingredients and homestyle recipes HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy With Mashed Potatoes has savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes with gravy – it’s big on flavor and a big value
- Shelf stable, HORMEL COMPLEATS entrees go from shelf to table with no prep, no mess and no clean up – conveniently stocked in your pantry whenever hunger hits
- A quick, nourishing option for a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner with 15 g of protein per serving (22% DV) and no artificial ingredients
- From chili with beans to Salisbury steak, mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, pot pie and more, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwaveable trays are an easy, affordable way to get supper on the table.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing between shelf‑stable microwave trays and frozen meals?
Shelf‑stable trays, like Hormel Compleats, require no freezer space and can be stored in a pantry, while frozen meals need a freezer but often offer a fresher texture. Look at preparation time—most trays heat in about 60 seconds, whereas frozen meals usually need 3–5 minutes. Also compare protein content and ingredient lists to match your nutritional goals.
Which products give the most protein per serving?
Hormel Compleats trays typically provide 15–16 g of protein per 9‑oz serving, and the Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl offers 19 g. Healthy Choice Steamers range from 8 g (Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Cup) to about 17 g in the Beef Teriyaki option. If protein is a priority, the Hormel and Marie Callender’s options lead the pack.
How do the prices compare for a similar number of meals?
Hormel Compleats variety packs (5‑6 trays) often deliver a lower cost per meal because they are shelf‑stable and sold in bulk. Frozen meals like Marie Callender’s and Healthy Choice are typically priced per single serving, which can be higher per meal but may include premium ingredients. Calculating cost per ounce or per gram of protein helps reveal the true value.
Are there any major allergens or dietary restrictions to watch for?
Most of the listed products contain dairy, wheat, and soy, and some include meat allergens like beef or chicken. Hormel Compleats trays do not use artificial flavors or colors, but they are not gluten‑free. Check each ingredient list for specific allergens such as peanuts or shellfish, which are not mentioned but could appear in flavor variations.
Which meals are the quickest to prepare for a busy workday?
Hormel Compleats trays are the fastest, heating in about 60 seconds with no stirring required after removal from the microwave. Frozen options like Healthy Choice Steamers need 3–5 minutes and a quick stir, while Marie Callender’s frozen bowls may require up to 5 minutes. For the tightest schedule, shelf‑stable trays win on speed.
How do the flavor profiles differ among the brands?
Hormel Compleats focus on classic comfort foods—meatloaf, pot roast, and cheesy pasta—delivering homestyle taste. Marie Callender’s offers richer, cheese‑forward dishes like the Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl. Healthy Choice Steamers emphasize lighter, Mediterranean‑style flavors such as Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan and Beef Teriyaki.
What is the best way to store these microwave meals for maximum shelf life?
Shelf‑stable Hormel trays should be kept in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight and will stay fresh for months. Frozen meals from Marie Callender’s and Healthy Choice need to remain frozen until ready to use; once thawed, they should be consumed within 24 hours. Always follow the manufacturer’s “best‑by” dates for optimal quality.
Do any of these options provide a good balance of nutrition and convenience for families?
Hormel Compleats Variety Pack offers a mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables in each tray, making it convenient for quick family meals without extra prep. Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl provides higher protein and a family‑size portion, but requires a longer cooking time. Healthy Choice Steamers deliver lower calories and added veggies, appealing to health‑focused families who still need speed.