Comparison: Best Microwave Dinners (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be real—some days, cooking just isn’t happening. That’s where microwave dinners save the week. 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 meals to find the ones that taste fresh, heat evenly, and don’t leave you feeling guilty. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something healthy and quick, we’ve got the real scoop on the **best microwave dinners** that deliver every time.
- Best for real beef pasta: Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Microwave Cup
- Best for mug meal mastery: 250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
- Best for elegant plate set: Nordic Ware 10-Inch Meal Plate
- Best for mug recipe collection: Meal in a Mug: 80 Fast
- Best for simple microwave plates: Nordic Ware Microwave Everyday Dinner Plates
- Best for mug cooking handbook: The Official CorningWare Meal Mug Cookbook: 75 Easy Microwave Meals in Minutes
- Best for one-pan heroics: Hero Dinners: Complete One-Pan Meals That Save the Day
- Best for sheet-pan simplicity: Sheet-Pan Meals: 100+ Simple
- Best for eco unbreakable set: Grow Forward 16-piece Premium Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets for 4 – Unbreakable Dishwasher & Microwave Safe Plastic Plates and Bowls Sets – Patio
- Best for healthy steam cooker: GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Dinners
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
250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
Nordic Ware 10-Inch Meal Plate, Set of 2, White, Microwave Safe Polypropylene
- Upscale dinnerware brings a fresh look to casual, every day dining
- Mix and match them with our bowls and smaller plates to create a clean-lined, modern table setting that will impress your guests
- Our dinnerware is stackable, durable, microwave and dishwasher safe
- Each plate exterior measures 10.3 inches in diameter, with a 9.8 inch interior diameter and plate lip of 0.8 inches.
- Proudly American Made since 1946
Meal in a Mug: 80 Fast, Easy Recipes for Hungry People―All You Need Is a Mug and a Microwave
Nordic Ware Microwave Everyday Dinner Plates, Set of 4, white, 10 Inch
- Simple and elegant
- Microwave safe
- Bpa- and melamine-free
- Set of 4
- Made in america
The Official CorningWare Meal Mug Cookbook: 75 Easy Microwave Meals in Minutes
Hero Dinners: Complete One-Pan Meals That Save the Day
- Ancho Chili Chicken Pot Pie with Cornbread Biscuit Topping
- Peruvian Chicken with Purple Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts and Aji Verde Sauce
- Salmon with Ginger Tomato Jalapeno Sauce and Zucchini Couscous
- Sheetpan Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese
- Southern Style Smothered Pork Chops with Collard Greens and Grits
- Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
- Lemon Chicken with Orzo and Artichokes
- Sheetpan Pizza with Soft Eggs, Asparagus, and Peas
- Gochujang Skirt Steak with Scallion Polenta and Broccoli
- Apricot Honey Glazed Spareribs with Smash-Roasted Potatoes
- Skillet Lasagna with Caramelized Onions and Spinach
Sheet-Pan Meals: 100+ Simple, Delicious, Hassle-Free Dinners
Grow Forward 16-piece Premium Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets for 4 – Unbreakable Dishwasher & Microwave Safe Plastic Plates and Bowls Sets – Patio, Outdoors, RV, Camping Dishes – Seascape
- [ Upscale & Stylish Wheat Straw Dishes Set for 4 ] – We know it’s hard to believe, but this dinnerware set IS NOT ceramic. Our products are made using a blend of wheat straw and non toxic, food safe polypropylene, which binds the natural materials together and makes them unbreakable and microwavable. Included are (4) 10.5″ dinner plates, (4) 7.5″ dessert plates, (4) 27 oz cereal bowls, and (4) 30 oz pasta bowls. Pairs perfectly with our Grow Forward cups sets!
- [ Natural Wheat Straw Dinnerware ] – With a high-end look unmatched in the wheat straw space, our custom designed plastic dinnerware sets beautifully complement your existing flatware and glassware. These modern wheat straw plates and bowls sets are easy-to-clean reusable plastic dishes sets for the kitchen. Dishwasher safe, perfect as camping dinnerware, suitable year-round, stackable and space-saving. Great as both indoor and outdoor dishes.
- [ Lightweight & Unbreakable Dinnerware ] – Sturdy and lightweight, these non breakable plastic plates and bowls sets for 4 are shatterproof and anti-chip. The durable, drop-friendly design adds an extra layer of safety for the whole family. Perfect as poolside outdoor plates and wheat straw dinnerware sets for the patio. Our bowls and plates combine the nice look of classy dinnerware with the practicality of wheat straw materials.
- [ Dishwasher Safe & Microwave Safe ] – Fridge and freezer safe too! Please note that because our dishes contain natural materials, pressure from sharp knives may leave scratches, and microwaving red sauces for too long can cause staining (this is the nature of all wheat straw dinnerware). However, they will not break or chip like porcelain or ceramic and won’t splinter like wood, making them a great option for everyday use.
- [ Earth Conscious & Planet Friendly ] – At Grow Forward, we make sure our eco-friendly products are always good for the Earth. Wheat straw dishes have a smaller carbon footprint than reusable plastic plates and consume less energy than other materials without harming forests or altering natural ecosystems. Thank you for supporting an American small business.
GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker, Microwave Cookware Preserves Vitamins & Nutrients, Quick Dinner & Meals, Adjustable Steam Release Vent
- FOOD STEAMER & COOKWARE: Preparing vegetables and fish just got easier with the GoodCook Microwave Steamer. A quick and convenient way to cook nutritious meals, ensuring flavorful results with minimal effort.
- PRESERVE VITAMINS & NUTRIENTS: This innovative kitchen steamer simplifies cooking fresh or frozen vegetables while preserving their vitamins and nutrients. It is also ideal for steaming fish to quickly prepare a wholesome meal in the microwave.
- ADJUSTABLE STEAM VENTILATION: The adjustable steam release vent on the lid allows steam to escape and prevents the container from sealing shut for easy and safe cooking. Adjust it to achieve delicious results, every time.
- EASY TO USE: Simply add water to the bottom tray, place the steam tray on top with veggies or fish, cover with the lid, and cook. The steamer is designed with a clear lid to periodically check your food when cooking.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: This vegetable steamer is dishwasher-safe to make cleanup a breeze. It measures 8” x 12” x 2.7” for efficient storage in cabinets and on shelves when not in use.
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 a microwave‑ready dinner versus a microwave‑safe plate?
Look at the portion size, protein content, and ingredient quality for meals, while for plates focus on material safety, durability, and size that fits your microwave. Microwave meals like Hamburger Helper provide quick nutrition but may contain added sodium, whereas sturdy plates such as Nordic Ware or wheat‑straw sets let you reheat any dish safely. Also compare price per serving for meals and cost per set for dinnerware to gauge overall value.
How do the microwave‑safe dinner plates differ in material and performance?
Nordic Ware plates are made from food‑grade polypropylene, offering a classic white look, BPA‑free construction, and dishwasher safety. The Grow Forward wheat‑straw plates combine a natural composite with polypropylene, making them unbreakable, lightweight, and eco‑friendly, though they may stain with red sauces. Both are microwave safe, but the wheat‑straw set provides a greener footprint while Nordic Ware offers a more traditional aesthetic.
Are microwave steamer accessories worth buying compared to just using a bowl?
A dedicated steamer like the GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer separates water and food, preserving vitamins and preventing soggy textures that can occur in a simple bowl. Its adjustable vent and clear lid give you control over cooking time and steam release, which can improve consistency for vegetables and fish. While you can improvise with a bowl, the steamer adds convenience, easy cleanup, and better nutrient retention.
Which microwave dinner books provide the most versatile recipes for everyday cooking?
“250 Best Meals in a Mug” and “The Official CorningWare Meal Mug Cookbook” both focus on single‑serve, mug‑based meals that are quick and require minimal cleanup. The former offers a broader range of cuisines, while the latter leans toward classic comfort foods with CorningWare’s specific mug designs. Choose based on whether you prefer variety or recipes that match a particular set of microwave‑safe mugs.
How does the protein content of Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta compare to other microwave meals?
The Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta cup provides about 8 g of protein per 2 oz serving, which is modest for a quick meal. Other microwave meals, especially those featuring meat or legumes, may offer 12–15 g of protein per serving. If protein is a priority, consider supplementing with a side like Greek yogurt or choosing a meal with higher protein claims.
What are the cost‑benefit considerations when buying a set of microwave plates versus individual pieces?
Buying a set, such as the Nordic Ware 4‑plate pack or the Grow Forward 16‑piece collection, usually lowers the per‑item price and ensures matching sizes for a cohesive table setting. Individual plates can be cheaper upfront but may lead to mismatched aesthetics and extra shipping costs. Evaluate how many people you regularly serve and whether you need both dinner and dessert plates to decide which option gives the best long‑term value.
Can I safely microwave meals from the books using any microwave‑safe plate?
Yes, as long as the plate is labeled microwave‑safe, you can transfer recipes from the mug cookbooks onto plates for larger portions or easier serving. Ensure the plate has a flat, heat‑resistant surface and avoid decorative trims that could melt. Checking the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum temperature will prevent any warping or discoloration.
What environmental factors should influence my purchase of microwave dinnerware?
Materials like wheat‑straw composites have a lower carbon footprint and are biodegradable, making them a greener choice compared to traditional plastics. Reusable plates reduce waste from disposable containers, and dishwasher‑safe designs extend product life. Weigh the sustainability benefits against durability needs; for example, wheat‑straw plates are unbreakable, while some plastic plates may be lighter but less robust.