Comparison: Best Microwave Lunch Meals (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be real—lunch breaks are short, and cooking shouldn’t eat into them. That’s where the **best microwave lunch meals** come in, saving busy days one quick zap at a time. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are actually tasty, nutritious, and worth your money? I’ve tested the top contenders, from hearty bowls to clever meal kits, so you don’t have to waste time on sad, soggy lunches. Ready to find your new go-to midday fix? Let’s break down what really works.
- Best for pesto chicken delight: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables
- Best for marinara chicken classic: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan
- Best for teriyaki beef bowl: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki
- Best for ginger beef comfort: Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl
- Best for variety pack convenience: HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack (Pack of 5)
- Best for cheddar chicken melt: Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Best for bbq steak feast: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes
- Best for marsala chicken supreme: Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala
- Best for cheeseburger mac blast: Velveeta Cheesy Bowls Ultimate Cheeseburger Mac Microwave Meal
- Best for portion prep set: Bentgo Prep – 20-Piece 3-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Lunch Meals
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.9 OZ Bowl
- One 9.9 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables frozen meal
- Featuring grilled chicken breast with freshly made rotini pasta, zucchini and spinach in a basil pesto 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 4 to 4 1/2 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen food in the freezer until ready to prepare
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
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
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
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
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
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ Bowl
- One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes frozen meal
- Featuring tender beef strips with russet potatoes and vegetable medley in a whiskey BBQ 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 4 to 4 1/2 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen dinner in the freezer until ready to prepare
Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala, Convenient Microwave Meal Made With No Preservatives, Frozen Meal, 9.9 OZ Bowl
- One 9.9 oz Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala Frozen Meal
- Featuring chicken breast with russet potatoes, whole green beans, mushrooms and onions in a marsala wine sauce, this dish delivers easy and healthy solutions for delicious healthy frozen meals any day of the week
- Made with quality ingredients and no preservatives, this grilled chicken marsala meal 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 meals are ideal for lunch or quick meals at home, simply heat in the microwave 4 1/2 to 5 minutes and stir into sauce; keep frozen meals in the freezer until ready to prepare
Velveeta Cheesy Bowls Ultimate Cheeseburger Mac Microwave Meal, 9 oz Tray
- One 9 oz box of Velveeta Cheesy Bowls Ultimate Cheeseburger Mac Microwave Meal
- Velveeta Cheeseburger Mac includes elbow pasta and a creamy cheese sauce featuring savory beef
- Satisfy your cravings with unrestrained pleasure
- Unapologetically go all-in for the cheesy, melty goodness you love best
- To prepare, remove cheese pouch, partially peel back film from top of tray, microwave on high for one minute and stir in cheese sauce with beef
- Velveeta Cheeseburger Mac includes elbow pasta and a creamy cheese sauce featuring savory beef
- Our single-serving mac and cheese bowl is ready in just 60 seconds
- To prepare, remove cheese pouch, partially peel back film from top of tray, microwave on high for one minute and stir in cheese sauce with beef
- SNAP & EBT eligible food item
- Please note, the package you receive may look different than what is pictured
- Cheese Sauce Pouch Inside
- Made with Real Cheese
- Microwaveable in 60 Seconds
Bentgo Prep – 20-Piece 3-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids, PFAS & BPA Free Materials, Durable, Microwave, Freezer, & Dishwasher Safe To Go Food Storage (Silver)
- #1 Brand Pick for Meal Prep Containers: Bentgo is the top pick for meal prep containers!* This lightweight, portable 20-piece set includes ten three-compartment trays and ten custom-fit lids to seal in freshness—perfect for breakfasts, lunches, and leftovers on the go.
- Perfect for Portion-Control: Each container’s 4-cup capacity and embossed measurements make portioning easy to support balanced, healthy meal plans. Clear, stackable lids help keep food fresh and organized in your fridge or pantry.
- Durable & Reusable: Made from tough, PFAS- and BPA-free materials, these meal prep containers are built to last through repeated use. Say goodbye to single-use plastics with these reusable containers you can take to work, school, or the gym.
- Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe: Easy to heat, store, and clean! Safely reheat food from fridge or freezer—microwave trays only. Top-shelf dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup; hand-wash lids for best results.
- What You Get: 10 three-compartment trays, 10 custom-fit lids, and caring customer support.
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
How do the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers meals differ in flavor and nutrition?
The Grilled Chicken Pesto uses a basil pesto sauce with rotini, while the Grilled Chicken Marinara offers a classic marinara and penne. Both provide around 9.5‑9.9 oz servings with no preservatives, but the pesto version includes zucchini and spinach, adding extra vegetables. Their protein content is similar, so choose based on your sauce preference.
Which frozen meals give the most protein per serving?
Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl and the Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl each deliver about 17‑19 g of protein per serving. The Healthy Choice options typically provide slightly less protein but focus on lean chicken and balanced carbs. If protein is a priority, the Marie Callender’s bowls are the top choices.
What are the cooking time differences between microwave and oven‑ready meals?
Most Healthy Choice and Hormel meals are designed for a quick 3½‑4½ minute microwave heating. Marie Callender’s bowls can be microwaved in about 4‑5 minutes but also offer an oven option that takes 45‑55 minutes for a firmer texture. Choose microwave for speed, or oven if you prefer a baked finish.
Are there any preservative‑free options among these products?
All Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers meals are marketed as having no preservatives, and Marie Callender’s bowls are also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Hormel Compleats does not specifically claim preservative‑free status, so if clean labeling is important, the Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s selections are safer bets.
Which product offers the best value for the price?
Hormel Compleats Variety Pack provides five different meals in one purchase, delivering a broad range of flavors for a single price, which often makes it the most cost‑effective option. Individual frozen meals like the Healthy Choice or Marie Callender’s bowls tend to be pricier per serving but focus on premium ingredients and higher protein. Consider how many meals you need and whether variety outweighs per‑meal cost.
How do the sauces compare in terms of healthiness?
The Healthy Choice sauces—pesto, marinara, teriyaki, and marsala—are all made without added preservatives and are relatively low in sugar, with teriyaki being the sweetest. Marie Callender’s bowls feature richer, creamier sauces that add more calories and fat. If you’re watching sugar and fat intake, the Healthy Choice options are the lighter choice.
Can I use the Bentgo Prep containers for reheating these frozen meals?
Bentgo Prep trays are microwave‑safe, so you can reheat any of the microwave‑ready meals directly in the containers, provided you remove the lids first. They are also freezer‑safe, allowing you to store leftovers. However, the containers are not oven‑safe, so oven‑cooked Marie Callender’s meals should be transferred to a different dish before baking.