Comparison: Best Microwave Meal Delivery (Updated | Dec 8th)
Tired of staring into the microwave, wondering if another sad, soggy meal is really worth it? We’ve been there too. That’s why we dug deep into the world of microwave meal delivery services to find the ones that actually taste good, arrive fresh, and fit real-life schedules. From flavor-packed lunches to hearty dinners ready in minutes, we’ve tested the top contenders so you don’t have to waste time—or money. Ready to upgrade your quick-eat game? Let’s dive into the best microwave meal deliveries that deliver on taste, convenience, and quality.
- Best for quick variety pack: HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack (Pack of 5)
- Best for ginger beef bowl: Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl
- Best for teriyaki protein boost: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki
- Best for cheesy chicken comfort: Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Best for marinara chicken delight: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan
- Best for slow roasted pot roast: Marie Callender’s Slow Roasted Beef Pot Roast Bowl
- Best for pesto veggie chicken: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables
- Best for low-cal cheddar mac: Lean Cuisine Frozen Meal Vermont White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Best for bbq steak potatoes: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Barbecue Seasoned Steak With Potatoes
- Best for marsala chicken classic: Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Grilled Chicken Marsala
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Meal Delivery
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 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
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 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 Slow Roasted Beef Pot Roast Bowl, Convenient Microwave Meal With Beef Pot Roast in Savory Gravy, Frozen Meal, 11 OZ Bowl
- One 11 oz Marie Callender’s Slow Roasted Beef Pot Roast Bowl Frozen Meal
- Featuring tender USDA Choice beef with potatoes and farm grown vegetables in savory gravy, this easy-to-prepare frozen pot roast offers warm, hearty quick meals anywhere and anytime
- This frozen dinner 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 5 to 6-1/2 minutes for convenient and delicious comfort food
- 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 dinners in the freezer until you are ready to prepare
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
Lean Cuisine Frozen Meal Vermont White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Protein Kick Microwave Meal, Microwave Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, Frozen Dinner for One
- MAKE YOUR GOALS DELICIOUSLY ACHIEVABLE Lean Cuisine Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese is deliciously crafted to help support your weight loss journey, and is an easy frozen lunch or dinner SNAP and EBT item in eligible states
- CHEF CRAFTED Our chefs work side-by-side with dietitians to create ridiculously tasty frozen Lean Cuisine meals
- LOSE UP TO 18 LBS IN 12 WEEKS With Lean Cuisine personal meals, progress never tasted this good. On average, lose 1-2 lbs per week as a part of a calorie-restricted diet with regular exercise
- CALORIE CONSCIOUS At 270 calories per serving, you can feel good about every bite of our frozen dinner. Lean Cuisine frozen meals are a delicious way to achieve your goals
- MACROS THAT FIT YOUR PLAN This microwave dinner is ready in 5 minutes and delivers 17g of protein per serving
- FROZEN INDIVIDUAL MEALS MADE FOR REAL LIFE Lean Cuisine makes staying on track feel effortless. Our variety of frozen meals empowers you to eat well without having to sacrifice taste, convenience or nutrition
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
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
Which of these microwave meals provide the most protein per serving?
Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl and the Slow Roasted Beef Pot Roast Bowl each deliver about 19 grams of protein per serving, making them the highest‑protein options on the list. Healthy Choice meals typically contain 17 grams, while Lean Cuisine’s Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese offers 17 grams as well. Hormel Compleats meals do not list protein content, so they may fall short of the top‑protein choices.
How do the health‑focused meals compare to the comfort‑style options in terms of calories and preservatives?
Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine meals are marketed as preservative‑free and range from 270 to 350 calories per serving, catering to calorie‑conscious shoppers. Marie Callender’s and Hormel Compleats meals emphasize flavor and convenience but do not highlight low‑calorie counts or the absence of preservatives. If you prioritize fewer calories and cleaner ingredients, the Healthy Choice line is the better fit.
What should I consider about preparation time when choosing between these products?
Most meals require 3½ to 5 minutes in the microwave, with Hormel Compleats promising a 60‑second heat‑up for a quick snack. Marie Callender’s offers both microwave and oven options, but the oven method can take up to 55 minutes, which is useful for larger families. Choose a microwave‑only product if speed is your priority, or an oven‑compatible meal if you prefer a more evenly heated dish.
Are there any notable differences in flavor profiles among the beef, chicken, and pasta options?
Beef‑based meals like Marie Callender’s Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl and Healthy Choice Beef Teriyaki deliver savory, Asian‑inspired flavors, while chicken meals such as Healthy Choice Grilled Chicken Marinara and Grilled Chicken Pesto offer Italian‑style herb and tomato notes. The pasta‑centric options (e.g., Lean Cuisine White Cheddar Mac & Cheese) focus on creamy, cheesy comfort. Consider your mood: hearty beef for robust taste, chicken for lighter herbaceous meals, or pasta for classic comfort.
Which meals give the best value per ounce or per dollar?
Hormel Compleats Variety Pack provides five 7.5‑oz meals for a single purchase, offering a lower cost per ounce compared with most single‑serve options. Marie Callender’s meals are larger (11‑12 oz) but priced higher, so the cost per ounce is comparable to Healthy Choice’s 9.5‑oz portions. If budgeting is key, the Hormel pack or buying in bulk from the same brand can stretch your dollars further.
Do any of these meals contain common allergens I should watch for?
All listed meals contain dairy, and many include wheat or soy, typical of pasta and sauce ingredients. Hormel Compleats and Marie Callender’s meals also contain gluten in the breading or sauce bases. Review each product’s ingredient list for specific allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, or gluten if you have sensitivities.
Can I use the oven for any of the microwave‑only meals, and does it affect the taste?
Marie Callender’s products explicitly mention oven preparation, allowing you to bake the meals for a crispier texture and more even heating. The other brands (Healthy Choice, Hormel, Lean Cuisine) are designed for microwave use only; using an oven could dry out the dish or cause uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended method for each brand to ensure optimal flavor and safety.
How do I decide between a brand variety pack and a single‑flavor meal?
A variety pack like Hormel Compleats lets you sample different cuisines without committing to one flavor, which is great for trying new meals or catering to varied tastes in a household. Single‑flavor meals are ideal if you already know your favorite taste profile and want to stock up on a consistent option. Consider your family’s preferences, storage space, and whether you enjoy rotating flavors when making your choice.