Comparison: The 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 ones that taste fresh, pack real flavor, and won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Spoiler: not all microwave meals are created equal. Ready to discover the ones that truly stand out? Let’s dive in.
- Best for mug meal mastery: 250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
- Best for variety pack power: HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack (Pack of 5)
- Best for ginger beef delight: Marie Callender’s Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl
- Best for marinara chicken classic: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan
- Best for low sodium ready: Miss Olive’s Variety Pack Microwavable Ready to Eat Lower Sodium Ready Meals (Bundle of 6)-1 of each flavor
- Best for teriyaki beef boost: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Beef Teriyaki
- Best for cheddar chicken comfort: Marie Callender’s Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Best for pesto pasta perfection: Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Pesto with Vegetables
- Best for quick beef cup: Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Microwave Cup
- Best for mug recipe guide: Meal in a Mug: 80 Fast
Product Comparison: The Best Microwave Meals
250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
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 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
Miss Olive’s Variety Pack Microwavable Ready to Eat Lower Sodium Ready Meals (Bundle of 6)-1 of each flavor
- Six Pack Variety of All Miss Olive’s Reasy Meals for you to test out – Packed with Nutrients
- Made with no preservatives and reduced sodium – under 400mg
- Our healthy entrees are Ready to Eat, Shelf Stable, No Refrigeration Needed
- Easy to open and prepare, just microwave for 2 minutes
- Great for seniors, families with busy lifestyles, kids lunches, traveling, backpacking, camping, and college students
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 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
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
Meal in a Mug: 80 Fast, Easy Recipes for Hungry People―All You Need Is a Mug and a Microwave
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 meal for everyday use?
Look at the nutritional profile, especially protein, sodium, and preservative content, to match your dietary goals. Check the portion size and calorie count to ensure the meal fits your energy needs. Finally, consider convenience factors like cooking time, packaging, and whether the meal requires any prep beyond microwaving.
How do the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers compare to the Marie Callender’s options in terms of healthfulness?
Healthy Choice meals emphasize lower sodium, no preservatives, and lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or beef, making them a better fit for health‑focused shoppers. Marie Callender’s meals offer richer sauces and higher protein but include more sodium and may contain artificial additives. If you prioritize a cleaner ingredient list, Healthy Choice generally has the edge.
Are the HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack meals suitable for quick lunches on the go?
Yes, each HORMEL COMPLEATS tray is a self‑contained, 7.5‑oz portion that heats in about 60 seconds with no mess or cleanup, ideal for busy workdays. The pack includes a range of flavors—pasta, rice, and dumplings—so you can rotate meals without monotony. However, they tend to be higher in sodium compared with some lower‑sodium competitors.
Which microwave meals offer the best value for the price?
The Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Microwave Cup provides a low‑cost, 2‑oz serving that can be stretched with added veggies or protein, delivering good value per ounce. The Miss Olive’s Variety Pack, while slightly pricier per unit, offers six low‑sodium, shelf‑stable meals that eliminate refrigeration costs. For bulk savings, the HORMEL COMPLEATS Variety Pack gives five distinct meals at a modest price point.
Do any of these meals cater to reduced‑sodium diets?
Miss Olive’s Ready‑to‑Eat meals are specifically marketed as lower‑sodium, containing under 400 mg per serving and no preservatives. Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers also keep sodium moderate while focusing on lean proteins and vegetables. In contrast, many of the Marie Callender’s and HORMEL meals have higher sodium levels typical of traditional convenience foods.
What are the key differences between frozen meals and shelf‑stable microwave meals?
Frozen meals like those from Marie Callender’s and Healthy Choice retain a fresh‑like texture and often contain higher moisture, requiring refrigeration until opened. Shelf‑stable options such as Miss Olive’s and the “Meal in a Mug” books rely on dehydration or preservatives to stay safe at room temperature, making them ideal for travel or emergency kits. Frozen meals generally provide a richer flavor profile, while shelf‑stable meals excel in portability.
How important are protein levels when selecting a microwave meal?
Protein supports satiety and muscle maintenance, so meals with 15 g or more per serving—like Marie Callender’s Beef and Broccoli Bowl (17 g) or the Aged Cheddar Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl (19 g)—are good choices for active individuals. Lower‑protein options may be suitable for lighter meals or those watching calorie intake. Always balance protein with other nutrients such as fiber and healthy fats for a well‑rounded meal.
Can I customize these microwave meals with extra ingredients?
Many of the meals, especially the Hamburger Helper cup and Healthy Choice Steamers, are designed for easy add‑ins like fresh veggies, cheese, or extra protein, allowing you to boost nutrition and flavor. Frozen meals can also be enhanced by stirring in herbs, a splash of sauce, or a side of salad. Customizing helps stretch the meal’s value and tailors it to personal taste preferences.