3 Microwaveable One-Mug Meals That Will Change Your Life

Cooking for one should be easy, right? But somehow, this seemingly hassle-free task leaves the sink overflowing with dishes and the stove top covered with dried-up tomato sauce and cheese. Thankfully, the microwave is here to help. From French toast to lasagna, your on-the-go routine just got a lot easier.

1. Two-Minute French Toast in a Mug

Photo credit: Pretty Prudent

Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or dinner this two-minute recipe will blow your mind. For this decadent meal you’ll need bread (obviously), one egg, butter, and a mug of some sort. Sandwich bread will work just fine, but if you prefer your French toast on the crunchy side, we’d recommend using a baguette.

First, prepare your cup – pat some butter around the bottom of your mug or melt the butter in the microwave and slosh it around a little. Cube your bread and place it in your buttered cup. Slightly smoosh the bread into the cup, but be careful not to compact it too much. In a separate cup or ramekin, crack an egg, add three tablespoons of milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. If you like your French toast super sweet, add a drop of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together and then pour the mixture over your chopped bread.

Stick your mug in the microwave – start with one minute, then add 10 seconds at a time until its cooked to your liking. Add syrup, and enjoy nightly or morning-ly.

2. Italian Meatball Stew

Photo credit: From Val's Kitchen

Nothing says “comfort” quite like stew. This hearty, five-minute recipe calls for a 16-oz mug, four frozen beef meatballs (you can sub whatever meat you’d like, of course), a half-cup of marinara sauce, one-third cup of ready-to-use beef broth, one-third cup drained canned mixed vegetables, two tablespoons drained, canned, or jarred mushroom pieces, salt and pepper to taste.

First, microwave the meatballs (in the mug) for one to two minutes. Using a fork, cut the meatballs in half. Stir in the marinara sauce, broth, mixed vegetables, and mushrooms. Microwave on high for one-and-a-half to two minutes, or until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve!

3. One-Minute (Pizza) Lasagna

Photo credit: Your Lighter Side

Lasagna can be a painstakingly long process if done the traditional way, especially if you’re dining alone. Luckily, microwaves are a thing of magic. For this one-minute lasagna you’ll need three tablespoons of pizza sauce, three tablespoons of cottage cheese, one-third cup of fresh spinach or greens, two diced green olives, four slices of pepperoni, and one half-cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Layer the ingredients like you would for a “normal” lasagna recipe. Microwave on high for one minute, then presto! Lasagna for one.

Photo credit: Pixabay