11 best microwave meals

Microwave meals are pre-packaged, convenient food options that are designed to be cooked quickly and easily in a microwave oven. These meals are often found in the frozen food section of grocery stores and come in a variety of options, including chicken and turkey dishes. Here are some key points about microwave meals:

  1. Convenience: Microwave meals are known for their convenience.They are pre-cooked and pre-packaged, requiring minimal preparation. This makes them a popular choice for people with busy lifestyles or those who want a quick and hassle-free meal.

  2. Variety: Microwave meals come in a wide range of varieties, including different cuisines, flavors, and portion sizes. This variety allows consumers to choose meals that suit their taste preferences and dietary needs.

  3. Ingredients: The ingredients used in microwave meals can vary widely. While some may contain whole ingredients and vegetables, others may have more processed components. It's important to check the packaging for ingredient lists and nutritional information.

  4. Frozen Storage: Microwave meals are typically stored in the freezer section of grocery stores. The freezing process helps to preserve the meals for an extended period, often without the need for added preservatives.

  5. Cooking Instructions: Each microwave meal package includes specific cooking instructions that outline the time and power level needed for proper preparation. Following these instructions ensures that the meal is cooked safely and evenly.

  6. Nutritional Information: Microwave meal packaging also provides nutritional information, including details about calories, fat, protein, and other nutrients. This information helps consumers make informed choices based on their dietary needs.

  7. Portion Control: Microwave meals can be useful for portion control, as they come in pre-measured servings. This can be beneficial for individuals who are monitoring their calorie intake or trying to maintain a balanced diet.

  8. Taste and Quality: The taste and quality of microwave meals can vary from brand to brand and even from one dish to another. Some are highly regarded for their flavor and quality, while others may receive mixed reviews. Consumer preferences play a significant role in determining which brands and flavors are most popular.

  9. Microwave Safety: When preparing microwave meals, it's essential to use microwave-safe containers and follow the cooking instructions carefully to ensure that the food is heated thoroughly and safely.

  10. Customization: Some consumers may choose to enhance the flavor or nutrition of microwave meals by adding fresh herbs, spices, or additional vegetables before cooking.

In summary, microwave meals offer a convenient and quick option for individuals and families looking for easy-to-prepare meals, including options with chicken and turkey. They come in various flavors and portion sizes, making it possible to find options that align with personal taste preferences and dietary requirements. However, consumers should be mindful of the nutritional content and ingredient lists when selecting microwave meals to ensure they meet their specific dietary goals.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best microwave meals on the market
  

AquaStar MicroSteam Meals - Roasted Garlic Salmon, 11 Ounce

Aqua Star

Based on 237 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sustainably sourced, salmon fillet with green beans, yellow carrots and roasted herb butter.

  • Complete balanced meal in 6 minutes
  • No advanced preparation; microwave in the tray from frozen
  • The ideal premium quality, single serve meal for any night of the week
  • Unique MicroSteam film expands and locks in steam to perfectly cook food
  • 470 calories
  • Excellent source of protein and vitamin D; good source of fiber and potassium
  • Gluten free

STOUFFER’S Lasagna with Meat & Sauce, Frozen Meal

Nestle

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The STOUFFER’S CLASSICS Lasagna with Meat & Sauce is a delightfully delicious favorite. It's made with no preservatives and features quality ingredients like freshly made pasta layered between a rich meat sauce and topped with real mozzarella cheese. Always hand-layered. Always delicious. Share a favorite dish with your family and friends. Please see the manufacturer’s website for additional information.

From the Manufacturer

Lasagna noodles layered with an herb seasoned tomato and meat sauce and three kinds of cheese.

  • Lasagna noodles layered between 100 pure beef, herb seasoned tomato sauce, and real mozzarella cheese
  • Made with ingredients you can feel good about and a homemade taste you'll love
  • A classic dish that’s always Freshly Made, Simply Frozen
  • Use a microwave or conventional oven to dig into an easytoprepare family favorite Always handlayered. Always delicious
  • Share a favorite dish with your family and friends

Product features

Portobello Mini Pizzas

Scoop out the inside of the mushrooms, leaving just the caps. Brush each cap with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Fill each cap with mozzarella and sliced tomatoes. Place each mini pizza into a 6" round baking pan. Place pan into the air fryer basket.

Adjust the temperature to 380°F and set the timer for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove the pizzas from the fryer basket and garnish with basil and a drizzle of vinegar.

This low-calorie alternative to a low-carb pizza really hits the spot! You won’t miss out on an ounce of flavor, plus portobello mushrooms are rich in B vitamins that help maintain healthy skin, hair, and eyes!

Per Serving

Calories: 244 Fat: 18.5 g Protein: 10.4 g Sodium: 244 mg Fiber: 1.4 g Carbohydrates: 6.8 g Net Carbohydrates: 5.4 g Sugar: 4.3 g

Lasagna with Meat & Sauce

The STOUFFER’S CLASSICS Lasagna with Meat & Sauce is a delightfully delicious family favorite. It's made with no preservatives and features quality ingredients like freshly made pasta layered between a rich meat sauce and topped with real mozzarella cheese. Always hand-layered. Always delicious. Share a favorite dish with your family and friends.

HERITAGE

The STOUFFER’S heritage is a proud one. We've been serving great meals to friends and family since 1924.

VALUES

At STOUFFER’S we celebrate food. And not just any food. Food that warms the soul, feeds your happiness and brings the taste of homemade back to your table again and again.

INGREDIENTS

We're serving up quality meals using only quality ingredients. Because we would only put a dish on your table that we would put on our own.

Hormel Compleats Meatloaf & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes, 9 Ounce (Pack of 6)

Compleats

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stay satisfied with HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy with Mashed Potato. This comfort go-to meal of meatloaf with gravy and creamy mashed potatoes is ready to enjoy in just 60 seconds. HORMEL COMPLEATS meals make a great easy dinner and are perfect for any quick meals, with little prep needed or clean-up required. Real food, real fast. COMPLEATS is a trademark of Hormel Foods

  • Protein packed with 15 grams per meal
  • Shelf stable; no refrigeration needed
  • Affordable and easy to use
  • Prepared meals, fully cooked, ready to eat in 60 seconds
  • 9 ounce microwave meal

User questions & answers

Question: What is the carb count
Answer: I too would say about 3-4 servings depending on appetite :) 2 boxes is a little too much for 2 adults, 1 16yo and 4 little picky eaters :)
Question: Can i oay for this with food stamps
Answer: 1.17.2019 UPDATE of INGREDIENTS: Idaho® potato (dry), salt, dextrose, freshness preserved with: sodium bisulfite. Per their website, https://www.idahospuds.com/product/hashbrown-potatoes/
Question: Hormel compleats? I want to buy
Answer: There's no "use by" date on the cartons. However, I order these about every 6-8 months. Because they're dried potatoes, I would imagine they have a lengthy shelf life. Each carton makes 3-4 servings and my family really likes them. They're quick & easy to fix. After putting the hot water in the carton I do allow them to sit for about 20-minutes to completely absorb all of the water.
Question: What is the shelf life
Answer: That is a good question! And to tell the truth I use both depending how soon I need them. Point 1: If I plan to use them in some the next day I use hot tap water. I let these set for about 12 to 24 hours. This aloes the hash brown to full re hydrate. I like to add dryed onions to both ways as well as my seasonings.Point 2: If I decide to use them the same day I use boiling water and I let them set for about a hour. This gives the potatoes a good taste.

Product features

Real Food, Real Fast

Stay satisfied with Hormel Compleats Homestyle. These easy, hearty meals are nutritious, convenient, and don’t use any artificial ingredients.

Note: For more details of the ingredients, please visit the official website.

Effortless Value

Busy schedule? Hormel Compleats microwave meals are ready to eat in 60 seconds. No prep, no mess, and no clean up.

No Fridge or Freezer Needed

Keep Hormel Compleats meals in your pantry, in your desk, in your gym locker, or wherever you’ll need a quick, satisfying meal.

Marie Callender's Slow Roasted Beef Pot Roast Bowl, Frozen Meals, 11 Oz., (Frozen)

Conagra Brands

Based on 314 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Take comfort food to the next level with Marie Callender's slow roasted beef pot Roast bowl. Tender beef combines with delicious vegetables in a savory gravy for a tasty spin on a classic dish. Quick, convenient and ready in minutes, these microwaveable meals are ideal for weeknight dinners or anytime meals. Enjoy made-from-scratch flavor in minutes with Marie Callender's.

  • Contains one 11-ounce Marie Callender's slow roasted beef pot roast bowl frozen meal
  • Enjoy tender beef with delicious vegetables in a savory gravy
  • Save time with quick and CONVENIENT microwaveable meals
  • Satisfy your craving for decadent comfort food in minutes
  • Great for weeknight meals or anytime indulgence

Amy’s Frozen Entrees, Pad Thai, GF and Dairy Free, 9.5 oz.

Amy's Kitchen

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Everyone in the family will enjoy Amy’s Pad Thai! Made with organic broad rice noodles, organic house-made tofu, organic julienned carrots, green onions and broccoli, this traditional dish is delicious, gluten free and dairy free. We’ve also added our own twist: Baked cashews instead of the typical peanuts. This is a great-tasting way to try Thai! It’s also convenient and easy to prepare, simply heat and serve. Since 1987, we at Amy’s Kitchen have produced delicious, convenient foods for people who are sometimes too busy to cook. Amy’s is a family-run business, and we supervise every aspect of our business and take pride in customer satisfaction. All the fruits, vegetables and grains we use are grown without the use of insecticides, GMOs and other harmful chemicals. We prepare these ingredients with the same careful attention in our kitchen as you would in your own home for high-quality, home-style vegetarian and vegan meals. No meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs or peanuts are ever used in any Amy's products. Even though you're heating up our meals in your home, we want each bite to taste like you're a guest in ours.

  • One 9.5-ounce box of Amy's Pad Thai the whole family will love
  • Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free and Non-GMO
  • Made with organic broad rice noodles, organic house-made tofu, julienned carrots, green onions and broccoli
  • Delicious entree includes baked cashews in place of peanuts
  • Convenient and easy to prepare, simply heat and serve

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients? Is there canola oil in it
Answer: Label says safflower and/or sunflower oil
Question: How is this shipped to keep frozen
Answer: it is available through Amazon fresh - packed up in proper bag sometimes with frozen bottles of water or freeze packs (although this varies depending on who is packing) within designated time period (usually 2 hours)
Question: What is the sodium content
Answer: 780 mg according to packaging.
Question: Is this really 23 grams of fat
Answer: The Red Curry has 23 grams of fat. The Pad Thai has 10 grams of fat.

Product features

Our Story

In 1987, when Rachel and Andy Berliner were expecting their first child, they went looking for ready-made, vegetarian meals at their local natural foods store. When they couldn't find any that satisfied their taste buds, the couple decided to create their own. Their first dish was a pot pie created from a family recipe, and Amy's Kitchen was born.

Our Purpose

We cook delicious meals and snacks that are convenient, easy to prepare and accessible to everyone. We use organic and non-GMO ingredients and are committed to caring for our people and reducing waste. Our goal is to do things the right way: Right by our customers, right by our farmers and employees, and right by the planet.

Why Organic

"Organic" is better for the planet-and we think that it just plain tastes better. We have been supporting organic farmers long before it became popular, and together we helped build the organic food industry. In fact, when the USDA decided to create official standards for the "organic" label, they asked us for guidance.

How It's Made

Even though you're heating up our meals in your home, we want you to feel like you're a guest in ours. Everything that comes from Amy's Kitchen is made from scratch, from our soups and sauces to our pizzas and burritos. Using organic ingredients and time-tested recipes, our chefs cook like you would--only with bigger pots.

Chef Boyardee Beef in Tomato & Meat Sauce Ravioli, 7.5 Oz. (Pack of 12)

Chef BOYARDEE

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Enjoy the classic ravioli you love with Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli. These ravioli are packed with beef and covered in hearty tomato and meat sauce for a quick and easy pasta meal the whole family can enjoy. Chef Boyardee pasta contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The microwavable bowl makes it easy to create a quick pasta meal in minutes. With 6 g protein and 0 g trans-fat per serving, Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli is perfect for a flavorful dinner or tasty after-school snack. From pizza sauce to spaghetti, ravioli, and lasagna, there's something for everyone to enjoy from Chef Boyardee

  • Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli in tomato and meat sauce is a fun meal for the kids, and is ready to serve in less than one minute
  • Six grams of protein per serving
  • No MSG and no preservatives
  • Fits a low carb lifestyle with 25 grams net carbs per serving (28 grams total carbs minus 3 grams dietary fiber)
  • Great for snacking

User questions & answers

Question: do any of you add seasoning to it such as salt, pepper, tony chachere
Answer: If you are looking at the Tuna packed in water the back of the package at the bottom says soy free
Question: does this product contain garlic
Answer: Yes, definitely. It's pretty much the same as can tuna, just in an easier package.
Question: Is this a pop top or does it require a can opener
Answer: The Best By Date of the product will vary by seller. The Best By Date of my inventory as of today Thursday November 17th is February 2019. Amazon Merchant VSD
Question: What Color Are These
Answer: Hello: Yes you are correct. The cost per ounce is 73 cents . The cost per 2.6-ounce pouch is $1.91 for 12 pouches at $22.89.

Product features

Fast After-School Snacks

Stock up on your family’s favorite Chef Boyardee flavors for after school or work. They’re a convenient snack your family can prepare themselves.

Microwave Meals for Lunch

Where did the time go? Chef Boyardee Microwavable Cups are easy school lunches. They’re fun, delicious and easy for anyone to prepare.

Fun Meals for Kids

Don’t stress about what to make them for dinner tonight. Enjoy kid-friendly meals for picky eaters. Chef Boyardee cans make easy weeknight meals for kids.

Convenient Pasta Meals

Quickly and easily make a meal that everyone will love. From parents to children, Chef Boyardee’s nostalgic recipes are always delicious and convenient to prepare for lunches, dinners and snacks.

Quality Ingredients

Chef Boyardee provides easy meals for kids and adults with quality ingredients to feel good about. Most contain no artificial preservatives, no artificial flavors and no artificial colors.

Fun-Shaped Pasta

Make meals more fun with Chef Boyardee. The whole family enjoys classics like mac & cheese, especially when the pasta comes in fun shapes like letters and numbers.

Saffron Road, Entree Chicken Tikka Masala Basmati Rice, 10 Ounce

Saffron Road

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

100 Percent Vegetarian and Vegan. To make this rich and nutritious broth, our chefs simmer a blend of sauteed carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, parsley, leeks and mushrooms. With 0mg of Fat and only 140mg of Sodium per serving, our Vegetable Broth serves well as a robust foundation for many delicious sauce, soup and entree recipes.

  • Saffron Road, Chicken Tikka Masala, 11 oz (Frozen)

User questions & answers

Question: How many mg. of sodium and how many mg. of fat per package, please
Answer: 690 mg sodium and 9 g fat.

Hormel Compleats Chicken Breast with Rib Meat and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, 10 Ounce, Pack of 6

Hormel

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stay satisfied with HORMEL COMPLEATS Chicken Breast with Rib Meat and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy. Made with wholesome white meat chicken breast with rib meat, traditional dressing and a delicious gravy, this shelf stable-meal takes only 60 seconds to prepare. HORMEL COMPLEATS meals make a great easy dinner and are perfect for any quick meals, with little prep needed or clean-up required. Real food, real fast. COMPLEATS is a trademark of Hormel Foods

  • Protein packed with 17 grams per meal
  • Shelf stable; no refrigeration needed
  • Affordable and easy to use
  • Prepared meals, fully cooked, ready to eat in 60 seconds
  • 9.5 ounce microwave meal

User questions & answers

Question: What is the carb count
Answer: There are 28 grams of carbohydrate in the COMPLEATS® Chicken Breast and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy meal.
Question: Can i oay for this with food stamps
Answer: Yes, if your state is participating in the USDA Online Pilot Program. These states are currently in the program: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Question: Hormel compleats? I want to buy
Answer: good luck, they are sold out. they are delicious though
Question: What is the shelf life
Answer: The COMPLEATS® Meals are good for about two years after the date of production. Each tray will have a use by date printed on the back.

Product features

Real Food, Real Fast

Stay satisfied with Hormel Compleats Homestyle. These easy, hearty meals are nutritious, convenient, and don’t use any artificial ingredients.

Note: For more details of the ingredients, please visit the official website.

Effortless Value

Busy schedule? Hormel Compleats microwave meals are ready to eat in 60 seconds. No prep, no mess, and no clean up.

No Fridge or Freezer Needed

Keep Hormel Compleats meals in your pantry, in your desk, in your gym locker, or wherever you’ll need a quick, satisfying meal.

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan, Frozen Meal, 9.5 OZ

Conagra

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan is a satisfying frozen meal. The frozen dish combines grilled chicken breast with penne pasta and broccoli in zesty marinara sauce for frozen meals that are as delicious as they are healthy. The wholesome microwave meals deliver a tasty and healthy experience any day of the week. The healthy frozen meals contain no preservatives and are perfect as a quick and delicious lunch at work or a frozen dinner at home after a long day. Preparing the chicken marinara pasta meal is easy to do in the microwave in 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. Keep this 9.5 ounce Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara pasta dinner in your freezer to have wholesome, healthy meals on hand. Healthy Choice never compromises on ingredients so you can taste the goodness in every bite.

  • One 9.5 oz Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Grilled Chicken Marinara with Parmesan frozen meal
  • An easy and healthy solution for lunch or dinner
  • This microwave pasta dinner includes grilled chicken breast, penne pasta and broccoli in zesty marinara sauce
  • A frozen food made with quality ingredients and no preservatives
  • Prepare this frozen pasta meal in the microwave in 3 1/2 to 4 minutes
  • Provides an excellent source of Vitamin C

User questions & answers

Question: Do these Diners include those white plastic dishes they used to have, or just cardboard dish
Answer: Plastic

Product features

Fresh Tasting

You don’t have to choose between healthy eating and great taste. These healthy frozen meals are made with crisp ingredients for a delicious meal you can feel good about.

Steam Cooked

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a steam-cooked meal. Enjoy your everyday favorite recipes steamed to perfection with easy-to-make Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers microwave meals.

No Preservatives

A variety of Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers contain no preservatives. These healthy meals are made with fresh-tasting ingredients and then are frozen to preserve good nutrition and great taste.

Satisfying Lunches

Heat up something extra delicious at home or at the office. Healthy Choice Frozen Meals make it easy to enjoy popular recipes steamed to perfection. Did we mention they’re good for you, too?

Easy Dinners

Enjoy your favorite classic recipes made with wholesome ingredients. These microwave dinners are ready in minutes for a meal that’s as delicious as it is convenient. No plates required.

Quick Meals

Make eating healthy an easy choice anytime of day with Healthy Choice Microwave Meals. Simply heat in the microwave to steam and enjoy whenever you’re in the mood for something wholesome and satisfying.

Cafe Spice Chicken Curry with Lemon Rice, Indian Meal, 16 oz

Cafe Spice

Based on 452 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our Chicken Curry is a delicious and comforting meal made with tender pieces of chicken, cooked in Cafe Spice's, made-from-scratch, onion-tomato curry sauce and seasoned with our signature spices. Served with Basmati lemon rice.

  • All Natural. Made with chicken humanely raised without antibiotics ever (certified by Global Animal Partnership), clean ingredients and Non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil. No artificial preservatives, additives or colors
  • We slow cooked, so you don't have to. Easy lunch, quick dinner - just heat, eat and enjoy!
  • Authentic, restaurant quality meal inspired by our culinary director and celebrated chef, Hari Nayak
  • Certified Gluten Free (by International Certification Services)
  • Protein 16g per serving (Serves 2)

User questions & answers

Question: Received 16 oz chicken curry item with amz label slapped over cooking instructions. can anyone help me
Answer: You will receive the 13.5 fl.oz size Mango Body Butter product. It melts straight in to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. It contains Community Trade cocoa butter and has an exotic mango scent.

Marie Callender’s Fettuccini With Chicken and Broccoli, Frozen Meal, 13 OZ

Conagra

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Savor a delicious pasta dinner with Marie Callender’s Fettuccini With Chicken and Broccoli. Fettuccini is tossed with premium chicken breast and broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce made with real cream. This satisfying frozen meal is made with wholesome ingredients and has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Pop this frozen pasta in the microwave for 6 to 6 1/2 minutes or in the oven for 45 to 48 minutes; let stand for 2 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, this chicken Alfredo meal makes it easy to enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner at the end of a long day. Keep frozen meals in the freezer until ready to prepare and cook frozen food thoroughly. Enjoy the combination of warm, hearty and delicious ingredients in Marie Callender's frozen entrees for the homemade taste of comfort food goodness.

  • One 13 oz Marie Callender’s Fettuccini With Chicken and Broccoli frozen meal
  • Warm, creamy chicken pasta that's easy to prepare
  • Chicken breast and broccoli tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce over freshly made pasta
  • Enjoy frozen dinners made with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
  • Prepare this frozen dinner for two in the microwave in 6 to 6 1/2 minutes or in the oven in 45 to 48 minutes and let stand for 2 minutes

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