Mug Meals: 17 Microwave Dinners Ready in About 5 Minutes, No Pans to Wash

Mug meals are dinner for one with no pans to wash: just a mug, a microwave and about three minutes. They are perfect for college students, night shift workers, empty nesters and busy parents who just need something warm and real before bed. Microwave mug recipes are huge online, and one video of five microwave mug meals has passed 8 million views on YouTube. Each slide below has a short list of what you need, the microwave time, and one simple tip. Microwaves vary, so start with the shorter time and add 15 seconds at a time. Grab your biggest microwave-safe mug and pick tonight’s dinner..

Mug Meals Start With a Big Microwave-Safe Mug

The secret to good mug meals is the mug itself. Use a large, microwave-safe ceramic mug that holds at least 12 ounces, so nothing bubbles over. Fill it only halfway, stir halfway through cooking, and let it rest a minute before eating, because the center keeps cooking. Which would you make first: A: mac and cheese, B: an omelet or C: lasagna?..

You will need: 1 large microwave-safe ceramic mug (12 to 16 oz), cooking spray, a fork or spoon for stirring, a small plate to set under the mug.

How to make it: 1. Check the bottom of the mug for a microwave-safe mark. 2. Spray the inside lightly so food slides out. 3. Fill no more than halfway. 4. Microwave in short bursts and stir halfway. 5. Set the mug on a plate in case it bubbles over. 6. Let it rest 1 minute and use a towel to lift the hot mug.

Mug Meals for Breakfast: The Fluffy Omelet

A mug omelet puffs up like a soufflé in about 90 seconds. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, stir in peppers, ham and cheese, and microwave in short bursts. Tip: stir after the first 45 seconds and cook until the eggs are fully set with no runny spots. Which filling do you like: A: ham and cheese or B: veggie?

You will need: 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon milk, 2 tablespoons diced bell pepper, 2 tablespoons diced ham, 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar, salt and pepper, chives, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Spray the mug. 2. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper right in the mug. 3. Stir in the pepper, ham and half the cheese. 4. Microwave 45 seconds and stir. 5. Microwave 30 to 45 seconds more until the eggs are fully set. 6. Top with the rest of the cheese and chives.

Mug Meals for Comfort: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Mug mac and cheese is faster than boxed and tastes homemade. The pasta cooks right in the mug with water, then milk and real cheddar turn it creamy. Tip: set the mug on a plate, because the water likes to bubble up. It is one of the most popular mug meals for late night cravings. Do you add A: hot sauce or B: crumbled bacon?

You will need: 1/3 cup small elbow macaroni, 1/2 cup water, pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Put the pasta, water and salt in a large mug. 2. Microwave 2 minutes, then stir. 3. Microwave 1 to 2 minutes more in 30 second bursts until the pasta is tender and the water is absorbed. 4. Stir in the milk and cheese. 5. Microwave 30 seconds and stir until creamy. 6. Season with pepper.

Mini Mug Lasagna

Craving lasagna but not the hour in the oven? Layer broken no-boil noodles, marinara, ricotta and mozzarella in a mug and microwave until bubbly. Tip: soak the noodle pieces in hot water for a minute first so they soften evenly. It tastes like the corner piece everyone fights over. Is your favorite part A: the cheese or B: the sauce?

You will need: 2 no-boil lasagna noodles broken into pieces, 1/3 cup marinara sauce, 3 tablespoons ricotta, 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 tablespoon parmesan, 2 tablespoons cooked ground beef or sausage (optional), basil.

How to make it: 1. Soak the noodle pieces in hot water for 1 minute and drain. 2. Spoon a little sauce into the mug. 3. Layer noodles, ricotta, meat, sauce and mozzarella. 4. Repeat the layers and finish with sauce and cheese. 5. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. 6. Rest 1 minute and top with basil.

Mug Meals Kids Love: Pizza in Two Minutes

This mug pizza has a soft, fluffy crust made from just flour, milk and a pinch of baking powder. Spoon on sauce, cheese and mini pepperoni and microwave for about a minute. It is one of the mug meals kids love to make themselves with a little help. Which topping wins: A: pepperoni or B: just cheese?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, 1/16 teaspoon baking soda, pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon pizza sauce, 2 tablespoons mozzarella, mini pepperoni, dried oregano.

How to make it: 1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a wide mug. 2. Stir in the milk and oil until smooth. 3. Spread the sauce on top. 4. Add the cheese, pepperoni and oregano. 5. Microwave 70 to 80 seconds until the dough rises and the cheese bubbles. 6. Let it cool 1 minute and eat with a fork.

Mug Egg Fried Rice

Leftover rice turns into fried rice in a mug. Stir cold rice with peas and carrots, soy sauce and sesame oil, then crack in an egg and cook in short bursts, stirring to scramble it through. Tip: day-old rice works best because it is drier. It is one of the cheapest mug meals you can make.

You will need: 3/4 cup cold cooked rice, 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 green onion sliced.

How to make it: 1. Put the rice, peas and carrots, soy sauce and sesame oil in a mug and stir. 2. Microwave 1 minute. 3. Crack in the egg and stir it through the rice. 4. Microwave 30 seconds and stir. 5. Microwave 30 to 45 seconds more until the egg is fully cooked. 6. Top with green onion.

Mug Meals for Cold Nights: Chili With a Cornbread Top

A cup of chili with a little cornbread baked right on top is the coziest dinner for one. Use canned chili or leftovers, then spoon on a quick cornbread batter. Tip: leave room at the top, because the cornbread puffs up. It is a whole bowl of comfort with almost no cleanup. Are you A: chili with cheese or B: chili with sour cream?

You will need: 1/2 cup canned or leftover chili, 2 tablespoons cornmeal, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon oil, shredded cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Spoon the chili into a large mug. 2. Microwave 1 minute until hot. 3. In a small bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk and oil. 4. Spoon the batter over the chili. 5. Microwave 60 to 75 seconds until the cornbread is set. 6. Top with cheese and let it rest 1 minute.

Crustless Mug Quiche With Spinach and Ham

A mug quiche is like a little savory custard full of spinach, ham and Swiss cheese. It is ready in about two minutes and great for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner. Tip: cook on medium power so the eggs stay tender instead of rubbery. It is one of the mug meals that feels fancy for almost no work.

You will need: 1 egg, 2 tablespoons milk or cream, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh spinach, 2 tablespoons diced ham, 2 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese, salt and pepper, pinch of nutmeg.

How to make it: 1. Spray the mug. 2. Whisk the egg, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg. 3. Stir in the spinach, ham and cheese. 4. Microwave on 70 percent power for 1 minute. 5. Microwave in 20 second bursts until puffed and fully set in the center. 6. Rest 1 minute before eating.

Upgraded Mug Ramen With Egg and Greens

Instant ramen gets a real upgrade in a mug. Cook the noodles in water, then stir in an egg, a handful of spinach and a little sesame oil. Tip: use half the seasoning packet and add a squeeze of lime to cut the salt. It is one of the fastest mug meals on cold nights. Do you like it A: spicy or B: mild?

You will need: 1 package instant ramen, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 egg, 1 handful baby spinach, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, green onions, chili flakes, lime.

How to make it: 1. Break the noodles into a large mug and add the water. 2. Microwave 2 minutes. 3. Stir in half the seasoning packet. 4. Crack in the egg, poke the yolk and add the spinach. 5. Microwave 45 to 60 seconds until the egg is fully cooked. 6. Finish with sesame oil, green onions, chili flakes and lime.

Mini Chicken Pot Pie in a Mug

Creamy chicken, peas and carrots under a fluffy biscuit top, all in one mug. Leftover rotisserie chicken makes it fast, and a quick biscuit batter cooks right on top. Tip: heat the filling first, then add the topping, so the middle is hot all the way through. It is pure comfort in a cup. Would your family ask for seconds?

You will need: 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken, 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots, 1/3 cup cream of chicken soup or gravy, pinch of thyme. Topping: 3 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon butter melted, 2 tablespoons milk.

How to make it: 1. Mix the chicken, vegetables, soup and thyme in a mug. 2. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes, stirring halfway. 3. Mix the topping ingredients into a soft batter. 4. Spoon it over the hot filling. 5. Microwave 50 to 60 seconds until the topping is set. 6. Rest 1 minute before eating.

Mug Chicken Enchilada

All the flavor of a pan of enchiladas in one mug. Layer torn corn tortillas, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce and cheese, then microwave until it bubbles. Top it with sour cream and cilantro. It is one of the mug meals that uses up leftover chicken in the best way. Which topping do you pile on: A: sour cream or B: guacamole?

You will need: 2 small corn tortillas torn, 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken, 1/3 cup red enchilada sauce, 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream, cilantro, green onion.

How to make it: 1. Spoon a little sauce into the mug. 2. Add a layer of tortilla, chicken, sauce and cheese. 3. Repeat the layers and finish with cheese. 4. Microwave 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until hot and bubbly. 5. Rest 1 minute. 6. Top with sour cream, cilantro and green onion.

Mug Shakshuka-Style Eggs

Eggs poached in warm, spiced tomato sauce make a filling breakfast or dinner. Heat the sauce in the mug first, crack in an egg, poke the yolk and cook until the egg is fully set. Tip: always pierce the yolk before microwaving so it does not pop. Serve it with toast for dipping. A little feta and parsley on top make it feel like brunch.

You will need: 1/2 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, pinch of chili flakes, 1 egg, crumbled feta, parsley, toast.

How to make it: 1. Stir the sauce and spices together in a mug. 2. Microwave 1 minute until hot. 3. Crack in the egg and pierce the yolk with a fork. 4. Cover with a small plate. 5. Microwave 45 seconds to 1 minute until the egg is fully cooked. 6. Top with feta and parsley and serve with toast.

Apple Cinnamon Mug Baked Oatmeal

Mug baked oatmeal tastes like a warm apple muffin, but it is just oats, milk, egg and fruit. Mix it the night before and microwave it in the morning. Tip: grated apple keeps it moist and naturally sweet. It is one of the healthier mug meals to start the day. Do you top yours with A: nuts or B: a drizzle of maple syrup?

You will need: 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/3 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 apple grated, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, chopped walnuts.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the egg in the mug. 2. Stir in the oats, milk, maple syrup, apple, cinnamon and salt. 3. Let it sit 5 minutes or overnight in the fridge. 4. Microwave 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until set. 5. Rest 1 minute. 6. Top with walnuts and a drizzle of syrup.

Mug French Toast

Cube a slice or two of bread, soak it in cinnamon custard right in the mug, and microwave it into warm, puddingy French toast. Tip: slightly stale bread soaks up the custard best. Top it with berries and a drizzle of syrup for a weekday breakfast that feels like the weekend. Cooking breakfast for a crowd instead? See our Christmas breakfast casseroles.

You will need: 2 slices bread cubed, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, butter, berries, maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Butter the inside of the mug. 2. Whisk the egg, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in the mug. 3. Add the bread cubes and press them into the custard. 4. Let them soak 2 minutes. 5. Microwave 60 to 90 seconds until the custard is set. 6. Top with berries and syrup.

Mug Meals for Dessert: A Brownie for One

Sometimes you only want one brownie, not a whole pan. Cocoa, flour, sugar, oil and milk stir together right in the mug, and a minute later you have a warm, fudgy brownie. Tip: undercook it slightly, because it firms up as it cools. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Is it A: a weeknight treat or B: a once-in-a-while thing?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, ice cream.

How to make it: 1. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa and salt in a mug. 2. Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla until smooth. 3. Stir in the chocolate chips. 4. Microwave 60 to 75 seconds. 5. Let it rest 2 minutes. 6. Top with a scoop of ice cream.

Mug Apple Crisp

Warm cinnamon apples under a crunchy oat topping, ready in about two minutes. Dice one apple, toss it with brown sugar and cinnamon, and spoon a buttery oat crumble over the top. Tip: a firm apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith holds its shape best. Serve it warm with whipped cream. It is the coziest of all these mug meals.

You will need: 1 apple diced, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Topping: 2 tablespoons oats, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cold butter, pinch of cinnamon.

How to make it: 1. Toss the apple with brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice in a mug. 2. Microwave 1 minute to soften. 3. Rub the topping ingredients together into crumbs. 4. Sprinkle over the apples. 5. Microwave 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until bubbling. 6. Cool 2 minutes and add whipped cream.

Mug Meals Safety: A Few Simple Rules

Mug cooking is easy, but a few rules keep it safe. Only use mugs marked microwave safe, never metal trims or travel mugs. Stir halfway so food heats evenly, and check that eggs, chicken and leftovers are steaming hot all the way through. Hot mugs burn hands, so lift them with a towel. Which of these mug meals will you try first?

You will need: A microwave-safe ceramic mug, a small plate, a towel or oven mitt, a food thermometer if you have one.

How to make it: 1. Check the mug bottom for a microwave-safe mark. 2. Avoid mugs with gold or silver trim. 3. Stir food halfway through cooking. 4. Cook eggs until no runny parts remain. 5. Heat leftovers until steaming hot, 165 F on a thermometer. 6. Lift the mug with a towel and let it rest before eating.