Simple Microwave Baked Potato With Meat – Easy Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy way to turn a simple baked potato into a delicious meal? This Microwave Baked Potato with Meat is the answer! In just a few minutes, you can transform a basic potato and leftover meat into a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something hearty.

Here’s a great way to use leftover meat – put it on a baked potato.  I had some leftovers of the homemade bulgogi Korean BBQ beef and they were so yummy with a potato!  That was a great lunch!

Why You’ll Love Simple Microwave Baked Potato With Meat

• Quick and Convenient: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute meals. Using the microwave, you can bake the potato without heating the oven or stove.
• Great Use for Leftovers: Got some leftover meat in the fridge? This recipe helps you repurpose it, turning it into a brand-new, flavorful meal.
• Hearty and Filling: With a warm baked potato as the base and protein-packed meat on top, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions to make it your own. It’s versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
• Minimal Cleanup: Only a few items needed – a fork, paper towel, and knife. Cleanup is quick, making this meal even more appealing for a busy day.

To make a microwave baked potato, prick the potato once with a fork, wrap it in a paper towel and microwave for 5 minutes.  When it’s ready, it will be very hot, so be careful when you take it out of the microwave.

Ingredients For Simple Microwave Baked Potato With Meat

• Potato – A medium-sized potato is perfect for this single-serving meal, creating a soft and fluffy base.
• Leftover Cooked Meat – Any cooked meat will work, but something with bold flavors, like bulgogi beef, adds extra taste and texture.
• Butter – Adds richness and a creamy texture to the potato.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of both the potato and meat, bringing everything together.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Simple Microwave Baked Potato With Meat

• Microwave – The key appliance for quickly baking the potato to tender perfection.
• Fork – For pricking the potato before microwaving, which helps release steam.
• Paper Towel – Wrapping the potato in a paper towel keeps it moist and prevents drying out.
• Knife – For slicing the baked potato and preparing it for the toppings.

Cut the microwave baked potato in half, put a little bit of butter on it and sprinkle with salt.  Cut a lengthwise slit on each potato half.  Warm up the meat in a microwave, and then put the meat on top of a potato.  Enjoy the potato with meat piping hot!

How To Make Simple Microwave Baked Potato With Meat

• Start by pricking the potato with a fork to allow steam to escape as it cooks.
• Wrap the potato in a paper towel and place it in the microwave.
• Microwave the potato for about 5 minutes, or until it’s soft when gently squeezed.
• Carefully remove the hot potato from the microwave, and slice it in half lengthwise.
• Add a small amount of butter to each half and sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Warm up your leftover meat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.
• Place the warmed meat on top of each potato half, adding extra toppings if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy this baked potato with meat as a stand-alone meal, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
• For extra flavor, add toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions.
• Pair with a side salad or steamed spinach for a balanced meal.
• Serve it with a slice of garlic bread or a warm roll to make it even heartier.
• For a touch of spice, add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Tips For Success

• Choose the Right Potato: Use a medium-sized, starchy potato like a Russet, as it will bake to a fluffy texture, perfect for holding toppings.
• Prick the Potato First: Poking a few holes in the potato with a fork prevents it from bursting in the microwave, allowing steam to escape as it cooks.
• Wrap in a Damp Paper Towel: Wrapping the potato in a slightly damp paper towel helps it retain moisture, keeping it soft and fluffy.
• Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size: Cooking times can vary depending on the potato size. Start with 5 minutes for a medium potato, and add additional time in 30-second intervals if needed.
• Carefully Handle the Hot Potato: When removing the potato from the microwave, use oven mitts or a thick cloth to avoid burns, as it will be very hot.
• Warm the Meat Separately: Reheating the leftover meat separately from the potato ensures even heating, giving you a hot topping without overcooking the potato.
• Add Extra Toppings for Flavor: This recipe is a great base – feel free to add cheese, sour cream, chives, or other favorite toppings to make it even more delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Meats: Try this recipe with various leftover meats, such as shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even ground beef. Each type of meat brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish, making it customizable for whatever you have on hand.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables to the topping. Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli for a hearty veggie twist that complements the potato.
• Cheese Options: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, melty addition. Cheese adds richness and a comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with both the potato and meat.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. This adds a lively kick to the flavors.
• Vegan Variation: For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute, skip the meat, and top with cooked lentils or a vegetable-based protein like seasoned tofu crumbles.
• Herb and Spice Boost: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or a pinch of garlic powder over the potato for added flavor and aroma.
• Sweet Potato Alternative: Swap the regular potato with a sweet potato for a slightly sweet, nutrient-rich base. Sweet potatoes pair well with meats and add a unique twist to the dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the baked potato and meat separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The potato will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the meat’s freshness depends on when it was originally cooked.
• Reheating the Potato: To reheat the potato, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. The damp paper towel will help retain its moisture.
• Reheating the Meat: Warm the meat in the microwave separately in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat for 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing a baked potato can change its texture, making it mushy when thawed. It’s best to prepare this dish fresh or refrigerate it for a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with a sweet potato instead of a regular potato?

Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes work wonderfully as a substitute and add a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with savory meats. Simply follow the same instructions for cooking in the microwave.

What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Any cooked leftover meat will work, such as beef, chicken, pork, or even ground meat. For a flavorful twist, consider using marinated or spiced meats like BBQ or teriyaki for added taste.

How do I know if the potato is fully cooked in the microwave?

The potato should be soft and easy to squeeze with a fork. If it still feels firm, add an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave until it reaches the desired texture.

Can I add cheese to the potato?

Absolutely! Shredded cheese or cheese crumbles can be added on top of the hot potato for a melty, delicious finish. Popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.

Is it necessary to wrap the potato in a paper towel?

While not strictly necessary, wrapping the potato in a paper towel helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out in the microwave. It also makes handling easier once the potato is done cooking.

Other Easy Potato Recipes

Skillet Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe: This easy one-pan skillet combines ground beef and tender potatoes for a quick, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Crispy Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes: These air-fried carrots and potatoes are perfectly seasoned and crisped to golden perfection for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Air Fryer Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes: These twice-baked potatoes are loaded with cheese, bacon, and chives, then air-fried for a crispy, melty finish.

Seasoned Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Simple and flavorful, these air fryer potato wedges are seasoned to perfection and make a great side or snack.

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: These creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are easily made in the crockpot for a comforting, no-fuss side dish.

BBQ Beef Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potatoes: This shepherd’s pie is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and packed with savory BBQ beef for a flavorful twist on a classic.

Classic Potato Salad with Eggs: This classic potato salad features creamy potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy dressing for a crowd-pleasing favorite.

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