A jacket potato filled with spicy beans and tuna is a hearty, satisfying meal that works perfectly at any time of the day—whether you’re after a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or even a protein-packed brunch. The soft, fluffy potato contrasts beautifully with the rich and flavourful filling, making this a go-to option when you want something both nutritious and comforting.
By using canned beans that come pre-mixed with a chilli sauce—such as spicy baked beans or Mexican-style beans—you save time and effort in the kitchen. This clever shortcut means you don’t need to stock up on a variety of spices like cumin, paprika, or chilli powder, as the beans already carry a punchy, well-balanced heat. It’s an easy way to introduce bold flavour without extra ingredients, ideal for anyone cooking on a budget or in a hurry.
Adding canned tuna boosts the protein content of the dish, making it especially filling and great for keeping you energised throughout the day. The mild, savoury taste of the tuna pairs surprisingly well with the spice from the beans, creating a well-rounded and satisfying combination.
This recipe is part of a budget-friendly microwave meal plan designed for one person, making it ideal for solo cooking that’s both simple and cost-effective. It’s created to work alongside a low-cost store-cupboard of everyday essentials, helping you prepare tasty meals with minimal effort and expense.
When priced in March 2023 using average costs from four major UK supermarkets, the total cost of this recipe came to just £1.23 per portion. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to eat well on a budget—perfect for students, individuals living alone, or anyone trying to save money without compromising on flavour or nutrition.
Microwave jacket potato with tuna and spicy beans- ingredient list!
Ingredient list for this delicious microwave jacket potato with tuna and spicy beans!
One large potato (250–275 grams/9–9¾ ounces), thoroughly cleaned (see to Recipe Tip)
400g of tin beans in chilli sauce, half
Frozen sweet corn, 50g/1¾oz
145g of well-drained tin tuna chunks
10g/⅓oz of cheddar, a teaspoon of dried chilli flakes (optional), and finely grated crushed black pepper
Microwave jacket potato with tuna and spicy beans- step by step instruction method!
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing your potato, then prick it all over 5–6 times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking and helps prevent the potato from bursting. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook it uncovered on HIGH power—for 3 minutes if you’re using a 1000-watt microwave, or 3 minutes 30 seconds if your microwave is 800 watts
Step 2
Carefully turn the potato over using tongs or a fork, as it will be hot, and return it to the microwave. Cook on HIGH again for another 3 minutes (1000W) or 3 minutes 40 seconds (800W), or until the potato feels soft to the touch and a knife or skewer inserted into the centre slides in easily without resistance.
Step 3
If the potato still feels a bit firm, microwave it for an additional 1–2 minutes, checking it in 30-second intervals. Be cautious not to overcook it, as the texture can start to become tough and dry. Once done, allow the potato to stand for 3–4 minutes, letting the residual heat finish the cooking process and the texture settle before cutting it open and adding your toppings.
Step 4
Place the spicy beans and drained sweetcorn into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Stir them together until they are evenly combined. This mixture forms the hearty, flavour-packed filling for your jacket potato, with the beans adding warmth and richness, and the sweetcorn offering a touch of sweetness and texture.
Step 5
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or an upturned microwaveable plate to prevent splatters while allowing the steam to circulate and heat the mixture evenly. Cook the bean and sweetcorn mix on HIGH power for 3 minutes if using a 1000-watt microwave, or for 3 minutes 40 seconds if using an 800-watt microwave. Be sure to pause the microwave halfway through the cooking time to give the mixture a good stir—this helps it heat evenly throughout and prevents any cold spots.
Step 6
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid or plate (watch out for steam), and check that the mixture is piping hot all the way through. If needed, heat for an additional 30 seconds. Your filling is now ready to be spooned over the cooked potato or stirred together with tuna or cheese, depending on your preference.
Step 7
Once the potato has had time to stand and cool slightly, use a knife to carefully split it open along the centre, creating a pocket for the filling. Gently fluff the inside of the potato with a fork to make room for the delicious toppings.
Step 8
Spoon the heated beans and sweetcorn mixture into the potato, filling it generously. Next, add the tuna (see tip below for additional instructions), spreading it evenly over the beans and sweetcorn. For extra richness and flavour, sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese on top, making sure it covers the filling.
Step 9
Place the stuffed potato back into the microwave and cook on HIGH power for about 1 minute or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbling slightly. The cheese will create a gooey, comforting layer on top, making every bite even more satisfying. If you’d like to add extra toppings or seasoning, feel free to sprinkle some herbs, salt, or pepper for added flavour
Step 10
Once your jacket potato is hot, melty, and bubbling with cheese, carefully remove it from the microwave. For a finishing touch, sprinkle the potato with freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavours and add a little bit of spice. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can also sprinkle a small amount of flaked chilli or red pepper flakes on top, giving the dish an extra kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese and savoury beans.
Step 11
For an added layer of flavour, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt for a cooling contrast. The combination of the soft, fluffy potato, rich cheesy filling, and subtle spice makes for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and full of flavour.
Your Microwave jacket potato with tuna and spicy beans is finished and ready to be enjoyed!
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