Idiot-Proof Stew

* Dice or shred everything. Seriously. Little bits of veg cook faster.
* Put the seasoning packet in the bowl first, with just enough water to dissolve it.
* Add the veg, celery last. If you're adding ramen, celery to about 2/3 up the bowl. If you're not, to ~¾ up the bowl. 1/3 cup celery is kind of the minimum, here.
* Fill with water to just under the top of the veg.
* Cover (an actual microwave cover, maybe a plate, tupperware lids of unusual size...) and microwave for 6 minutes.
* Stir.
* If you're adding ramen, do it now, and stuff it partway under the veg instead of right on top. Either way, put cheese on top-- tiny bits, shredded, or grated melts best.
* Re-cover. Microwave another five minutes.

This can be improved by replacing some of the celery with some other veg with a lower density than the potato -- turnip, parsnip, spinach, more cabbage, collard greens.