Easy Meals You Can Make in College: Quick, Budget-Friendly Recipes
If you’re a college student, you know how time consuming and expensive it can be to cook meals every night. Read this blog for easy and inexpensive recipes.
Easy and Budget-Friendly Meals to Make in College | CollegePlace Provo
College life can be incredibly busy, with classes, study sessions, and social events leaving little time to cook. But even with a packed schedule, you don’t have to rely on takeout or instant noodles every day! With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up easy, budget-friendly meals that are delicious and satisfying. Here are some meal ideas you can make quickly, even in a small dorm or apartment kitchen.
1. One-Pot Pasta
Ingredients: Pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and any veggies or protein you like (spinach, chicken, sausage).
One-pot meals are a college student’s dream because they minimize dishes! Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, add canned tomatoes, and toss in your pasta (uncooked). Add water or broth, season with salt and pepper, and let everything cook together. Add veggies or pre-cooked protein, and within 20 minutes, you’ll have a full meal in one pot.
Why it works:
It’s fast, easy to customize, and requires very few ingredients. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze!
2. Quesadillas
Ingredients: Tortillas, shredded cheese, canned beans, leftover veggies or meat.
Quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Simply layer cheese and any fillings between two tortillas and cook in a pan until golden brown. Serve with salsa or sour cream if you have it. You can use canned beans or leftover meat from the night before to bulk it up.
Why it works:
It’s versatile, super quick, and requires no fancy equipment—just a pan!
3. Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients: Cooked rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, soy sauce.
Have leftover rice from last night’s takeout? Turn it into a new meal by scrambling a couple of eggs, then adding the rice, frozen veggies, and soy sauce. Stir everything together in a pan for a flavorful fried rice that’s filling and budget-friendly.
Why it works:
Egg fried rice is a great way to use up leftovers, and it only takes 10-15 minutes to make.
4. Avocado Toast
Ingredients: Bread, avocado, salt, pepper, optional toppings (like eggs, tomatoes, or cheese).
When you need something quick and healthy, avocado toast is a go-to. Mash an avocado with salt and pepper, spread it on toast, and add toppings like a fried egg or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Why it works:
It’s easy to prepare, loaded with healthy fats, and endlessly customizable.
5. Ramen Stir-Fry
Ingredients: Instant ramen noodles, soy sauce, veggies, and optional protein (tofu, chicken, or beef).
Instant ramen doesn’t have to be boring. Skip the flavor packet and cook the noodles as usual, then stir-fry them with soy sauce, veggies, and your favorite protein. It transforms ramen into a more nutritious and flavorful meal.
Why it works:
It’s a fast upgrade to a classic college staple and allows you to sneak in some vegetables.
6. Baked Potatoes
Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or other toppings.
Microwave a potato for 5-7 minutes, and you have an easy base for a meal. Top it with butter, sour cream, and cheese, or go all out with bacon bits, salsa, or leftover chili. It’s hearty, filling, and requires minimal effort.
Why it works:
Baked potatoes are filling, easy to make in the microwave, and inexpensive.
7. Smoothie Bowls
Ingredients: Frozen fruit, yogurt, milk (or juice), toppings like granola or nuts.
Throw some frozen fruit, yogurt, and milk or juice into a blender for a quick smoothie. Pour it into a bowl and top it with granola, nuts, or fresh fruit for a healthy and Instagram-worthy meal. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Why it works:
Smoothie bowls are refreshing, nutritious, and can be made with just a blender.
8. Tacos
Ingredients: Tortillas, ground beef or chicken, seasoning, lettuce, cheese, salsa.
Tacos are quick to make and easy to customize. Cook ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning, then assemble your tacos with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. You can even make it vegetarian by using beans instead of meat.
Why it works:
Tacos are fun to assemble, require minimal cooking, and taste amazing.
9. Microwave Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: Macaroni, milk, shredded cheese.
Skip the boxed stuff and make your own microwave mac and cheese. Cook the pasta in water in a microwave-safe bowl for about 4 minutes, then add milk and shredded cheese. Microwave it for another minute, stir, and you’re done!
Why it works:
It’s an upgraded version of classic mac and cheese, made with real ingredients and still super easy.
10. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Ingredients: Tortillas, cooked chicken, Caesar dressing, lettuce, Parmesan cheese.
If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, these wraps are a quick and tasty option. Just mix the chicken with Caesar dressing and layer it in a tortilla with lettuce and Parmesan cheese. Roll it up, and you have a simple meal on the go.
Why it works:
Chicken Caesar wraps are fresh, satisfying, and ideal for busy days when you need something portable.
These easy meals are perfect for college students who want to eat well without spending too much time or money in the kitchen. With a few pantry staples and basic ingredients, you can create delicious, homemade meals that fuel your body and keep you energized through those long study sessions!
