10+ College Recipes to Enjoy on a Budget

Eating well in college can be a challenge, especially with a busy schedule and tight budget. Simple and easy recipes can help you prepare meals that are both affordable and delicious.

Whether you’re living in a dorm or an apartment, there are many ways to create tasty dishes without spending too much time or money.

With a few basic ingredients and some creative ideas, you can make meals that satisfy your hunger and keep you energized for classes and studying. You don’t need fancy kitchen tools or complicated steps. Just some easy college recipes can ensure you enjoy your time in the kitchen while fueling your busy life.

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado toast with poached egg is a simple and nutritious meal, perfect for any time of the day. It’s quick to make and very filling.

Start with two slices of your favorite bread. Whole grain or sourdough adds great flavor. Toast the bread until golden brown.

While the bread is toasting, prepare the poached eggs. Bring water to a gentle simmer in a pot. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then slide it into the water. Cook for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk.

Now, mash a ripe avocado in a bowl. Add a bit of salt and pepper for flavor. Once the toast is ready, spread the avocado on top.

Finally, place the poached egg on each piece. You can add optional toppings like cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (whole grain or sourdough)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast two slices of bread.
2. Bring water to a simmer in a pot.
3. Crack eggs into small bowls.
4. Slide eggs into simmering water, cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Mash avocado and season it.
6. Spread avocado on toast and add eggs on top.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for college students. It’s quick to prepare and requires just a few basic ingredients. Plus, it’s an Italian classic!

To start, you need spaghetti, olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley. This meal is not only easy to make but also satisfying.

To cook, boil water in a large pot. Add salt and spaghetti, then cook according to the package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden. Be careful not to burn it! Mix in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Finally, add the drained spaghetti to the pan, along with some reserved pasta water. Toss everything together and finish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot; add salt.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
3. Reserve pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Add sliced garlic; sauté until golden.
6. Stir in red pepper flakes.
7. Combine spaghetti with garlic oil and reserved pasta water.
8. Toss with chopped parsley and serve.

3) Microwave Mug Cake

A microwave mug cake is a quick and tasty treat perfect for college students. You can enjoy a warm dessert in just a few minutes. All you need is a microwave, a mug, and some simple ingredients.

To make a basic chocolate mug cake, you will need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In your mug, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
2. Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Microwave on high for about 1 minute (1 minute at 1000 watts, about 30 seconds more for lower power) at 350°F (175°C).
4. Let it cool for a minute, then enjoy your cake straight from the mug!

One-Pot Mac and Cheese

One-pot mac and cheese is a great dish for college students. It is simple, quick, and satisfying. You only need one pot to cook everything, making cleanup easy.

To start, combine 2 cups of macaroni pasta, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of milk in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice, but feel free to use a blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese melts.

This dish is creamy and delicious. You can add toppings like crumbled bacon or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni pasta
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine macaroni, water, and milk.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Stir in shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until the cheese melts and is creamy.

5) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are simple and delicious. You can make this meal quickly for yourself or a group. Just toss everything on a pan and bake!

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, grab your chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions.

Mix together some fajita seasoning. You can use spices like chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Coat the chicken and vegetables with the seasoning.

Spread everything out on a rimmed sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving in warm tortillas. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like salsa or avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix the spices in a bowl.
3. Coat the chicken and veggies with spices.
4. Arrange them on a sheet pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve in warm tortillas.

6) Overnight Oats with Berries

Overnight oats with berries are a simple and delicious breakfast. You can prepare them the night before, making your mornings easier.

To start, mix rolled oats with your choice of milk, such as almond or cow’s milk. Add chia seeds for extra nutrition and a bit of honey for sweetness.

Now, layer in fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. These add a lovely burst of flavor. Place the mixture in a container and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, enjoy your creamy and fruity breakfast. It’s filling, healthy, and perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (almond, cow’s, or oat)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup mixed berries

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine oats, milk, chia seeds, and honey.
2. Stir until well mixed.
3. Layer with mixed berries.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Enjoy chilled in the morning.

7) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food that’s simple to make. It’s perfect for a quick meal after a long day of classes. Plus, you can customize it to your liking.

For the sandwich, use your favorite bread and cheese. You can add extras like tomatoes or bacon for added flavor.

To make the soup, use canned tomato soup or make it from scratch. You can combine it with some spices or fresh herbs to give it a unique taste.

Dip your warm, cheesy sandwich into the soup for the best experience!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
3. Place cheese between the slices, buttered sides out.
4. Cook the sandwich in the skillet until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. In a separate pot, heat the tomato soup until warm.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the sandwich with the soup for dipping.

8) Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are a quick and tasty breakfast. They are simple to make and perfect for college students. You can enjoy them any day of the week.

To start, you will need ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and moisture to your pancakes. You can also mix in ingredients like eggs or peanut butter for extra flavor.

Use a nonstick pan for easy cooking. Just melt some butter over medium heat and pour in your batter. Cook until the edges are dry, then flip them over. They should be golden brown and fluffy.

Serve your pancakes warm with fresh fruit or syrup. They taste amazing and will keep you full for hours. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Butter for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl.
2. Add the eggs and mix well.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Heat a nonstick pan on medium (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Melt butter in the pan.
6. Pour in the batter and cook until bubbly.
7. Flip and cook until golden brown.

9) Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a simple and tasty meal perfect for college students. It is easy to prepare and packed with nutrition. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner.

Start with canned chickpeas. Mash them up in a bowl. You can use a fork.

Next, add chopped veggies like celery, cucumber, and carrots for crunch.

Mix in some mayonnaise or yogurt for creaminess. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. This adds great flavor!

Spread the mixture on your favorite bread or in a pita. You can also add lettuce or spinach for extra freshness.

This recipe can be made in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. Plus, it stores well in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 celery stick
• 1 Persian cucumber
• 1 carrot
• 2 green onions
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or pita for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and mash the chickpeas in a bowl.
2. Chop the celery, cucumber, carrot, and green onions.
3. Add chopped veggies to the chickpeas.
4. Mix in mayonnaise or yogurt, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Spread on bread or in a pita and add greens if desired. Enjoy!

10) Stir-fried Tofu with Vegetables

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a simple and tasty dish you can make quickly. This recipe is healthy and perfect for busy college nights.

For this meal, start by pressing your tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes.

Then, gather your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until it’s golden brown.

Next, toss in your vegetables and stir-fry them until they are crisp-tender.

To add flavor, mix a sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Pour it over the tofu and veggies and cook for a few more minutes.

Serve this dish hot over rice or noodles for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. Chop the vegetables.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add tofu. Cook until it turns golden brown.
5. Add vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
6. Mix soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Then, add the mixture to the pan.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.