Welcome to the world of adulthood, where ramen and Easy Mac just won’t cut it anymore!
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back with these delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for busy college students.
Say goodbye to the dining hall and hello to some home-cooked meals that won’t break the bank. These recipes only require a few simple ingredients and can even be made in your dorm room.
No need to call mom and dad for cooking lessons, you’ve got this! Time to level up your culinary game and impress your friends with your mad cooking skills.
Table of Contents
Sloppy Joes II
If you’re tired of the same old fast food options or just want to impress your friends with your cooking skills, try making homemade Sloppy Joes.
This classic American dish is not only easy to make, it’s also delicious and budget-friendly.
All you need is a single skillet (or a slow cooker if you’re really short on time) and a few simple, cheap ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Plus, it’s a lot better than the canned version and can be customized to your liking.
Just toss everything in the pan and let it simmer until it’s nice and thick. Trust us, your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
As one reviewer put it, “Much better than Manwich and SO easy!
The best thing is it’s made with ingredients I always have in the house and it’s not a hundred ingredients either so it’s fast to make.” So next time you’re feeling lazy or just want a quick and tasty meal, give this recipe a try.
Macaroni And Cheese
Looking for a quick and easy way to upgrade your traditional mac and cheese?
This one is the answer! Not only is it made with a small list of cheap and readily available ingredients, but it also only requires a single pot to prepare.
Plus, it’s a big step up from the boxed version you may be used to.
Just boil some pasta, mix in a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
And if you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, feel free to use whatever pasta noodles you have available. It’s a flexible and tasty way to elevate a classic college staple.
Baked Chicken Wings
It’s time to say goodbye to those expensive takeout orders and hello to homemade chicken wings! With this easy and budget-friendly recipe, you can enjoy delicious, crispy wings right in the comfort of your own home.
Plus, the possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor combinations – you can coat your wings in your favorite sauce, or even experiment with different spice blends and rubs.
And the best part? This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and can be ready to serve in no time, beating the delivery person to the punch.
So the next time you’re craving some wings, skip the takeout and give this meal a try.
You’ll save money and impress your friends with your cooking skills.
Tatertot Casserole
Say goodbye to boring, generic casseroles and hello to delicious, customizable meals with this five-ingredient meal idea.
It’s perfect for using up any leftover meat you have in your fridge, or for trying out a new protein.
Not a fan of using just one type of meat? Mix and match to your heart’s desire! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, try adding in some veggies to make it an all-in-one meal.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile casserole, and the best part is that it’s a breeze to make. Just throw everything in a dish and let the oven do the work for you.
Trust us, your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.
Shipwreck Dinner
Say goodbye to boring, bland meals and hello to flavor town!
This meal idea is sure to spice up your dinner routine and it’s super easy to make.
All you need is a few simple ingredients and a single skillet. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that leftover ground meat in your fridge.
Trust us, this dish will become a weeknight staple in no time. Just be sure to have some cooling side dishes on hand, because this one is sure to bring the heat!
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal that won’t break the bank, look no further than this casserole. it should be your go-to.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a well-rounded meal on the table in under an hour.
And to save even more time, consider using a rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
You’ll probably have leftovers for a few days or can even have the recipe if you don’t want too many leftovers.
Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can switch up the ingredients and make different variations to keep things interesting.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If you’re craving some delicious comfort food, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect solution.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also super easy to make.
All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, and you’ll have a mouth-watering meal that you will love.
The best part? It’s a one-pan dinner, so clean up is a breeze.
Plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
So the next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea, give this Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken a try. You won’t be disappointed!
A Tuna Melt
There’s nothing quite like the classic comfort of a tuna melt.
And the best part? It’s super easy to make! All you need is a can of tuna, some mayonnaise, a little bit of diced onion and celery, and of course, cheese and bread.
Mix everything together in a bowl and spoon the tuna mixture onto a slice of bread. Top it off with some cheese and pop it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add a second slice of bread on top and you’ve got yourself a delicious tuna melt sandwich.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings either – try adding some diced tomato or pickles for a little bit of crunch.
And if you’re feeling really fancy, you could even throw in a handful of chopped up bacon for a decadent twist on this classic meal.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something quick and satisfying, give the humble tuna melt a try!
Buttered Noodles
Looking for a quick and easy meal that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings? Look no further than buttered noodles!
This simple dish requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
The best part? It’s completely customizable, so you can add in your favorite vegetables or protein to make it a more well-rounded meal.
And let’s be real, is there anything more comforting than a bowl of creamy, buttery noodles?
Whether you’re a student looking for an easy dinner option or just want to indulge in some carb-y goodness, buttered noodles are sure to hit the spot.
Plus, with a name like “buttered noodles,” how could it not be delicious?
Baked Chicken Nuggets
If you’re feeling nostalgic for your childhood days, why not try making your own baked chicken nuggets?
Not only are they healthier than the frozen, breaded variety, but they’re also super easy to make.
Plus, you can customize the seasoning to your liking and serve them with your choice of dipping sauce.
All you need is some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and your desired seasonings.
Cut the chicken into small nugget-sized pieces, coat them in the breadcrumbs and seasonings, and bake in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
You can even make a big batch and freeze them for a quick and easy meal on a busy night. Trust us, these baked chicken nuggets will be a hit and save you both time and money!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, being a student doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice good, tasty meals.
With a little creativity and some pantry staples, you can create delicious dishes that are easy on your wallet and perfect for busy schedules.
From simple one-pot meals to restaurant-worthy dishes, there are endless options for tasty and budget-friendly meals as a student.
So next time you’re feeling the stress of exams and assignments, take a break and whip up one of these tasty meal ideas. You’ll fuel your body and your mind, all while sticking to your budget.
