Here are 63 Budget Friendly Easy College Meals, plus a list of kitchen equipment and pantry supplies to start your first kitchen.
So your child is heading off to college this year, I know what that's like! We have two girls: one that graduated college in 2018 and the other is finishing up her Sophomore year; both lived in their own apartments.
College living is not what it was like when I was a student back in the late 1980's. First of all (and I know I'm dating myself here), I went to a culinary school yet we didn't even have microwaves or refrigerators in our rooms.
Cheap And Easy Meals For College Students
That said, most colleges now have apartment living options for their students; which means that they have to prepare most of their own meals instead of dining at the school cafeteria.
At 17, my daughter had to learn how to cook for herself fast if she wanted to eat because my pre-made meals only lasted so long in between her trips back home.
Recently, one of my daughters childhood friends was telling me that she was a little nervous about cooking for herself when she transfers to an out of state college next month and will be living in an apartment.
Column: 4 Cheap And Easy Recipes For College Students
She had attended a local college for the last two years, so she was still living at home with Mom making most of her meals. I told her I would sign her up with my Weekly Email so she can see the new recipes I'm making.
Then I also decided that this would be a great opportunity to compile a list of quick and easy, budget friendly, delicious home cooked meals that she (and other college bound students) could make for themselves.
BTW, if you're reading this post and have already ventured out on your own, these recipes can apply to you as well. A first time cook, is a first time cook, no matter what stage in life you are in! Besides, who wouldn't want to try some new, easy recipes.
Easy Recipes For College Students
All of the items you will need in the following recipes you can purchase at your local grocery store. I've separated the meals into categories so that you can find the recipes that you would most like to try a little easier.
I'm giving you forewarning, this is a long post so get yourself comfortable, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and get ready to click on the name of the recipe below to be taken to the original recipe post.
If you don't like an ingredient in a particular recipe and would like to substitute another one in it's place, go for it!
Cost Effective Meals Under $25 To Make As A College Student
I'm more than happy to help! Don't forget to scroll all the way to the bottom for a list of kitchen equipment and pantry supplies to help get your first college kitchen started.
If you're like me and don't like to click through to each link to find the actual recipe, you can now download a copy with all 63 recipes written out for you in one convenient eBook! Visit the Shop section on the home page to purchase your copy now!
Asian Chicken Wings-Plan ahead for these wings because the longer they sit in the marinade, the better they taste. Perfect for dinner or when rooting on your favorite sports team (WE ARE! and Enter Sandman! ).
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Chicken Parmesan-Save some time and buy jarred sauce; it's ok, I'll forgive you while you're still in college. 😉 In fact, my daughter said she's made this using frozen breaded chicken cutlets, jarred sauce and mozzarella sticks.
Whatever works! You can also purchase thinly sliced chicken breasts and make the cutlets yourself if you prefer them fresh like I do to speed the prep and make extra so you can freeze the rest.
Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers-Only 3 ingredients and about 10 minutes to cook (after they're marinated). Don't worry about putting them on skewers, just pop them on your indoor grill.
Seriously Easy Meals For College Students
Pretzel Coated Chicken Nuggets-What could be better than chicken breaded with sourdough hard pretzels? Oh yeah, dip them into a honey mustard sauce!
Don't worry if you don't have a food processor to break up the pretzels; put them in a plastic resealable bag and bang them with the bottom of a glass. You can think about that Chem test coming up...you're welcome.
Sriracha Lime Turkey Meatballs-Did you know that spicy foods reduce depression and stress by boosting the serotonin hormones in your body? These meatballs are not only a healthier option, they're super flavorful. Serve them for dinner or as a game day snack!
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Balsamic ApricotGlazed Chicken Thighs-According to a LIVESTRONG article, chicken thighs are just as nutritious as chicken breasts. Besides, they cost less too! This simple recipe contains four ingredients and is loaded with flavor.
Country Chicken-Made with only 5 ingredients, this chicken dish made with chicken tenders, scallions, breadcrumbs, butter and white wine is sure to please.
Like many of my recipes that use wine, you can always substitute chicken broth; especially for those of you under 21. And I don't recommend buying that store brand version of wine..it tastes horrible.
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Turkey Swedish Meatballs-When using ground turkey, I always use the leanest product (99% fat free or 99/1); which is less gamier than the 93/7 counterpart.
Watch your prices at the grocery store, sometimes ground chicken costs much less and will taste virtually the same in this recipe.
Honey Mustard Chicken Cutlets with Arugula Salad-I love this recipe because it's so simple and filling; though you'll want to make extra cutlets to save for later.
Easy And Cheap Meal Prep Ideas For College Students
Just wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap once completely cooled; then add them to a resealable plastic bag and place in the freezer. You can then take out one at a time when you're ready.
Chicken Vesuvio- Roast your favorite chicken parts with fresh lemons, garlic and baby potatoes. This can be made on one pan for easy cleanup. No measuring. No fuss.
CrispyRanch Baked Chicken Thighs-I'm not a big advocate of using pre packaged ingredients, but sometimes busy times call for drastic measures. All right, it's not that drastic!
Cheap And Quick Recipes For College Students Who Can't Cook
But who couldn't use a quick, delicious new chicken recipe. All you need are 3 ingredients + 1 hour = Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
Low Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo-Enjoy one of your favorite meals without all of the extra calories. You can also make this without the meat or substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken based on your preference.
Taco Baked Chicken-Take prepackaged taco mix, add a little oil, brush it on chicken and bake. Easy peasy! I served ours with Spanish Flavored Rice-A-Roni and added in a can of rinsed black beans...Delish!
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Vegetable Beef & Bean Chili-Add your favorite garden vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, or squash to this hearty chili. This dish is perfect to make over the weekend; then freeze into individual portions for later.
Tortellini Escarole Soup with Mini Meatballs-My family loves this hearty soup; especially during the cooler months. After it sits long enough, the tortellini soaks up most of the broth and becomes more like a stew.
Cheeseburger Macaroni- This recipe can be made on top of the stove in under 30 minutes and six ingredients. We like to use American cheese, but swap it out for your favorite variety to give it a different taste.
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Sloppy Joe's-Like most recipes, if you don't have a crock pot, you can make it on top of the stove in a large pot instead. The only drawback is that youcan't leave it unattended during the day.
The good part about this recipe is that you really don't need to cook it very long on top of the stove. Serve this on your favorite roll or place on top of hot dogs or baked potatoes.
Hearty Beef Noodle Soup-I know many of you will not be making steak or roast beef while you're in college (unless you get Omaha Steaks meat deliveries from generous grandparents like our daughter did).
Single Serving Meals You Can Make In A College Kitchen
However, you can go to your grocery stores' deli counter and ask them to cut you a piece of their store cooked roast beef.
Just tell them you would like two to three thick slices; then cut the meat into cubes to used in this soup. This soup makes 6 cups so you'll want to freeze the leftovers.
Pizza Meatloaf-Lean ground beef mixed with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. You can't get any easier than this and will also make a nice sandwich the next day.
Easy, Cheap & Healthy College Meals
Pasta e Fagioli-Technically this is a soup, but it's so hearty because I add ground beef that I had to put it under this category.This classic pasta and bean Italian soup is loaded with flavor.
Make it ahead of time, keep in the refrigerator; then reheat when ready to serve. It's a comforting meal for a cold night.
Balsamic Meatloaf- This meatloaf recipe is one of my favorites because it's delicious and so simple to make. The recipe will make eight slices.
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You could also place the mixture into muffin cups (spray with cooking spray first) before baking to make them into pre-portioned sizes. It may also be easier to freeze any leftovers.
Meatball Stromboli-This recipe was originally made as
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