As a student, it can be tough to balance a busy schedule with cooking healthy meals. But just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for ramen noodles every day! In this article, we’ll share 20 quick and easy recipes that are perfect for students looking to save time and money in the kitchen.
From comforting classics like microwave mac and cheese to healthier options like avocado toast with fried egg, these recipes are designed to be simple, affordable, and delicious. Whether you’re a college student living in a dorm or an grad student working from home, we’ve got you covered with meals that can be prepared in no time at all. So let’s get cooking!
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Microwave Mac and Cheese
This comforting dish is perfect for a quick lunch or snack. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying creamy macaroni and cheese in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked macaroni
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, milk, and shredded cheese.
2. Add the butter and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is coated.
4. Remove from microwave and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
5-Minute Omelette in a Mug
Whip up a delicious omelette in no time with this easy and quick recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon butter or non-stick cooking spray
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
– Optional fillings: diced veggies (bell peppers, onions), cooked meat (bacon, ham), or chopped herbs (chives, parsley)
Instructions:
1. Crack the egg into a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add butter or non-stick cooking spray, salt, and shredded cheese to the egg.
3. Stir the mixture with a fork until it’s smooth and combined.
4. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to cook the edges.
5. Remove from the microwave and add any optional fillings.
6. Return the mug to the microwave and cook for an additional 20-25 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the omelette is cooked through.
7. Carefully remove the omelette from the microwave and slide it onto a plate.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (30 seconds + 20-25 seconds)
Enjoy your fluffy and flavorful 5-minute omelette in a mug!
One-Pot Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This recipe yields a rich and satisfying one-pot spaghetti dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its bold flavors and ease of preparation, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Remove garlic from the pot with a slotted spoon. Add cooked spaghetti to the pot, tossing to combine with the garlic-infused oil.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado Toast with Fried Egg
A classic breakfast combo gets a creamy twist with this simple recipe. Enjoy the perfect blend of crunchy toast, silky avocado, and runny egg.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 large egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Fry the egg in a non-stick pan over medium heat until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
3. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
4. Place the fried egg on top of the avocado.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time:
– Toasting bread: 2-3 minutes
– Cooking egg: 3-4 minutes
– Total time: 5-7 minutes
Instant Ramen Upgrade with Veggies
Elevate your instant ramen game by adding fresh veggies and a few simple tweaks. This recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of instant ramen noodles
– 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1/4 cup of sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/4 cup of sliced carrots
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cooked chicken, beef, or tofu for added protein
Instructions:
1. Cook the instant ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chopped scallions and cooked noodles to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup
A classic comfort food combination that’s easy to make and always a hit! This recipe yields two grilled cheese sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 1 cup tomato soup
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with cheese and another bread slice, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Enjoy your comforting and delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup!
Easy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A creamy and delicious treat that’s perfect for a quick snack or post-workout smoothie.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Optional: honey, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the banana, peanut butter, and vanilla yogurt.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the milk and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding honey or more peanut butter.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
6. If desired, top with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and enjoy.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Elevate your quesadilla game with this easy and convenient recipe that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together cheese, black beans, onion, bell pepper, and olive oil.
3. Place one tortilla on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Spoon about half of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Microwave Baked Potato with Toppings
Transform a plain potato into a deliciously flavorful treat in just a few minutes! This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large baking potato ( Russet or Idaho work well)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings:
+ Cheddar cheese, shredded
+ Sour cream
+ Diced chives or scallions
+ Bacon bits or chopped cooked bacon
Instructions:
1. Wash the potato thoroughly and poke some holes in it with a fork to allow steam to escape.
2. Place the potato directly on the microwave turntable.
3. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power level.
4. Remove the potato from the microwave and carefully cut off any hard, browned spots around the edges.
5. Spread the softened butter evenly over the potato, sprinkling with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add your desired toppings and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Stir-Fried Rice with Leftovers
Transform last night’s dinner into a tasty and easy lunch with this simple stir-fry recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed leftovers (chicken, beef, or vegetables work well)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed leftovers and cook until heated through.
4. Push the ingredients to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the leftover mixture.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
7. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
3-Ingredient Pancakes
Start your day off right with these simple and delicious pancakes that require only three ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
2. Crack in the egg and whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto the pan (about 1/4 cup per pancake).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
6. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Tuna Salad Wrap
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad, this recipe combines canned tuna with creamy mayonnaise and crunchy chopped veggies, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup of chopped celery
– 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large flour tortilla
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red bell pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
5. Spoon the tuna salad mixture onto one half of the tortilla.
6. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (preparation) + wrap time
Pasta with Garlic Butter and Parmesan
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! This recipe combines the simplicity of pasta with the richness of garlic butter and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Microwave Scrambled Eggs
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast that’s ready in just minutes! This recipe yields fluffy, flavorful scrambled eggs with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon milk (optional)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
3. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of milk to enhance moisture.
4. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
5. Stop the microwave every 15 seconds to stir the eggs with a fork to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time: 30-45 seconds
Overnight Oats with Fruit
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast by preparing these overnight oats with fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings: sliced banana, mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, honey, and salt. Stir until the oats are well coated.
2. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours.
3. Just before serving, top with your desired fruit toppings (banana, mixed berries, and walnuts).
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours (overnight)
Egg Fried Rice with Frozen Veggies
Quickly transform leftover rice into a flavorful and nutritious meal with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute.
4. Pour in the frozen veggies and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
5. Push the veggie mixture to one side of the pan.
6. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until cooked through.
7. Mix the eggs with the veggies and onion.
8. Add the cooked rice, stirring-frying everything together for about 2-3 minutes.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hummus and Veggie Sandwich
A simple yet satisfying snack or light meal that combines the creaminess of hummus with the crunch of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 tomato, sliced
– 4 slices whole wheat bread
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top.
3. Spread hummus on each slice of bread.
4. Top with mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
One-Pot Chili with Beans
A hearty, comforting chili recipe that’s ready in just over an hour. This one-pot wonder combines the flavors of tender beef, rich tomatoes, and creamy beans for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the meat is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Granola
A sweet and crunchy breakfast or snack that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up. This simple recipe combines the tanginess of Greek yogurt with the richness of honey and the crunch of granola.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp pure honey
– 1/4 cup granola
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Top the yogurt mixture with granola.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Microwave Mug Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this quick and easy microwave mug cake recipe, perfect for a late-night craving or a busy morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 tablespoon milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the mug. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in optional add-ins (chocolate chips or nuts) if using.
4. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power level.
5. Check the cake after 1 minute and continue cooking in 15-second increments until it’s cooked through.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 quick and easy recipes perfect for students on a budget. From comforting microwave mac and cheese to healthy avocado toast with fried egg, these dishes are designed to be prepared quickly and efficiently. Other highlights include instant ramen upgraded with veggies, grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, and sheet pan quesadillas. Also featured are overnight oats with fruit, hummus and veggie sandwiches, and one-pot chili with beans. These recipes are perfect for busy students looking to save time and money without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
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