Cooking as a student does not mean you will eat ramen every night. You can have a tasty, filling, and nutritious meal on a budget with just a few basic ingredients and a little creativity. The following are eight affordable dishes that any student could make on their own. They are all simple and cheap and will give you good leftovers!
1. One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables
1-pot meals save the day for students because they require very little prep and cleanup. This pasta is simply made with whatever vegetables you have available (e.g., bell peppers, onions, spinach, or broccoli). Put pasta, veggies, a can of tomatoes, and spices in a pot, simmer until pasta is al dente, and enjoy!
Why It’s Great:
- Affordable ingredients
- Only one pot to wash
- Flexible with whatever veggies you have on hand
2. Chickpea Stir-Fry
Chickpeas are an affordable protein-rich food. Stir-fry chickpeas with frozen or fresh veggies, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a fast dinner. Serve over rice for a filling, budget-friendly meal. It’s savory and easy to prep ahead of time.
Pro Tip: Use leftover rice from another meal to save time.
3. Vegetable Fried Rice
Got leftover rice? Turn it into a great fried rice dinner. We are talking frozen veggies, eggs, soy sauce and a little oil. It’s a delicious way to make use of what’s left over and eliminate waste, and is super quick to prepare.
Quick steps to make it:
- Sauté veggies in oil.
- Add rice and cook until warmed through.
- Push everything to the side, crack in a couple of eggs, and scramble.
- Stir it all together with soy sauce, and enjoy!
4. Black Bean Tacos
You don’t have to spend a lot on tacos, and they don’t need to be meaty to be filling. Black beans, salsa, and some simple spices make for a great taco-night filling. Fill your tortillas with black beans, cheese, and whatever veggies you have to make a great meal.
Why you’ll love it:
- High in protein and fiber
- Customizable with different toppings
- Quick to make for a busy evening
5. Lentil Curry
Lentils are one of the cheapest protein sources on the planet. You can make a comforting lentil curry with a can of coconut milk, curry powder, and simple spices. Pair it with rice or bread, and you will have a hearty meal that also leaves plenty of leftovers for later.
Ingredients needed:
- Lentils (canned or dry)
- Coconut milk
- Curry powder and spices
- Rice or bread to serve with
6. Baked Potatoes with Toppings
Baked potatoes are delicious, quick and nutritious. Simply bake a potato and top it with whatever you like — cheese, sour cream, beans, or leftover veggies. It can be either a filling breakfast or a loaded dinner, depending on what’s in season.
Suggested toppings for baked potatoes:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Black beans or chickpeas
- Sautéed veggies
- A sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor
7. Simple Quesadillas
Quesadillas are fast and easy and require only a few ingredients. There is nothing more to them than tortillas, cheese, and beans or veggies. Cook everything over a stovetop until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crisp. Top it with salsa or guacamole if you have it.
Why quesadillas are perfect for students:
- Takes less than 10 minutes to make
- Uses basic ingredients you probably already have
- Easy to customize with various fillings
8. Tuna Pasta Salad
Canned tuna is an easy protein option that works well in pasta salad. Combine cooked pasta with a can of tuna, some mayo or Greek yogurt, and whatever veggies you have (peas, bell peppers, onions). It’s filling, doesn’t need to be reheated, and can be prepared ahead of time for hectic study days. At times like these, students often forget about food and wonder, “Can I hire Academized to write a research paper for me?”. The answer would be affirmative, as this service is always ready to satisfy any student’s request.
Quick steps:
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Mix pasta with tuna, mayo, and veggies.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if you like.
This pasta salad is easy to store for later and can be eaten for several days. If you enjoy the variation, you can even make a basic version with just a few staple veggies and then add new ingredients to it before every meal.
Cooking Made Simple and Affordable
Cooking as a student doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. These budget dinner recipes show you that you can make savory and satisfying meals with little to no work. We’ve got one-pot pasta to rich quesadillas to keep your dinners varied and cheap. So, go get your ingredients and get cooking. You will not be spending money, and you will blow away your tastebuds every time!