14 Easy and Budget-Friendly Recipes for University Students

Finding the time and energy to cook can be tough for university students, especially with a busy schedule and a tight budget.

Many rely on instant meals or takeout, which can be expensive and unhealthy. That’s why having simple, affordable, and nutritious recipes for university students is essential.

With the right ingredients and easy cooking methods, students can prepare delicious meals without spending too much time or money.

1. Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas

A crispy, golden tortilla filled with gooey cheese, bell peppers, and black beans makes for the perfect quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• 1 tsp olive oil

Process:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil.
2. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle half the cheese over it, then layer on the bell peppers and black beans.
3. Add the rest of the cheese and top with the second tortilla.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
5. Slice and serve!

Pro Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream or salsa if you’re feeling fancy.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

2. One-Pan Chicken & Rice

A simple and hearty meal made in one pan! This dish combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful seasonings for an easy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken thigh (boneless)
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies

Process:

1. In a skillet, sear the chicken thigh with a pinch of salt for 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Remove the chicken, then toss in the rice, broth, garlic powder, and veggies.
3. Stir, nestle the chicken back in, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.

Pro Tip: Swap chicken for tofu for a healthy college twist!

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

3. Peanut Butter Banana Toast

A quick, protein-packed breakfast that keeps you full and energized for the day. The combination of peanut butter and banana is always a win!

Ingredients:

• 1 slice whole-grain bread
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Process:

1. Toast the bread until golden.
2. Slather on the peanut butter.
3. Layer the banana slices and drizzle with honey if you’re feeling sweet.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle some cinnamon for extra pizzazz.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

4. Lazy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that comes together with just a few pantry staples. Perfect for a late-night craving or quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 100g spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• Salt to taste

Process:

1. Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and chili flakes for 1-2 minutes (don’t burn the garlic!).
3. Toss the spaghetti in the garlicky oil and season with salt.

Pro Tip: Grate some cheap Parmesan on top if you’ve got it!

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

5. Tuna Salad Pita Pockets

A light yet filling meal that’s easy to prep and take on the go. This tuna salad is fresh, creamy, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1 tbsp mayo
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 pita bread, halved
• Salt and pepper

Process:

1. Mix tuna, mayo, cucumber, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Stuff the mixture into the pita halves.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice for zing.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

6. Sweet Potato Microwave Bowl

A warm, nutritious meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The soft sweet potato pairs beautifully with chickpeas and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Process:

1. Poke the sweet potato with a fork and microwave for 5-7 minutes until soft.
2. Slice it open, mash slightly, then top with chickpeas, olive oil, and paprika.

Pro Tip: Add a spoonful of yogurt for creaminess.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

7. Egg Fried Rice

A quick and flavorful way to use up leftover rice. This dish is packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (leftover works best)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oil

Process:

1. Heat oil in a pan and scramble the egg, then set aside.
2. Toss in the rice and peas, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and mix the egg back in.

Pro Tip: Throw in any leftover veggies you’ve got!

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

8. Avocado Toast with a Twist

A creamy and flavorful avocado toast that takes only minutes to make. The lime and chili flakes add a nice kick!

Ingredients:

• 1 slice bread
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp lime juice

Process:

1. Toast the bread.
2. Mash the avocado with lime juice and spread it on top.
3. Sprinkle with chili flakes.

Pro Tip: Top with a fried egg if you’re extra hungry.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

9. Microwave Mac & Cheese

A cheesy, comforting dish made in just minutes. Perfect for those late-night cravings!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Process:

1. Microwave macaroni and water in a bowl for 4-5 minutes, stirring halfway.
2. Stir in milk and cheese, then microwave for another 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Cooking Time: 7 minutes

10. Quick Black Bean Tacos

A fast and satisfying meal with minimal prep! These tacos are packed with flavor and plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

• 4 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 avocado, sliced

Process:

1. Heat black beans in a pan with cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Warm tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds on each side.
3. Fill tortillas with black beans, tomatoes, and avocado slices.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lime and some shredded cheese for extra flavor!

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

11. Simple Greek Yogurt Parfait

A nutritious and tasty breakfast or snack that comes together in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Process:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, granola, and berries.
2. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Pro Tip: Add some chopped nuts for an extra crunch!

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

12. Easy Scrambled Eggs & Toast

A classic, protein-packed breakfast that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 slice bread

Process:

1. Whisk eggs and milk in a bowl.
2. Heat butter in a pan and pour in the eggs.
3. Stir gently until cooked through.
4. Serve with toasted bread.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle some cheese on top for extra flavor!

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

13. 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Fluffy, naturally sweet pancakes with no flour needed!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Process:

1. Mash the banana and mix with eggs and cinnamon.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and pour small rounds of batter.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.

Pro Tip: Top with peanut butter or maple syrup for extra yum!

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

14. No-Bake Energy Bites

A perfect on-the-go snack that’s healthy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Process:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Roll into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Add chia seeds or coconut flakes for variety!

Cooking Time: 10 minutes + chilling time

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—recipes that make recipes for university students and healthy college living a total breeze! I’ve loved sharing these with you because they’ve saved my sanity (and wallet) more times than I can count. So, grab a pan, get creative, and let’s make uni life a little tastier together!