As college students around the country begin preparing for fall classes, it’s a good time to talk about easy, cheap, and fast meal ideas. College life can be incredibly demanding, with students juggling classes, extracurricular activities, and possibly part-time jobs. Finding time to cook nutritious meals can be a real challenge, especially for those who are new to cooking. Here are some simple, budget-friendly food ideas that are quick to prepare and perfect for the busy college student.
Elevated Instant Ramen
A staple for many college students, instant ramen is great as the base for something more. Eggs or cooked chicken are excellent additions for additional protein. Vegan? Try adding tofu. You can also add frozen vegetables, which are equally as good as fresh vegetables and will cut back on the time needed to prep. Lastly, consider adding scallions or herbs like cilantro to help add some freshness and make it a complete dish.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are surprisingly versatile, simple to make, and can be assembled ahead of time. All you need is cheese and any of your favorite add-ons, like salsa, beans, guacamole, or your preferred protein. Iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, grilled peppers, and onions are also great additions. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet with butter or oil until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Rice and Beans
Rice with anything is great for those on a budget. You can buy in bulk and cook enough to last you four or five days at a time which is great for busy college students. Simply warm up your leftover rice with a splash of water (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of cooked rice). As for the beans, there are many great canned bean options to choose from; simply pick your favorite one and heat it up accordingly.
Stir-Fry
What’s great about having leftover rice is that when you want to mix it up, it’s perfect with a stir-fry. All you need are frozen stir-fry vegetables, soy sauce, your favorite protein, and rice.
Mac and Cheese
Kraft mac and cheese is quick and easy to make which is ideal for college students. Try adding chicken and frozen peas to change things up. Bacon or turkey bacon are also great options to add to your mac and cheese. Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to enhance the cheesy flavor and make it even more gooey and delicious.
Veggie Wraps
Like many foods on this list, veggie wraps can be prepared ahead of time and customized based on preference. You can try a Mediterranean-inspired veggie wrap with hummus, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh spinach, feta cheese, and your favorite tzatziki sauce, or maybe a Caprese wrap with a spinach or whole wheat tortilla, pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil. The options are endless, and they can be as simple or as complex as you want. You can even use ingredients from other meals, like leftover rice, to complement your wrap. Try a veggie wrap with a whole wheat tortilla, cooked leftover rice, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and soy sauce or your favorite dressing for something quick and easy. For college students who want to add extra protein, add chicken to your Mediterranean-inspired or Caprese wrap or tofu to your leftover rice and veggie wrap with soy sauce.
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