Here is a list of 21 easy dinner ideas that require basic kitchen skills and won’t break the bank while you figure things out. Plus a couple of bonus recipes for breakfast and a cheeky dessert that can be ready in just 5 minutes!
As a student myself, I didn’t know how to cook (tbh-I’m still learning). From toast to rice- I burned everything and set the smoke detectors off in my kitchen a lot. Yes you guessed it- my housemates were VERY annoyed. My cooking talents pretty much stopped at basic pasta and stir fry dishes.
You are going to learn about making super cheap meals that are both delicious and easy to make with the least amount of time.
After learning about all of these student meal ideas, you are going be a pro in the kitchen and you’ll never be stuck for ideas of what to eat again.
This post is all about 21 Affordable Student Meal Ideas.
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This dish is simple to make yet deliciously creamy and satisfying. Pair it with some fried mushroom or chicken if you want to mix things up.
Pasta may be an obvious choice for kicking off this list of student meal ideas *eye roll* but when something isn’t broken, why fix it? Pasta is an excellent option for filling up a stomach on a budget, with some packs of spaghetti costing as little as $20. Plus, you likely have most of the ingredients for this butter pasta at home already.
Quick and simple, yet packed with heat and flavour! This recipe is a good stepping stone toward cooking a curry from scratch. So save the curry in a jar for exam season and try your hand at some Indian classics made simpler.
While we may be a little late for the TikTok trend, vodka pasta is worth trying to add a twist on traditional tomato pasta. Leftover old pasta dishes also work fabulously for a packed lunch the next day.
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The ultimate snack or lunch idea that you can make with just 3 ingredients: bagels, tomato sauce, and cheese. These bite-sized pizzas are great if you live in catered halls, as you can also make these in the microwave. Simply assemble as per the instructions and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
A classic recipe to serve with rice or a warm tortilla and a generous serving of salsa or sour cream. Chilli con Carne is a great way to make beef mince stretch further with the help of some affordable kidney beans.
For a vegan/vegetarian alternative, try this cosy three-bean chilli. Swap the sour cream for smashed avocado and enjoy this cheap, high protein meal in less than 30 minutes.
All chilli recipes will work well served cold as a burrito in a tortilla for leftover lunches.
At just 10p a pop, jacket potatoes couldn’t be a more affordable option for student-friendly, easy meals ideas. Slap on some butter and a sprinkle of salt with a topping of your choice, such as tuna mayo and sweetcorn, or baked beans and salad.
Another take on a pasta bake is a creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. If you can make pasta, you can make this dish. It really is that simple to cook up the ultimate comforting winter-warmer meal.
Chickpeas are a wonderful source of protein that doesn’t cost nearly as much as meat alternatives (and there’s no risk of food poisoning, which is also a bonus when you’re new to the kitchen!). They work perfectly in curries as they hold their shape and add texture as well as a soft creamy base flavour.
Top tip, you can get mixed curry spice in various heat levels in the supermarkets so you can customise the spice level to your taste.
Throw together a tortilla, onion, pepper, beans, cheese, and jalapenos, toast it all in a frying pan and have a Mexican feast in minutes. For some extra cheesy goodness, top with additional grated cheese and melt.
Calling all peanut butter obsessives, this is a creamy, nutty stir fry you don’t want to miss! So grab your favourite PB, stir in some soy sauce, sweet chilli, and a little sweetener, and you’re away (the recipe calls for maple syrup but feel free to use regular sugar if this is what you have on hand).
These bean burgers are not only vegan and vegetarian-friendly, nut-free, but they can also easily be made gluten-free with GF oats or even day-old brown rice. Therefore, making them a great option if you’re cooking for friends as they cover all dietary needs and keep costs down.
Plus, they make great leftovers throughout the week. Serve your burger with chips on Monday, a salad on Tuesday, in a sandwich with mayo for lunch on Wednesday (we’ll end the ideas before we sound like a bad Craig David remix, the point is they are super versatile and keep in fresh for days!).
Start with rice, add some veggies and beans, and a splash of chipotle dressing, and you can pretty much call it a day. The great thing about burrito bowls is that you can mix it up with what you have on hand. Other topping options include roasted pepper, pickled onion, spicy fried chicken, and avocado.
We know what a hummus addiction can feel like, so we couldn’t leave off this creamy hummus recipe with no tahini from the list. Making your own hummus is a far cheaper (and tastier) way to enjoy this chickpea dip, and it might not be as complicated as you may expect.
BTW, pair this with some naan bread; it's delicious!
Fuel up for the day with a two-egg omelet with earthy mushrooms, onions, cheese and a handful of spinach to inject some greenery.
Frozen spinach is a great alternative to have on hand as it is cheaper than fresh, and you can defrost it as and when you need it, minimizing waste and costs.
Yes, you read that one right. Just two ingredients are needed. Let’s not leave a sweet breakfast or dessert idea off the list! These pancakes start with just bananas and eggs.
Then you can customise the recipe to your taste (or what you have in the cupboard) and, voila, weekend comfort food at your fingertips.
This ingredient list might make you run for the hills, but the recipe is actually super simple to follow.
The reason we love this high-protein vegan recipe so much is that it will last you many meals throughout the week, either with a side of mashed potatoes or roasties or as a sandwich filling.
For a tasty noodle dish that doesn’t arrive in a pot, try Japanese ramen. Ramen is a filling meal that you can make in just one pan. And soups and broths always work well when you suspect you might be coming down with fresher’s flu.
Sometimes pasta or noodle dishes can be a little overdone when it comes to living as a student, but that doesn’t mean they are totally off the cards.
This 4-ingredient sweet and sour sauce works as a stir fry or pasta sauce or even a side dish to a Chinese-inspired meal and a spring roll dipping sauce. All you need is ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar to get started.
We had to end this list with a sweet idea! When you’re cooking for just one, it seems silly to bake a whole cake, but that doesn’t mean the cravings for cake disappear. Instead, try a 5-minute cake in a mug cooked in the microwave to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Roshel is a financial enthusiast and pro Student. She graduate with more than 10 years of experience being a student in the Education System. She holds a 1st class LLB (Hons) Law degree from University. Roshel has received an award for Best Overall Academic Performance and has been recognised for being top of her class. She has received multiple certifications, awards and medals throughout her academic career.
Having navigated the challenges of managing personal finances as a young adult, Roshel runs a blog where she shares practical tips and strategies to help others achieve financial independence amongst other things. She helps countless young adults achieve their academic and personal goals.