50+ Cheap & Easy Meal Ideas For College Students
Eating on a college budget can be tough, especially when you’re juggling classes, studying, and a social life. But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to survive on instant ramen alone! There are plenty of cheap, easy, and delicious meals you can make with minimal ingredients and effort.
My go-to grocery store is Trader Joe’s. It’s relatively affordable and has great organic options. I highly suggest trying out Trader Joe’s if you have one near you. People all over post a ton of great meals you can make with Trader Joe’s unique items. It’s a great way to find new recipes and rotate out old ones once you get bored.
I know the struggle of trying to eat well without breaking the bank. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 50+ budget-friendly meal ideas that are simple, filling, and perfect for college students. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, I’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, I’ll share:
Quick and affordable breakfast ideas to start your day right
Simple lunch and dinner recipes that require minimal cooking
Snacks and meal prep ideas to keep you full and focused
Grocery shopping tips to help you stretch your food budget
If you’re ready to eat well without spending a fortune, let’s dive in!
Breakfast Ideas
Overnight Oats – Combine oats, milk, and honey in a jar and refrigerate overnight.
Peanut Butter Banana Toast – Spread peanut butter on toast and top with banana slices.
Scrambled Eggs & Toast – Quick, protein-packed, and budget-friendly.
Greek Yogurt & Granola – A healthy and filling breakfast option.
Microwave Mug Omelet – Eggs, cheese, and veggies cooked in a mug in 2 minutes.
Avocado Toast with Egg – A trendy and nutritious breakfast. I like to add a layer of cream cheese and Everything But the Bagel seasoning!
Pancakes from Mix – Just add water and cook on a pan.
Cereal & Milk – A classic no-cook breakfast.
Smoothie/Smoothie Bowl – Blend bananas, yogurt, and frozen berries for a delicious bowl or smoothie. I add a ton of spinach, and you don’t even notice (a great way to sneak in your veggies).
Bagel with Cream Cheese – Quick, filling, and tasty.
Breakfast Burrito – Customize it however you like. My favorite ingredients to include in a tortilla are eggs, spinach, peppers, cheese, and sausage. So good and filling!
Yogurt Parfait – Yogurt, strawberries, banana, granola, and honey.
Lunch Ideas
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup – A simple and comforting meal.
Ramen with Egg & Veggies – Upgrade instant ramen with protein and vegetables.
DIY Burrito Bowl – Rice, beans, salsa, and cheese for a Chipotle-style meal. I love the Trader Joe’s jasmine rice that is microwavable—so easy and convenient.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich – A budget classic.
Quesadillas – Just cheese and tortilla, or add extras like beans and veggies.
Mac & Cheese – Make it from a box or homemade with real cheese.
Egg Salad Sandwich – Hard-boiled eggs, mayo, and seasonings on bread.
Kale Caesar Salad – Kale is delicious and packed with nutrients! I love a chicken kale Caesar salad to mix up my lunch ideas. You can also use kale to make kale chips with lemon—so good!
Tuna Salad Sandwich – Canned tuna, mayo, and bread for a protein-packed lunch. Lemon in tuna is a game-changer! I also love making tuna lettuce wraps if I’m out of bread—a super healthy alternative.
Chicken Caesar Wrap – Rotisserie chicken, lettuce, and dressing in a tortilla.
Dinner Ideas
Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce – Just pasta and jarred sauce. Add ground beef for protein.
Chicken Fajitas – Fajita seasoning, chicken, peppers, rice, beans, salsa, and sour cream—so good!
Rice & Beans – A budget-friendly, high-protein meal.
Salmon – Air fry or pan-fry salmon. Add some rice and broccoli, and you have a nutritious and delicious meal!
Stir-Fry with Rice – Use frozen veggies and soy sauce for a quick meal.
Baked Potatoes with Toppings – Add cheese, sour cream, or canned chili.
Sloppy Joes – Ground beef and sauce on a bun.
Taco Night – Ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and salsa.
Frozen Pizza – A simple, no-effort dinner.
Chili (Canned or Homemade) – Perfect for meal prep and packed with protein. Just throw ingredients in a pot and let it simmer!
Shepherd’s Pie – Ground beef, mashed potatoes, and veggies.
Ravioli with Pesto – Easy frozen pasta meal.
Vodka Pasta – My favorite easy pasta dish! I love the Gigi Hadid vodka pasta recipe—it’s seriously so easy and delicious. I like to add chicken for protein.
Chicken Cutlet – A great way to mix up eating chicken. Dip chicken breasts in eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs for an easy, tasty meal.
Snack & Quick Bites
Cheese & Crackers – Simple and satisfying.
Popcorn with Seasonings – Cheap and easy to make.
Peppers & Cream Cheese – My favorite snack! I like to add Everything But the Bagel seasoning and some Trader Joe’s Takis—so good!
Hard-Boiled Eggs – Great for meal prep.
Trail Mix – Nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate.
Granola Bars – Store-bought or homemade.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter – A classic snack.
String Cheese & Pretzels – Portable and filling.
DIY Nachos – Tortilla chips, cheese, and salsa.
Hummus & Pita Chips – A nutritious, easy snack.
Cottage Cheese with Fruit – High in protein and affordable.
Kale Chips – So simple yet delicious. Some lemon on top makes them even better!
Lazy College Meals
Trader Joe’s Frozen Meals – Trader Joe’s has AMAZING frozen meals. Their soup dumplings are a must-have!
Instant Oatmeal – Just add hot water.
Canned Soup & Crackers – No cooking required.
Frozen Burritos – Quick and filling.
Microwave Baked Beans on Toast – Super cheap and easy.
Rice Cooker Fried Rice – Toss leftovers into your rice cooker.
Pita Pizza – Top a pita with sauce and cheese, then microwave.
Microwave Sweet Potato – Just poke holes and cook for 5 minutes.
Ham & Cheese Sandwich – No cooking required.
Pasta Salad – Make a big batch and eat for days.
Grocery Store Rotisserie Chicken – Eat it plain or add to meals.
Bonus:
10 Smart Grocery Shopping Tips for College Students
Saving money on food starts with how you shop. Here are some tips to help you stretch your grocery budget while still eating well:
Make a Meal Plan & Shopping List – Plan meals for the week and write down only what you need to avoid impulse buys.
Buy in Bulk – Stock up on staples like rice, pasta, beans, and oats to save money in the long run.
Opt for Store Brands – Generic or store-brand products are often just as good as name brands but much cheaper.
Shop Sales & Use Coupons – Look for discounts, student deals, and grocery apps to save money.
Stick to Seasonal Produce – Fruits and vegetables in season are fresher and more affordable.
Avoid Pre-Packaged or Convenience Foods – Buying whole ingredients is usually cheaper than pre-made meals.
Shop at Discount Stores – Check out places like Aldi or Walmart for budget-friendly grocery shopping.
Buy Frozen or Canned Produce – These last longer and are often cheaper than fresh options.
Use Cashback & Rewards Apps – Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten can give you money back on grocery purchases.
Don’t Shop Hungry – You’re more likely to buy unnecessary (and expensive) snacks when you’re starving.
Eating well in college doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated! These 50 cheap and easy meals will help you stay full, energized, and on budget. Whether you’re cooking in a dorm, apartment, or shared kitchen, these meals require minimal ingredients and effort.