As college students, the bills can add up. Whether it be that $6-coffee or the need for a new jacket because apparently Arizona really can get cold, money is tight. One way to save some of that hard earned cash is to find affordable meal options that fill you up and provide lots of nutrients.
While there are many different ways to do this, here are some recipes to start you off!
1. Pasta and Vegetables
Pasta can be a great source of energy for long days and a pound of uncooked pasta can cost less than $1.50. Vegetables can add variety and nutrients to the meal, while also saving you money. Frozen vegetables tend to be a bit more affordable than fresh vegetables and are still very flavorful. Top off the dish with your favorite sauce (jarred pesto anyone?) and you’re good to go.
2. Stir Fry
A stir fry of any kind can be a delicious, filling meal that doesn’t make your leftovers go to waste. You can add rice, soy sauce, seasonings, meat, vegetables, or any other ingredients that sound tasty! The rice and veggies are pretty inexpensive. While you may have to buy a few ingredients to make the sauce, you’ll use those ingredients for other recipes. Adding a protein (meat or tofu) might raise the price just a bit or go without. Stir fry is a dish that allows you to be creative in the kitchen. Look for stir fry sauce recipes online or try this one.
3. Quesadillas
When you are in a hurry and want a filling meal, a quesadilla could be the way to go. It is also a dish that can be customized to your liking. If you feel like adding meat to your quesadilla, canned chicken can be a more affordable option than fresh chicken. Each of these ingredients also can cost less than $3 each. Plus, did you know that salsa counts as a vegetable? Let’s goooooo!!!
4. Sheet Pan Meal
Sheet pan meals can be used for any type of dish. Sheet pan meals typically have a protein like sausage or chicken and then a bunch of roasted veggies like potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms and carrots. Toss it all with olive oil and salt and pepper, lay it all out on a pan and pop it in the oven on like 400 degrees.
I usually put stuff on two pans – the veggies that take longer to cook on one pan (potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets), which cooks for about 30 minutes, and the veggies that cook quickly along with the sausage (bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini), which cooks for more like 20 minutes. Lay down aluminum foil on your pans, followed by a piece of parchment paper before loading them up with meat and veggies and ta-da! Fewer dishes to do when you’re done! You’re welcome!
5. Veggie Omelets
Sauté your favorite inexpensive veggies in a pan with a little olive oil. While those are cooking, mix up a few eggs with a splash of milk and poor over the eggs once they’re cooked. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper and cheese and fold over to make your omelet. Serve it with a side of toast and voila – a very inexpensive, balanced meal!
6. Overnight Oats
If you are in the mood for breakfast but want to try something a little different, overnight oats could be for you. All you need is rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and your favorite toppings. Overnight oats are an easy way to switch up your breakfast without putting in too much time or money! Overnight oats can cost as low as $3 a serving.
These are just some basic recipes to get you started. There are many more ways to save money in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some of your favorite recipes and turn them into more affordable options!