Five Quick Meals You Can Make on a Student Budget

You can forget about takeaway this time.

Let’s be real: eating decent food while you're super busy and on a student budget can be a pain. 

Whether you're sick of mum and dad's cooking or you've just moved out of home, finding recipes that tick the time and money boxes isn't always easy.

But hey, that’s why you’re a Student Edge member, right? We’ve got you covered with five super easy, quick and cheap student eats that you should definitely give a go next time you’re cheffing it up in the kitchen.

What’s great about these recipes is that they’re all one pot or one pan, which means a lot less dishes (and work).

So, let's get started. 

1. Fried Rice.

We’re starting off with an oldie but a goodie. What’s awesome about fried rice is that it’s so versatile, and it’s a great way for you to use up any veggies you’ve got left in your fridge that are about to go bad.

You can also put this recipe together using frozen veggies, so it’s a great quick dish that doesn't take a whole lot of effort.

This recipe from Spice Eats on YouTube gives you a pretty good idea of all the basics you might need.

To make this dish a little bit more wholesome, you can swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa. You could even try out a grain-free option like cauliflower rice.

If you want to save even more time, you can always buy packets of microwavable rice, but to save those dollars, just get yourself a big bulk bag of the uncooked stuff and make it from scratch.

2. Mac and Cheese.

Okay, we can't talk about student meals without mentioning pasta, right? And hey, we’re not here to knock pasta, it’s an awesome staple!

This dish is probably the easiest of the lot ‘cos you just chuck everything into one pot and let it simmer.

This recipe from The Cooking Foodie on YouTube gives you all the instructions you need.

If you want to up the veg factor you can add broccoli and peas, or throw in some protein like chicken for a few extra bucks. You could also use pulse pasta instead of wheat pasta.

3. Vegan Chilli.

What’s something that’s cheap, easily and accessible almost anywhere? Canned foods!

Yep, this recipe for a vegan chilli is a great way to not only use up all your left-over veggies, but also any canned beans and tomatoes you have laying around in the pantry.

This dish is super easy ‘cos all you gotta do is chop everything up, put it in a pot and let it simmer until it’s reduced and thickened. Just walk away and set a timer.

This recipe from hot for food on YouTube gives you all the awesome basics.

If you’re not such a fan of the vegan side of things, no worries. If you can afford to, maybe add in some bacon or minced beef. To keep it veg and add that meaty texture, you could include some textured vegetable protein or veggie mince.

4. Chickpea Curry.

Looking for something with a bit more spice? Why not give an easy curry a go?

Just like with the chilli, all you’re gonna need it a couple of pantry staples and your fave veggies from the fridge.

And sure, not everyone is a fan of chickpeas, but you can always swap this out for a different bean or even chicken if you’d like.

This recipe by The Cooking Foodie on YouTube gives you all the deets you need to write on your shopping list.

Serve this one with rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice. Curries are a great way to get in some protein on a budget!

5. Minestrone Soup.

Now for something that is sure to keep your warm this winter: minestrone soup.

Again, chuck in whatever veggies you’ve got in your fridge, all you need to start with is celery, carrot, some pasta and a can of tinned tomatoes.

What’s awesome about soups is that you can batch cook them and throw it in your freezer for a rainy day when you just can’t be bothered to cook.

This recipe from Food Wishes on YouTube has got everything you need to know. They used fresh beans, but ofc feel free to use the ones in a can.

Minestrone soup is also super customisable, if you want to include or exclude meat you can, or if you can only eat gluten free pasta, just swap it out. Easy as!

Now that you’ve got these five recipes up your sleeve, you’ve got no more excuses to keep paying for delivery or takeaway. Give it a go!

Header Image: Lilechka75 & AlexPro9500 via Getty Images