15 Easy College Meals That Are Fast and Affordable

Here are 15 easy college meals you can make in your apartment.

If you are anything like me, you went into college knowing nothing about cooking. I was lucky enough that my mom and dad would make me dinner every single night in high school. So, when I went to college I had no idea how or what to cook.

Not only did I not know how to cook, I also had very little money to spend on groceries. Because I didn't want to put in the time, money, or effort into cooking, I ended up eating out so much which got old (and expensive) really quick.

Luckily, I found a ton of super easy and cheap recipes that I could make easily in my apartment. These meals are all so delicious and some that you can make even after college. Here are 15 easy college meals you can make easily and on a budget.

This post is all about easy college meals.

BEST EASY COLLEGE MEALS:

1. 4-minute Microwave Chicken Nachos

Nachos are one of the easiest college meals you can make that even the pickiest of eaters will like. You can obviously add as much or as little to your nachos as you like but all you have to do is sprinkle your toppings on and throw them in the microwave. It doesn't get easier than that!

Find the recipe here: Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos

2. One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Dinner

This one-pan meal is a great college meal especially for the fall time. This is also a fairly healthy meal and a great way to get your vegetables in! You can easily make this ahead of time and it will provide you with multiple meals.

This is a great homey meal you can easily make for cheap.

Find the recipe here: One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Dinner

3. Avocado Toast

Everyone likes avocado toast and the best part is, it's so easy to make!

All you have to do is smash an avocado, add some seasonings, and spread the mix on a delicious piece of toasted bread. This was one of my favorite college meals and it's so easy!

Find the recipe here: Avocado Toast

4. Easy Five-Ingredient Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a great fast and easy recipe to make in college. All you really need to do is mix together some rice, meat and seasoning, put the mixture in a bell pepper, and bake! If you want to get a little fancy, grab some guacamole from the grocery store!

Find the recipe here: Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

5. Chia Seed Pudding

This chia seed pudding is a great option for vegans. But, even if you aren't vegan it is still a super yummy and easy breakfast or treat. You can pre-make these and store them in containers to take them on the go!

Find the recipe here: Chia Seed Pudding

6. Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich

Monte Cristo sandwiches are one of my all time favorites and it's so easy to make. You can make this fairly fast in your college kitchen! Seriously, you have got to try this one out.

Find the recipe here: Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich

7. Bread Crusted Chicken Breasts

You really can't go wrong with chicken breasts as a college meal because you can make so many different meals with it! You can either follow this specific recipe to make your own chicken, or buy pre-made chicken breasts to prepare your meal with.

Find the recipe here: Easy Pan Seared Chicken Breasts

8. Fried Rice

When you think about it, fried rice seems really easy to make. And it is! You really only need a few ingredients. Throw together some rice, eggs, and veggies to quickly make some killer fried rice!

This makes a great side for any Asian inspired meal or is great on its own!

Find the recipe here: Fried Rice

9. 10-Minute Quesadilla

Who doesn't love a quesadilla?? They are SO easy to make and are just the best. Don't go to Chipotle, bring Chipotle home to you!!

Find the recipe here: 10-Minute Quesadilla

10. The Best Easy & Healthy Mac n' Cheese

Mac n' cheese is amazing to make in college because you can get so many meals out of it. You can seriously get at least 4 or 5 meals out one recipe and who doesn't love that?!

Find the recipe here: Healthy Mac n' Cheese

11. Easy Chicken Tacos

Tacos are one of the easiest college meals because you really only need a couple ingredients! Of course you can go the long route and make your own guac, salsa, etc. but if you want to make these fast, just opt for the pre-made ingredients.

Find the recipe here: Easy Chicken Tacos

12. Mexican Chicken And Rice

If you haven't had this meal already at your local Mexican restaurant you are seriously missing out. But, the good news is you can easily make it in college!

Seriously, queso, fried rice, and chicken is really all you need for an amazing meal at home.

Find the recipe here: Mexican Chicken and Rice

13. Baked Potato Bites

How cute are these potato bites? I didn't realize how cheap potatoes were until I started doing my own grocery shopping in college. You can make these loaded potato bites by slicing the potatoes up, baking them, and throwing some toppings on.

These would make a great side to meals or even snacks to have when friends come over! (I'm thinking college football pregame.)

Find the recipe here: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

14. 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

If you haven't made these 3-ingredient banana pancakes before, you need to ASAP! They're healthy and the perfect meal for breakfast or dinner!! This means you can have a sweet meal without feeling too guilty about it.

Find the recipe here: 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

15. 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

You can never go wrong with orange chicken. I have been obsessed with orange chicken ever since I was little and when I'm missing home I love to make this. If you have a favorite meal from home, you should try to recreate it when you're at school!

Find the recipe here: 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken