10 Easy Meals to Make as a College Student Now
As a college student, life can become very busy at times. When it comes to maintaining our health and getting the proper nutrition, it can be challenging to receive the proper diet with a busy college schedule. Read further for 10 easy meals to make as a college student!
1. Pasta
What’s easier than a pasta dinner? Head to your local grocery store, pick up a box of penne noodles, sauce of your choice, and meat or veggies! Pasta is a traditional meal, and can always be saved for leftovers. It is quick, easy, and delicious!
When you are ready to make your pasta, boil your noodles on high while cooking the sauce on medium in a separate pan. If you are putting meat into the pasta, simply follow the instructions on the meat packaging, cook the meat, drain the grease, and put your meat into the pasta. Additionally, if you are using vegetables, cook the veggies and simply place into the pasta after they have cooked.
Although it may seem tricky at first, just follow the instructions on all of the food and add ingredients or extra spices at your leisure!
2. Tacos
Taking a trip to Mexico for the night is not always a bad choice, especially on a Tuesday. Tacos are a very popular item around the globe, especially in college towns. All you need for your tacos is taco seasoning, tortillas, meat, lettuce, cheese, and any extras you would like to add!
When it is taco night at my house, we tend to go all out. First starting with the Taco Bell taco seasoning and their nacho cheese flavored taco shells, we usually get chicken and beef to go in the tacos. After the meat is cooked, drain the grease, and pour the taco seasoning into the meat. Finally, chop some lettuce up and heat your tortillas – and now you have some tacos!
An additional item you can add to this easy meal that can never go wrong is chips and queso!
3. Chicken Teriyaki and Rice
What could go wrong with a little chicken and rice? All you will need is a box of rice, chicken breast, and teriyaki seasoning! Make sure to cook the rice and chicken breast, cut the chicken breast into thin slices, and add as much teriyaki seasoning of your choice.
Make sure to not overcook your rice or chicken!
4. Crack Chicken
For those that are familiar with crockpots and love chicken, you must try this easy meal! When headed to the grocery store, make sure to grab chicken breasts, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing powder seasoning!
Before you leave the house, put your crockpot on low along with all the ingredients listed above into the crockpot. Proportions differ depending on how much you are trying to make. After returning home, make sure the chicken is completely cooked. If it is not, turn the crockpot to high and continue to stir.
After the product is finished, make sure to turn the crockpot on warm to keep the food at a moderate temperature.
5. Paninis
In the mood for Subway or Jimmy John’s but don’t want to spend the money? Make a panini either on the stove-top or in a panini-maker!
Simply grab your choice of meat, cheese, bread, and toppings! First put the meat and cheese on the sandwich, putting it on the stove on medium or closed in a panini-maker. Once the bread begins to darken, grab the sandwich, take it apart, and add your toppings!
6. Breakfast For Dinner
Scrambled eggs or a breakfast sandwich for dinner? Count me in! One easy meal that I’ve learned to appreciate as a college student is breakfast, along with lots of coffee. It is simple, protein-filled, and delicious!
My favorite breakfast item for dinner is a breakfast sandwich. I typically use Everything bagels, with an over-medium style egg on one side of the bagel. On the other side I will put melted cheese and cream cheese, with bacon, of course! It is a must try!
Bagels aren’t always the most healthy dinner item, but they will definitely satisfy your hunger needs after a long day at the library.
7. Annie’s Mac n’ Cheese
One of my favorite comfort foods just happens to be macaroni and cheese. Although there are many different brands of Annie’s Mac n’ Cheese, Annie’s White Cheddar Cheese will make it a favorite. Grab a box of it from your local grocery store in the pasta aisle, and thank me later.
Follow all of the instructions on the box of Annie’s Mac n’ cheese. After the pasta is finished, make sure to throw a hint of garlic salt, table salt, and pepper to make it mouth-watering.
8. Chicken and Dumplings
This might be one of your favorite recipes from your grandma; however, it is super easy to make! Grab Reames Old Fashion Egg-style noodles, celery, carrots, and a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store.
When you have the ingredients, throw the unfrozen noodles into a pot stirring until a boil. When the noodles are ready and the water is drained, mix in cut celery and carrots, along with the rotisserie chicken that you must shred beforehand.
It might take a bit longer than expected, although it will taste like your grandma’s chicken and dumplings and will always be a hit for the roommates!
9. Burgers
An all time American favorite – burgers! Whether it be beef, turkey, bison, or another meat, make sure to follow the instructions on the meat package for cooking.
After the meat has cooked, add veggie and seasoned salt to your burgers. Depending on if you want cheese on them, make sure to melt the cheese on the burgers after they are done cooking.
A classic side to go with your burger is chips, a salad, or some fries!
10. Homemade Pizza
Although it may sound like a process, homemade pizza is an easy process, and delicious! Considering you get to make the pizza yourself makes it a whole lot better.
At your local grocery store, make sure to grab pizza dough, pizza sauce, two cheeses of your choice, and whatever toppings you may desire. Depending on your toppings, it might take a bit longer. A traditional cheese pizza is your best route when creating your own pizza.
Follow the instructions on the pizza dough package, while making sure to add enough ingredients to your pizza. After the pizza is finished, make sure to top it with parmesan cheese, if you wish!
What are your favorite easy meals as a college student? Feel free to comment below and share the article with any college student you might know!
