31+ Budget Friendly Meals

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When you are a student, cooking is usually one of the first things that is neglected. Lack of time, low budget, shared kitchens or simply tiredness mean that many times quick and not very balanced options are resorted to.

31 Budget Friendly Meals

However, with a minimum of organization and simple recipes, it is possible to put together an easy and cheap weekly menu for students, designed for real life: economical, quick dishes that can be repeated without getting boring.

Here’s The List of “31+ Budget-Friendly Meals.”

1. Rice and Beans with Sautéed Onions and Peppers
2. Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery
3. Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil (Aglio e Olio)
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Frozen Mixed Veggies and Soy Sauce
5. Black Bean Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
6. Potato and Egg Scramble (Breakfast for Dinner)
7. Chili Mac (Pasta with Canned Beans, Tomatoes, and Chili Powder)
8. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches on Whole Wheat
9. Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Frozen Berries
10. Cabbage and Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
11. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas (using store-brand cheese)
12. Tuna and Rice Casserole (canned tuna, rice, frozen peas)
13. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches (mashed chickpeas with mayo)
14. Veggie Fried Rice (leftover rice, frozen veggies, eggs)
15. Lentil and Rice Mujadara (caramelized onions)
16. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
17. Pasta with Canned Tomatoes and Basil
18. Baked Potatoes with Canned Chili or Beans
19. Egg Fried Rice with Scallions and Soy Sauce
20. Red Lentil Dahl with Flatbread
21. Canned Salmon Patties with Oatmeal and Dill
22. Broccoli and Cheddar Baked Potatoes
23. Peanut Noodles (ramen or spaghetti with peanut sauce)
24. Corn and Black Bean Salsa Salad (with tortilla chips)
25. Tuna Pasta Salad (canned tuna, elbow pasta, frozen corn)
26. Bean Burritos (refried beans, tortillas, salsa)
27. French Toast (day-old bread, eggs, cinnamon)
28. Pumpkin or Squash Soup (in-season squash, onion, broth)
29. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry (cheap ramen, frozen veggies, egg)
30. Savory Oatmeal with Egg and Green Onions
31. Chickpea and Potato Curry (coconut milk optional or omit)
32. Black Bean Soup (canned beans, onion, cumin, water)
33. Macaroni and Cheese (boxed or homemade with budget cheese)

Monday to Thursday Meal Plan:

  1. Monday Lunch: Rice with vegetables and tomato. A cheap, filling, and easy-to-prepare dish in quantity for several days. You can add egg, tuna, or chicken leftovers another day without cooking again.

Dinner: French omelette with salad. Quick, economical, and perfect when you don’t feel like cooking.

  1. Tuesday Lunch: Pasta with tomato and cheese. Pasta is an economical staple. By changing the type of pasta or adding a little grated cheese, it seems like another dish.

Dinner: Hot beef and cheese sandwich. Cheap, quick, and more complete than it seems.

  1. Wednesday Lunch: Easy lentils with vegetables. Legumes are very economical and very filling. Cooked with a base of vegetables and tomato, they work great. Make a larger quantity and freeze portions.

Dinner: Scrambled eggs with potatoes. Basic ingredients and guaranteed result.

  1. Thursday Lunch: Rice with chicken. A cheap classic that allows you to use leftovers and vary spices.

Dinner: Toasts with tomato and protein. Ideal when you don’t feel like cooking too much.

Conclusion

Student cooking doesn’t have to be boring or unhealthy. With an easy and cheap weekly menu, basic ingredients, and a bit of planning, it is possible to eat well, save money and avoid constant improvisation.

Learning to cook this way not only helps during the student stage, but is a very useful base for the future.