Cooking as a student isn’t always glamorous. Between lectures, deadlines, and binge-watching whatever-you’re-obsessed-with-right-now, it’s tempting to live off instant noodles and toast. (We’ve all been there.) But, eating decent meals doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take hours out of your day. In fact, learning a few budget-friendly recipes might just save your life—or at least your sanity—when you’re skint and starving.
I remember my first year at uni. My “signature dish” was pasta with a jar of whatever sauce was on offer. It wasn’t terrible, but I wish I’d had a few more tricks up my sleeve. That’s why we’re here to share the ultimate survival guide to budget-friendly meals—tried, tested, and actually decent.
Whether you’re a total newbie in the kitchen or you’ve mastered the art of a perfectly crisp piece of toast (congrats, chef), these recipes are here to level up your mealtime game. They’re quick, cheap, and—most importantly—won’t make you question your life choices while eating them. Ready? Let’s get cooking.
This dish is so simple, even a student running on zero sleep (and about three brain cells) could whip it up. The best part? It’s ridiculously versatile. You can keep it basic for a quick, veggie-friendly meal or throw in some chicken if you’re feeling the carnivore vibes. And sure, you could grab a jar of ready-made tomato sauce—no shame in that—but this version takes barely any extra effort and gives you a solid base to tweak and make your own. Who knows? You might just discover your inner Gordon Ramsay.
Just add whatever pasta you fancy and… buon appetito!
Japanese-style Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe
Here’s another veggie-friendly gem: a stir-fry recipe that’s perfect for clearing out those leftover vegetables (you know, the ones you meant to use when you swore you’d cook from scratch). It’s super quick—you can go from walking through the door to sitting down with your dinner, Netflix queued up, in just 20 minutes.
This one’s all about versatility. Throw in whatever veggies you fancy each time, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can toss in some meat or fish too. The recipe serves four, so either adjust the amounts or earn yourself serious brownie points by sharing it with your flatmates. Who doesn’t love the house chef?
Ahh, the trusty potato—a true kitchen hero (and let’s be honest, an absolute bargain if you pick the right toppings… though seriously, when did baked beans get so pricey?!). For that perfect crispy skin, pop it in the oven for an hour. But hey, no judgement if you opt for the microwave shortcut.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customising this classic. Keep it simple or load it up with whatever you’ve got to hand. And the best part? Potatoes have a long shelf life, so no panic over using the whole bag in a hurry.
If you’re after a protein-packed option, an omelette is a solid choice. It’s like a blank canvas—just toss in whatever you fancy to keep things interesting. What’s great about it? It works for any meal. Breakfast? Sorted. Dinner? Perfect. A cheeky 3am snack? Why not—just try not to wake your flatmates unless you’re planning to make one for them too (instant hero status).
Omelettes are not only ridiculously affordable—perfect for those budget-friendly meal plans—but they’re also quick to whip up. In just 10 minutes, you’ve got a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and totally your style.
Chilli con carne might take a bit more effort, but trust us—it’s totally worth it. This recipe makes four portions, so it’s perfect for batch cooking. Freeze the leftovers and thank yourself later when you’ve got a ready-made meal for another day.
Not a fan of kidney beans? No worries, leave them out. Prefer a veggie twist? Swap the minced beef for your favourite plant-based alternative. This chilli is as flexible as your cravings demand, so you can make it exactly how you like it.
There are so many different types of pasta bake, you could probably have a different one every night of the week. The beauty of it? You can keep it super simple or go all out, and it’s easy to tweak for pretty much any diet. Gluten intolerant? Grab some gluten-free pasta. Going meat-free? Load up on veggies instead.
If you’re feeling lazy, a jar of pre-made pasta bake sauce works just fine—we won’t tell a soul. Just mix it with your pasta, chuck it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Stir halfway through, sprinkle on some cheese, and voilà! Dinner sorted, minimal effort required.
If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a good curry. But let’s face it—takeaways can be pricey (and not exactly the healthiest option). That’s why learning to make your own is a total game-changer—and a life skill you’ll genuinely appreciate forever.
Start with a simple recipe to get the hang of it, and once you’ve nailed that, why not level up with something a bit more adventurous? Serve it with rice, naan bread, or even chips if you’re feeling creative—your kitchen, your rules!
Having breakfast for dinner is always a bit of fun and a nice break from the usual dinner routine. Plus, it’s perfect for those of us who aren’t exactly early risers and rarely make it up in time for “official” breakfast hours.
Picture a plate piled high with scrambled or fried eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, tomatoes, and beans—comfort food at its finest. Or, mix things up with a breakfast sandwich or some indulgent French toast. Because really, who decided food had to stick to a schedule? Break the rules, and dig in whenever you fancy.
Alright, I know—soup and bread doesn’t exactly scream excitement. But picture this: it’s the middle of winter, you’ve just come in from the freezing cold, and now you’re snuggled up on the sofa with a cosy blanket, a wholesome film, and a steaming bowl of your favourite soup (for me, it’s tomato—classic and unbeatable). Add a slice or two of bread slathered in butter, and suddenly, it doesn’t seem so boring, does it?
If you’re feeling fancy, you can whip up your own soup—it’s easier than you’d think. Or, let’s be honest, there are some brilliant tinned options out there. (Heinz, you’ll always be my favourite.) Either way, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Chicken wraps are the ultimate no-fuss meal—you can make them as simple or as fancy as you like. Cook the chicken from scratch, or if you’re short on time (or energy), grab some pre-cooked options. Add whatever veggies you’ve got lying around and finish it off with your favourite dressing.
Personally, I like using frozen breaded chicken with some crunchy lettuce and mayo—it’s quick, tasty, and requires zero effort. Or, fresh chicken seasoned with cajun spice with grilled peppers and onions. The beauty of this meal is you can make it entirely your own.
And there you have it—10 budget-friendly, easy-to-make recipes that you can tweak to suit your taste. But wait, we couldn’t forget dessert! For those with a sweet tooth, why not whip up a microwave mug cake? It’s simple, takes just a few minutes, and let’s be honest—you’ve earned a treat after all that studying. Go on, you deserve it!
