20 Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Recipes Every College Student Needs
Sticking to a budget in college doesn’t have to mean eating the same boring meals every day. These 20 budget-friendly meal prep recipes for college students are designed to help you save money while still enjoying delicious food. Each recipe is easy to make and perfect for preparing in advance, so you can grab a healthy meal even on your busiest days. With these ideas, you’ll stretch your budget and keep your meals varied and interesting. Give them a try and see how simple it can be to eat well without breaking the bank.
Cod Piccata
Cod Piccata is a fantastic choice for meal prep recipes for college students. This light and flaky fish is coated in a buttery lemon sauce with capers, and it pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. It’s a quick and healthy meal that stores well for easy reheating throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
For meal prep recipes for college students, Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a winner. With just two ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, coming back to a flavorful meal that’s ready for multiple servings throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice is a great pick for meal prep recipes for college students. This simple, nutty dish requires only a few minutes of cooking and provides a quick, filling option that’s perfect for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice
Quick Healthy Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl
This Quick Healthy Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl is ideal for meal prep recipes for college students. It’s packed with colorful veggies, tofu, and a tasty sauce, making it a nutritious and easy option to prepare ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Healthy Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl
Dirty Rice with Sausage
Dirty Rice with Sausage makes for excellent meal prep recipes for college students. The hearty combination of sausage, rice, and veggies holds up well in the fridge, offering a flavorful and filling meal that’s ready to go whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice with Sausage
Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta
Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta is perfect for meal prep recipes for college students. Chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and protein, and the simple tomato sauce makes it easy to prepare and store, ensuring you have a quick and nutritious meal on hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Chickpea Pasta
Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice From Scratch
Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice is a great choice for meal prep recipes for college students. It’s a low-carb, flavorful side dish that complements a variety of main courses and can be made in advance for easy, nutritious meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice From Scratch
Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are ideal for meal prep recipes for college students. Simply mix and refrigerate overnight for a cozy, ready-to-eat breakfast that’s both delicious and convenient for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
Freezer-Friendly Egg Muffin Cups
Freezer-Friendly Egg Muffin Cups are excellent for meal prep recipes for college students. These mini frittatas are easy to make, freeze well, and offer a protein-packed breakfast option that’s perfect for grabbing on the go.
Get the Recipe: Freezer-Friendly Egg Muffin Cups
30-Minute Chili Mac Recipe
The 30-Minute Chili Mac Recipe is perfect for meal prep recipes for college students. This hearty dish combines chili and mac and cheese, making it a quick and satisfying option that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Chili Mac Recipe
Baked Salsa Chicken
Baked Salsa Chicken is a top choice for meal prep recipes for college students. With its easy prep and robust flavor, it’s perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salsa Chicken
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep is great for meal prep recipes for college students. These flavorful chicken bowls are packed with protein and veggies, making them a perfect make-ahead option for busy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Overnight Oats with Instant Oatmeal Packets
Overnight Oats with Instant Oatmeal Packets are a must-try for meal prep recipes for college students. They’re quick to prepare and customizable with various mix-ins, making for an easy and nutritious breakfast ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Oats with Instant Oatmeal Packets
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole is ideal for meal prep recipes for college students. This comforting dish combines tater tots with ground turkey and cheese, making it a hearty and easy option that holds up well in the fridge for several days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs
Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs are perfect for meal prep recipes for college students. These flavorful meatballs can be baked in advance and used in various dishes, providing a healthy, protein-rich option that’s easy to prepare ahead.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs
Instant Pot Cube Steak
Instant Pot Cube Steak is a great choice for meal prep recipes for college students. This meaty dish is easy to cook and store, offering a hearty and flavorful option that can be enjoyed throughout the week with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cube Steak
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Almonds
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Almonds is a refreshing option for meal prep recipes for college students. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, offering a light and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad With Almonds
Slow Cooker Chicken Meatball Subs
Slow Cooker Chicken Meatball Subs are ideal for meal prep recipes for college students. These easy-to-make subs are flavorful and satisfying, and they hold up well in the fridge, making them a great option for quick and tasty meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Meatball Subs
Harvest Grain Bowl
Harvest Grain Bowl is a perfect pick for meal prep recipes for college students. Loaded with quinoa, chicken, and veggies, it’s a nutritious and protein-packed option that’s easy to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Grain Bowl
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup are excellent meal prep recipes for college students. This comforting combo is easy to make ahead and reheat, providing a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time you need a quick, classic option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
