Simple Meals for College Students: Easy Recipes That Beginner Cooks Can Nail

Being a college student is hectic enough without worrying about complicated recipes. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and tasty meals you can whip up with minimal ingredients, tools, and time. Whether you’re living in a dorm, an apartment, or sharing a kitchen with roommates, these beginner-friendly meals will help keep you fueled without the hassle. 

One-Pot Pasta

No need for fancy sauces or multiple pans! A one-pot pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and clean up. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta (any kind) 

• 2 cups water or broth 

• 1 can diced tomatoes 

• 1/2 onion, chopped 

• 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic 

• Salt, pepper, and herbs (basil or oregano) to taste 

• Parmesan cheese (optional) 

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, water/broth, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. 
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. 
3. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is done and the water has mostly absorbed. 
4. Add salt, pepper, and herbs. 
5. Top with Parmesan and enjoy! 

Egg Fried Rice

This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and is super customizable with any veggies or proteins you have on hand. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice 

• 1 egg 

• 1/2 cup frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.) 

• 1 tbsp soy sauce 

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional) 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan with a little oil, scramble the egg, and remove from the pan. 
2. In the same pan, add the frozen vegetables and cook until heated through. 
3. Stir in the rice, scrambled egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil. 
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Serve warm and enjoy! 

Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a simple but delicious meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. You can also get creative with toppings! 

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado 

• 2 slices of bread (toast it if you like) 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

• Optional toppings: fried egg, tomatoes, spinach, hot sauce, feta cheese 

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. 
2. Spread the mashed avocado over the toasted bread. 
3. Add any toppings you prefer and serve immediately! 

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are incredibly versatile and take just a few minutes to make. You can fill them with anything you like, from cheese to beans, veggies, or cooked chicken. 

Ingredients:

• 2 flour tortillas 

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese 

• 1/4 cup cooked chicken or beans (optional) 

• Salsa or sour cream for serving 

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat. 
2. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle cheese (and any other fillings) on top, and cover with the second tortilla. 
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden. 
4. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream. 

Tuna Salad Wraps

If you’re looking for something quick and fresh, tuna salad wraps are the way to go. You can easily swap out the tuna for chicken or leave it out entirely for a veggie version. 

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna, drained 

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise 

• 1/4 cup diced celery 

• 1/4 cup diced onion 

• 1 tortilla 

• Lettuce or spinach 

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion. 
2. Spread the tuna salad onto the tortilla and top with lettuce or spinach. 
3. Roll it up and enjoy! 

Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, baked chicken breasts are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or served with veggies. 

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts 

• 2 tbsp olive oil 

• 1 tsp garlic powder 

• 1 tsp paprika 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 
3. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. 
4. Serve with rice, veggies, or a salad! 

Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls are a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack that you can customize with fruits, granola, and other toppings. 

Ingredients:

• 1 banana 

• 1/2 cup frozen berries 

• 1/4 cup yogurt or milk (dairy or non-dairy) 

• Toppings: granola, chia seeds, coconut flakes, honey, etc. 

Instructions:

1. Blend the banana, frozen berries, and yogurt/milk until smooth. 
2. Pour into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. 

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are simple to prepare and can be topped with anything from cheese to sour cream, bacon bits, or veggies. 

Ingredients:

• 1 large potato 

• 1 tbsp butter 

• Salt and pepper 

• Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives 

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 
2. Wash the potato, poke a few holes in it with a fork, and place it in the oven. 
3. Bake for about 45 minutes or until soft. 
4. Slice open, add butter, salt, and pepper, and load it up with your favorite toppings! 

Instant Oatmeal with Toppings

Instant oatmeal is an easy go-to breakfast. You can make it your own by adding fresh fruit, nuts, or spices. 

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of instant oatmeal 

• 1/2 cup water or milk 

• Toppings: sliced banana, berries, nuts, honey, cinnamon 

Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions on the oatmeal packet to heat it up. 
2. Add your desired toppings and enjoy a healthy, filling meal. 

Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich

A peanut butter and banana sandwich is an effortless, no-cook meal that’s perfect for when you’re short on time but need something filling. 

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread 

• 2 tbsp peanut butter 

• 1 banana, sliced 

Instructions:

1. Spread the peanut butter on both slices of bread. 
2. Add the banana slices and make it a sandwich! 

These easy recipes will help you master the basics of cooking while ensuring you stay well-fed during your busy college days. All of them require just a few simple ingredients and can be made with minimal kitchen equipment—perfect for any beginner cook!