Being a college student often means juggling tight budgets and even tighter schedules.
Yet, eating well doesn’t have to feel like a luxury reserved for those with extra cash and time.
These five recipes are here to save the day.
Each uses five simple, affordable ingredients and comes together without fancy kitchen skills.
Save money, eat better, and make meal prep easier than ever!
5 Cheap & Easy 5-Ingredient Meal Ideas For Broke Students
There you have it: five cheap, easy, and downright tasty meals that prove you don’t need a fat wallet.
These recipes are about keeping things simple, saving money, and giving you something delicious to look forward to.
Prep them ahead, stash them in the fridge, and you’re set for the week.
Here’s a handy table with each dish’s prep time, cook time, and servings.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Coconut Curry Ramen | 10 mins | 15 mins | 2 |
| 2. Easy Parmesan Garlic Ramen | 5 mins | 10 mins | 2 |
| 3. Kielbasa With Peppers And Potatoes | 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 4. Honey Mustard Pork Chops | 5 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 5. Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce And Ground Beef | 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 |
Recipe 1 – Coconut Curry Ramen
Spice up your ramen game with this creamy coconut curry twist!
Ingredients
- Ramen noodles (any cheap pack works)
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Juice from 1 lime
Instructions
Step 1: Boil those ramen noodles as the package tells you, then drain them and set them aside.
Step 2: Grab a pot, pour the coconut milk, and warm it over medium heat. Stir in the red curry paste until it melts into the milk, making a fragrant, gorgeous sauce.
Step 3: Splash the soy sauce and squeeze that lime juice into the pot. Give it a good stir to wake up all the flavours.
Step 4: Mix your cooked noodles into the pot until they’re coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 5: Dish it hot and dig in; your taste buds will thank you!
Chef’s Tip: Want a little fire? Sprinkle some chilli flakes or drizzle sriracha on top for an extra kick.
Recipe 2 – Easy Parmesan Garlic Ramen
Garlic lovers, this one is a cheesy, garlicky ramen delight!
Ingredients
- 3 packages of instant ramen noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ramen noodles as the package directs, then drain them and set them aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a big skillet over medium heat, then toss the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute until your kitchen smells like heaven.
Step 3: Add the noodles to the skillet and stir them around, letting that garlicky butter soak into every strand.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Parmesan and Italian seasoning over the top, then toss everything together until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Serve it hot.
Chef’s Tip: Craving some texture? Crush up a few croutons or sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for a satisfying crunch.
Recipe 3 – Kielbasa With Peppers And Potatoes
A hearty one-pan wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 package smoked kielbasa sausage, diced
- 6 medium red potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready to go.
Step 2: Toss in the diced kielbasa and cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s nicely browned and smelling amazing.
Step 3: Add the diced potatoes and let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring them here and there to soften up and get golden.
Step 4: Throw in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the potatoes are done.
Step 5: Scoop it onto a plate and enjoy.
Chef’s Tip: Boost the flavour with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a quick dash of your favourite hot sauce.
Recipe 4 – Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-simple pork chops like you’ve never had!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 pounds centre-cut boneless pork chops
- Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the honey and mustard in a small bowl until they’re best friends, and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sprinkle garlic powder on both sides of the pork chops, giving them a little love.
Step 4: Melt the butter in a big oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add the pork chops. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 5: Brush that honey mustard mix over the chops.
Step 6: Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the pork is cooked and juicy.
Step 7: Pull them out, let them rest briefly, then enjoy!
Chef’s Tip: Serve with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that sweet, tangy sauce; it’s a game changer.
Recipe 5 – Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce And Ground Beef
The classic comfort food is made easy and affordable!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package of spaghetti noodles
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package, then drain them and set them aside.
Step 2: In a big skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and crumbly.
Step 3: Scoop out any extra fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir it all together until it’s looking saucy.
Step 5: Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste test to get it right.
Step 6: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and mix it up so every noodle gets coated in that beefy sauce.
Step 7: Serve it hot and savour the comfort.
Chef’s Tip: Sprinkle in a pinch of dried oregano or basil to make the sauce sing with extra flavour.
