5 Meals for Burnout College Students

College life is a journey filled with new experiences, lifelong friendships, and the pursuit of knowledge. However, for many students, it also comes with a tight budget, limited time, and the challenge of making ends meet. This has been my personal experience trying to navigate through college.

When it comes to eating well on a shoestring budget, I often find myself searching for creative and cost-effective meal solutions. So this is my list of budget-friendly recipes that are delicious and easy to prepare. Say goodbye to ramen noodles as your go-to meal, and try these easy recipes.

1.  One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta dishes are a lifesaver when you’re short on time and don’t want to deal with multiple pots and pans. Try this simple recipe:

• In a large pot, add your choice of pasta, diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, and your favorite vegetables.
• Pour enough water or vegetable broth to cover the ingredients.
• Season with salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs or spices.
• Bring to a boil and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
• Top with grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

2. Microwave Baked Potato

• Rinse a potato under cold water and scrub it. You can leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
• Use a fork to poke several holes in the potato. This helps steam escape while cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
• If desired, lightly brush the potato with olive oil or melted butter and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step adds flavor and helps the skin become crispy.
• Cook the potato on high for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the size of the potato and the power of your microwave. If you have a large potato, you might need to cook it for longer.
• To check if the potato is done, insert a fork or knife into the center. It should slide in easily. If it’s still firm, microwave it for an additional minute or two until it’s tender.

3. Pasta with pesto

• Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
• Before draining the pasta, save about a cup of the cooking water. You might need it to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
• Prepare the Pesto:
• While the pasta is cooking, you can either use store-bought pesto sauce or make your own by blending fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Once the pasta is done, drain it, transfer the hot pasta to a large bowl, and add the pesto sauce.
• Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the pesto. If the sauce is too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. 

4. Quesadillas

• Prepare Your Filling:
• If using ingredients like cooked chicken, beef, or sautéed vegetables, have them ready before you start assembling the quesadillas. Make sure they are cooked and seasoned to your liking.
• Heat a Skillet:
• Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
• Assemble the Quesadillas:
• Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over one-half of the tortilla and add your chosen fillings on top of the cheese.
• Fold the Tortilla:
• Fold the tortilla in half over the fillings, creating a half-moon shape.
• Cook the Quesadilla:
• Carefully transfer the folded quesadilla to the heated skillet. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

5. Burrito bowl

• Prepare the Rice:
• Cook your choice of rice according to the package instructions. You can also season it with some taco seasoning or a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
• Cook the Protein:
• If you’re using animal protein, cook it in a skillet with your preferred seasonings until it’s fully cooked. For beans or tofu, heat them in a skillet with some olive oil and seasonings.
• Sauté or Roast Vegetables:
• In a separate pan, sauté or roast your choice of vegetables until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices for added flavor.
• Assemble Your Bowl:
• Start with a layer of cooked rice at the bottom of a bowl. Arrange your cooked protein on top of the rice, then place your sautéed or roasted vegetables over the protein.
• Toppings:
• Add your choice of toppings, some options are shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge for a citrusy kick.

• #meals
• #student life
• burnout at college