When it comes to being hungry at college, you will almost always face one of two struggles: you’re bored of what the dining halls have to offer, or you’re far too lazy to leave your bed. While I could probably live off of Kraft mac and cheese cups and instant ramen, most would get sick of them faster than it takes to make them. For those who want to make a classy meal without leaving the comfort of their room, take a look at the following recipes that are quick, simple and require nothing but a microwavable bowl or mug, a few ingredients and a microwave.
One-Bowl Macaroni and Cheese
If you want mac and cheese that has something a little more luxurious than powder cheese, look no further. This One-Bowl Macaroni and Cheese is not only delicious but takes no longer than 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
½ cup dried macaroni or shell pasta
½ cup water
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
¼ to ½ cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Combine the pasta, water and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and stir to combine.
2. Microwave the pasta on high for 2 minutes, then stir. Watch to see if the water is foaming over the side of the bowl and stir earlier if needed.
3. Continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is soft and cooked through. If the pasta absorbs all the water before the pasta is cooked, add another 2 tablespoons of water
4. Stir the milk and cheese into the pasta.
5. Microwave in 30-second intervals to melt the cheese, stirring between each interval, until the cheese has melted and forms a creamy sauce.
6. Eat immediately. If you need to reheat it, add an extra splash of milk.
Spinach Ricotta Lasagna in a Mug
https://healthynibblesandbits.com/spinach-ricotta-lasagna-in-a-mug/
There is indeed nothing better than a home-cooked meal. It’s a little tricky to get your mom to ship you fresh lasagna, so here’s the next best alternative. This Spinach Ricotta Lasagna requires a bit of prep but is definitely worth the effort.
Ingredients:
½ fresh lasagna sheet
2½ cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
¼ medium yellow bell pepper, diced
¼ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
3 large basil leaves finely chopped
¼ tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp granulated garlic
6 tbs pasta sauce or tomato sauce
1/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
Instructions:
1. Cut the lasagna sheet in half, and cut each strip in half again. Place the pasta sheets into a bowl, and pour very hot water in it, until it covers all the pieces. Set the pasta pieces aside
2. Chop the spinach and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in it for ventilation. Microwave for 1 minute. Take out the spinach and let it rest.
3. Grate the mozzarella while you wait for the spinach to cool.
4. Mix the spinach with the ricotta, pepper, granulated garlic and salt. Set mixture aside.
5. Pour 2 tablespoons of pasta sauce at the bottom of the mug. Top with a piece of softened pasta sheet. Add some spinach mixture, 2 tablespoons of mozzarella and a pasta sheet. Continue building the lasagna, ending with a layer of pasta sheet at the top. Sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta.
6. Microwave everything for 1 minute 30 seconds. Check to make sure that the mozzarella is melted. If it isn’t, continue microwaving at 15-second intervals until the cheese is fully melted
7. Serve immediately
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
https://thetiptoefairy.com/cheesy-broccoli-rice-casserole-one-2/
I am convinced that adding anything green (including green sprinkles) to a dish makes it healthy. Well, if you’re looking for a “healthy” dinner that you can make from your dorm room, try out this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Ingredients:
1 serving of Minute Ready to Serve Rice
2 tbs shredded cheddar cheese
4-5 frozen broccoli florets
1 tbs water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Minute Ready to Serve Rice as instructed on the package.
2. In a separate bowl, add water, cheese, and broccoli.
3. After rice is done cooking, heat the broccoli/cheese mixture for 2 minutes.
4. Remove from microwave and smash broccoli with fork.
5. Pour in the rice, mix together and serve.
Scrambled Eggs
https://www.incredibleegg.org/recipe/basic-microwave-scrambled-eggs/
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That said, when you have an 8 am class, having a nutritious breakfast can mean waking up much earlier than anyone could ever want. With this quick and easy Microwave Scrambled Eggs recipe, you can wake up just 3 minutes before you would if you weren’t to eat any breakfast.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
Salt and pepper, as desired
Instructions:
1. Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in microwave-safe bowl until blended
2. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, stir, microwave until eggs are almost set, 30 to 45 seconds longer
3. Serve immediately
Mug Brownie
https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/microwave-mug-brownie/
They say to save the best for last, so here it is. Desert. This Mug Brownie is guaranteed to bring you joy. After a day of hard classes and tons of homework, the best thing you can do is make this decadent brownie and cozy up with your favorite movie.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa power
3 tablespoons flavorless oil (canola oil/coconut oil/sunflower oil)
3 tablespoons water
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a microwavable mug mix together all of the ingredients
2. Mix in the chocolate chips
3. Microwave of 45-60 seconds
4. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes
5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!