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This is our epic list of cheap college meal prep ideas that are less than $2 per serving! Thousands of college kids have used these to meal prep on a budget in college.
Eating good food in college is tough! You’re probably on a tight as hell budget and you don’t have a full kitchen to work with.
If you’re stuck in a dorm it can be near impossible to cook real, healthy food. And if you’re eating cafeteria food or on a campus meal plan then good luck trying to eat healthy!
I know how hard it can be to eat healthy on a budget in college.
That’s why I’ve put together these 40+ dirt cheap college meal prep ideas. If you’re on a budget, but want to cook your own food these are perfect for you.
8 Tips for Meal Prepping in College
I know what it’s like to be trying to cook food in a dorm. It’s impossible. You have no room, no sink, and the last thing you want is to try to whip together a full meal.
- Minimal food prep – Focus on food sources that don’t require much prep like chopping, cleaning, etc.
- Make one pot meals – One pot meal preps are the best way to save time when you’re a busy student. Drop a bunch of ingredients into a pot and wait a few hours until it’s done!
- Use a crockpot – Crockpots are the perfect solution for meal prepping in college. Dump a bunch of food in before class and come back 8 hours later to a week’s worth of food!
- Buy pre-chopped veggies – In a dorm you don’t have much room to chop and prep veggies, that’s why I recommend buying pre-chopped veggies. It’s a tiny bit more expensive, but worth it.
- Buy an air fryer – Air fryers use very little electricity which makes them very dorm-friendly. The only issue is cleaning it after you’re done.
- Use some freezer meat – Sometimes the easiest thing is to buy some frozen chicken or beef that’s already been cooked. All you have to do is reheat it with your meal.
- Cook in bulk – The less often you have to cook the better. Prep a big batch of food and freeze it for later to reheat in the microwave.
- Use ground meat – Ground meat like beef or turkey doesn’t require cleaning, prepping, or trimming. This will make it much easier for you to include protein sources in your meal prepping.
41 Meal Prep Ideas for College Students (Under $2 Per Serving)
Now enjoy our tasty selection of meal prep ideas for college students! All of these are if you’re trying to meal prep in college on a budget.
Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas for College Students
1. High-Protein Overnight Oats
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
These healthy high-protein overnight oats are packed with protein and taste absolutely amazing! They are perfect for meal prepping and are an easy, nutritious way to start your day.
2. Keto Starbucks Egg Bites
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This egg bites recipe is a Starbucks copycat. It is one of those meals you can make ahead and freeze for later! Unlike the store-branded breakfast egg bites that cost about $4.45 for two, ours make a budget-friendly high protein breakfast that only costs $1.00 for two. These are one of our favorite keto breakfast meal prep ideas!
3. Healthy Breakfast Meal Prep Sandwiches
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Easy healthy breakfast meal prep sandwiches made with baked eggs and veggies, topped with crispy bacon and cheese on an English muffin. These sandwiches are delicious, packed with protein, and convenient! This easy to make recipe is also on our list of meal prep recipes for nurses!
4. Strawberry and Coconut Overnight Oats
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Strawberry overnight oats taste like strawberry shortcake, but are nutritious with fresh strawberries and oats! They’re easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and great for grabbing on the go for breakfast or a healthy dessert.
5. Banana Oat Waffles (Gluten-Free)
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Healthy + easy waffles are gluten-free, nut-free, fluffy, and freezer-friendly! If you like bananas and oats separately, you will enjoy them together in this banana-oat waffle recipe! Make a batch and freeze for busy mornings!
6. Mocha Oatmeal
Prep Time: 3 Minutes
This mocha oatmeal is a hearty way to start the day. A simple coffee and oatmeal breakfast fills you with fuel-ready to take on the day, and it tastes great too.
Lunch or Dinner College Meal Prep Ideas
7. Quinoa and Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables ($1.98 Per Serving)
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This delicious superfood uses quinoa and roasted vegetables in a tasty and super healthy way! It’s vegan and gluten-free, packed with delicious roasted vegetables, high in healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, while still low in saturated fats. This is one of our favorite recipes with roasted vegetables!
8. Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burger
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Air fryer turkey burgers are my go-to for a healthy and delicious burger. They are super lean, contain minimal fat, and are perfect for low-calorie meal prep. These air fry turkey burgers are freezer-friendly, making them great to cook in batches and have later in the month. They just take 10 minutes to cook!
9. Baked Feta Pasta
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Baked feta pasta is a pasta dish made with creamy, tomato-feta cheese-based sauce. This luscious, flavorful pasta dish is easy to make, uses a handful of ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes!
10. Vegan Sweet Potato Chili ( $1.35 Per Serving)
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Easy vegan sweet potato chili with whole food plant-based ingredients. A healthy meal prep option with budget-friendly and straightforward ingredients. The high protein in this recipe makes it one of our favorite vegan meal prep ideas!
11. Chicken and Sausage Meal Prep Bowls
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Chicken sausage meal prep bowls are an excellent sheet tray recipe for meal prep! With minimal prep, these chicken sausage, brussels sprouts and sweet potato bowls can be a quick and easy hot lunch meal prep for the whole week on a few sheet trays in the oven.
12. Vegan Lasagna Soup
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This vegan lasagna is packed with Italian flavors; this deconstructed lasagna can be made in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a warm meal on those colder days.
13. Easy Beef Stroganoff
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Tender beef and a creamy mushroom gravy come together for this easy beef stroganoff we serve over buttery egg noodles. This flavorful meal uses items from your pantry; stroganoff cooks in under an hour, or you can throw it in a Crockpot before your day begins. This is one of our favorite healthy slow cooker recipes!
14. Mediterranean Bean Salad
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This Mediterranean bean salad recipe uses savory herbs, tangy lemon, and fresh vegetables to brighten up the flavor of canned butter beans and feta cheese!
15. Green Lentil Daal
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This green lentil daal recipe is Indian-inspired and packed full of tasty spices. It’s ready in less than 45 minutes, made in one pot, and perfect for meal prep and freezer meals. It also happens to be vegan, so it’s ideal for your meat-free Monday! This is a great side dish if you like Indian meal prep recipes.
16. Aloo Matar
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This is a simple Potato and Pea curry that requires basic spices that can be found in any supermarket. It is a delicious curry that is ready quicker and cheaper than ordering a takeaway.
17. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Quick and easy Mediterranean chickpea salad is made with bell peppers, crisp, cool cucumber, and creamy feta, making for a fast, healthy lunch and side for meal prep.
It’s highly nutritious, rich in protein and fiber, and is gluten-free! Skip the feta cheese and use some avocado to make it vegan. This is one of our favorite mediterranean diet meal prep recipes!
18. Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
An easy keto cauliflower mac and cheese recipe with just 5 ingredients + 5 minutes prep time! Rich, cheesy low-carb mac and cheese will satisfy your cravings for macaroni. This is one of our favorite cheap keto meal prep ideas!
19. Thai Peanut Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
These tasty Thai peanut chicken meal prep bowls include a layer of simple sesame noodles topped with quickly sautéed chicken, fresh and crunchy slaw and some peanut sauce for dipping. A delicious, grab-and-go meal!
20. Vegan Burrito Bowls
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
These vegan burrito bowls are a healthy Mexican-inspired dinner or lunch containing all the best bits of a burrito in bowl form!
21. Cold Sesame Noodles (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Nut-Free, Soy-Free)
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Super simple, easy, and delicious sesame noodles made with wholesome ingredients that fit into a wide range of different health diets.
22. Shredded Chicken Tacos
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Deliciously seasoned and moist shredded chicken tacos are super easy to make! No special equipment is needed to make this chicken for tacos recipe – we’re making it right on the stovetop.
23. Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
You aren’t going to believe how insanely simple it is to prepare this delicious Greek chicken recipe for meals all week long. This meal prep bowl is so good; you’ll never get bored!
24. 20-Minute Chicken and Rice
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This meal prep chicken and rice dish is bursting with flavor! Made with zesty Jerk seasoning, this 20-minute recipe makes it easy to spice up your weekly chicken and rice meal prep routine. Meal prep helps you save time and money while still enjoying what you eat.
25. Easy Edamame Salad
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Not only is this protein-packed salad inexpensive and easy to throw together, but the edamame (a.k.a. soy beans) is also a complete protein providing all of our essential amino acids.
26. Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir-fry
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
This spicy sesame tofu stir fry is a healthier homemade version of a popular Chinese restaurant take-out. Lightly pan-fried crispy tofu bites tossed with crunchy snow peas, tender mushrooms, and nutty sesame seeds – all coated in a sweet soy glaze with a punch of heat! It is hearty and delicious comfort food that only takes 30 minutes to make and uses one pan.
27. Udon Noodle Soup
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This Japanese udon noodle soup recipe features an easy udon soup base that you can make in minutes—light, tasty and perfect as a quick lunch or dinner meal prep.
28. Bulgarian Moussaka with Lentils
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Easy Bulgarian vegetarian moussaka made with saucy tomato lentils, potatoes, and a savory egg custard that melts in your mouth! This tasty meal prep meal comes together in just 1 hour!
29. Eggplant Lentil Curry
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This Eggplant lentil curry comes together in around 30 minutes, and it will be your new favorite weeknight dinner! It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor and plant-based protein.
Easy Meal Prep Ideas for College Students
One of the best ways to meal prep in a dorm is using a crockpot or instant pot! These tools utilize minimal electricity and usually don’t require much prep. Just dump and go! That’s why these are our favorite easy meal prep ideas for college students.
30. Crockpot Glazed Chicken Teriyaki ($1.56 Per Serving)
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This easy crockpot chicken teriyaki is a healthier twist on a traditional teriyaki sauce so that you can enjoy a guilt-free pleasure. The chicken is slow-cooked until tender and lets all teriyaki stock infuse into the meat. It pairs well with green veggies and rice, giving you another weight loss meal prep idea.
31. Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili ($1.61 Per Serving)
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This delicious slow-cooked chipotle bean chili is so easy to make! All you need is a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes to prep. It’s high in protein, vegan, low in calories, and perfect for cooking in a big batch and meal prepping, costing just $1.61 per serving. This is one of our favorite vegetarian crockpot recipes for meal prepping!
32. Slow Cooker Bolognese ($1.65 Per Serving)
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
This slow cooker bolognese is perfect for getting started in the morning, taking just 5 minutes to prep. It’s high in protein, great for meal prepping, and is dirt cheap, costing just $1.65 per portion.
33. Slow Cooker Carnitas and Rice (Less Than $1 Per Serving)
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This is one of the cheapest meals we have ever made that is still packed with calories, nutrition, etc. The cost per serving comes out at under $1 per serving, including the protein and carbs! This is one of our favorite cheap and healthy crockpot meals!
34. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
This slow cooker chicken breast is simmered in a flavorful garlic and herb gravy until tender. Serve your crockpot chicken breasts over mashed potatoes for a comfort food meal. This is one of our favorite high calorie meal prep recipes for bulking!
35. Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Prep Time: 2 Minutes
Instant Pot chicken tenders are prepped in as little as two minutes. Juicy and plump, these chicken tenders are great as a main entree, on top of a salad or on a sandwich!
36. Keto Pulled Chicken
Prep Time: 2 Minutes
Pulled chicken is easily made in the instant pot and needs just 4 ingredients. Make a batch and use this juicy shredded chicken for meals all week long.
37. Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
Prep Time: 15 MinutesThis is our epic list of 50 cheap meal prep recipes that are less than $2 per serving! Over 300,000 people have used these to meal prep on a budget!
This is an easy and delicious slow cooker recipe. It can be thrown together quickly and will last you all week! Get that amazing taste of chicken carnitas on a budget. This is one of our favorite cheap meals for students!
Snack Meal Prep Ideas for College Students
38. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Made with only 3 ingredients, these peanut butter oatmeal balls are the perfect start to your morning. These energy bites are packed with nutrients and can be whipped up in 5 minutes!
39. Vegan Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Soft and chewy, these vegan applesauce chocolate chips oatmeal cookies are a great wholesome treat to have around! Easy to make, and are ready in 20 minutes. They are naturally gluten-free and oil-free too.
40. Sweetcorn Fritters
Prep Time: 6 Minutes
Make these sweetcorn fritters your new go-to recipe with ingredients you’ll always find in your kitchen. They’re vegan-friendly, too!
41. Avocado Tuna Salad
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
This avocado tuna salad is loaded with chunks of tuna, avocado and colorful veggies for a fresh and lighter take on the classic dish!
FAQs About Meal Prepping in College
What are the benefits of meal prepping in college?
There are a lot of benefits to meal prepping in college! If you’re looking to be more cost-effective with your food costs or want to eat healthily or follow a specific diet consistently, then meal prep will be an excellent choice for you!
Well-planned meal prep should save you time, money and improve your nutrient intake. If you’re new to meal prep, I suggest looking at our meal prep beginners guide for a bunch of useful tips and tricks!
Should I meal prep in college?
Yes! Especially for students that follow a rigorous routine with studying or athletics. Excellent nutrient intake is proven to help learning and sports performance.
How do I meal prep efficiently in college?
The trick we love to do is invest in an Instant pot or slow cooker. These kitchen appliances allow you to cook hearty meals with just 5 minutes of prep time. Another way is to cook freezer-friendly meal prep ideas and batch cook meals for next week. Instead of making 2 or 3 portions, make 4 to 6 and freeze the rest for later in the month.
How do you meal prep in a dorm?
Meal prepping in a dorm is tough. If your dorm allows you to use an induction burner that could work well! You can use that and a microwave to cook and reheat food as needed. You can also use a blender to make smoothies, soups, and protein shakes.
What do poor college students eat?
Poor college students should eat a diet of chicken, eggs, rice, pasta, potatoes, and cheaper vegetables like spinach and carrots. The key is to focus on cost-effective food sources.
Final Advice on College Meal Prep
If you’re a college student trying to eat healthy on a budget, meal prepping is the answer. It’ll save you time, money, and help you avoid gaining the freshmen 15.
I hope these meal prep ideas for college students are helpful for you! Start small by picking just 1-2 recipes and testing them out before you prep a whole batch.
If you want more recipe suggestions, check out our list of easy meal prep ideas or lazy meal prep recipes.
Richmond Howard started Meal Prepify in 2019 and has helped over a million people learn how to meal prep, get better at meal planning, and create a kitchen they love to use. He’s an avid home chef and loves to bbq, grill out, and make awesome food for family and friends. He’s been featured on MSN, Renaissance Periodization, and Good Financial Cents.
