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Cheap, three-ingredient meals to satisfy your cravings

November 15, 2019

When you go to university, you basically sign yourself up for years of stress, tears, a never-ending pile of school work, and a tight student budget. On top of all of it, you will probably have to fend for yourself and find your own way to provide yourself with food to keep you going throughout the school year. I’m a food lover and I would eat food 24/7 if I could... BUT food can be expensive! As a student, I don’t have the luxury to be eating a five-course meal every night. Sometimes I can only eat half a ramen noodle pack because I have $0.27 left in my bank account. If your situation is similar (or a lot) like mine, I am here to help you out. I compiled a list of recipes that are cheap, easy to make, cheap, don’t require a lot of steps, cheap, don't take long to make and oh yeah, CHEAP! Here is a list of quick easy recipes that are gonna change your budget for the better.

Mini garlic pizza

A graphic with texas toast, a small block of mozarella cheese, and a can of pizza sauce.

Now who doesn't love pizza! If you need a quick pizza fix this one's for you!
Garlic bread $3.27
Cheese $2.97
Pizza sauce $0.97
Optional: pepperoni or toppings of choice

Source: Recipe Diaries

Cheesy pasta

A can of pasta sauce, a bag of pasta noodles, and a can of Parmesan cheese.

This vegetarian cheesy pasta will definitely knock your socks off
Pasta $1.17
Pasta sauce $1.27
Parmesan $4.97

Source: Food24 

Chicken caesar wrap

A bag of tortillas, ready-made chicken, and a ceasar salad kit.

Meals couldn't get any easier with this yummy wrap.
Pre-cooked chicken $5
Pre-packed caesar salad $ 3.47
Flatbread wraps $2.67

Source: BuzzFeed

Avocado toast

Avocado, bread, and a carton of eggs.

This recipe is for the basic Instagrammer in all of us
Avocado $1.47
Toast $1.64
Boiled egg $2.27

Source: SkinnyTaste

Three ingredient chilli

Ground beef, chilli beans, salsa

This chilli is a good hearty option
Ground beef $5
Chilli beans $2.94
Salsa $2.97

Source: Manila Spoon

Pigs in a blanket

hot dogs, croissants, cheese

Need a quick fix for a potluck or just looking for something to eat while studying? This recipe is for you
Crescent rolls $2.67
Hot dog $1.87
Cheese $2.97

Source: Savory Experiments

Bacon and onion roasted potatoes

A bag of potatoes, a packet of onion soup mix, and a package of bacon on a white background.

A perfect addition to any meal
Potatoes $3.47
Onion soup packet $2.77
Bacon $3.77

Source: Tasty

Cheesy garlic broccoli

Garlic, cheese, and broccoli on a white background.

Gotta make sure you get your veggies in
Garlic $0.98
Cheese $2.97
Broccoli $2.52

Source: Tasty

Frozen yogurt bars

Strawberries, greek yogurt, and blueberries on a white background.

A healthy dessert alternative
Greek yogurt $3.77
Blueberries $3.97
Strawberries $2.97

Source: Tasty

Oreo fudge

A bag of white chocolate chips, a can of condensed milk, and a package of oreos on a white background.

Your sweet tooth will thank you for this one
24 Oreos $2.27
14 oz condensed milk $2.97
2 cups of white chocolate chips $2.97

Source: Tasty

Well, there you have it! All these recipes will hopefully keep you on budget while providing somewhat of a meal. For more budgeting tips check out the university's resources below:


University resources

Looking for more financial support? Student Awards and Financial Aid is hosting Financial Literacy workshops between November 18 and 21.
  • Cooking on a budget: Monday, November 18 from 10 a.m. to noon
  • Goal-based financial planning with a purpose: Monday, November 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Own your financial future; managing debt and making credit work for you: Tuesday, November 19 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • OSAP repayment webinar: Thursday, November 21, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Register for a Financial Literacy Workshop