15 College Meals I Still Make Today When I Need Something Fast And Easy
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Some meals from college days just hit different, fast, cheap, and surprisingly filling. When life gets hectic and there’s zero energy to cook, these easy go-tos save the day without sacrificing flavor. I still make them now because they check all the boxes, minimal effort, less cleanup, and they actually taste good.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Sheet pan chicken thighs saved so many late nights back in college, and they’re still my go-to when I need something fast and easy. One pan, some seasoned chicken, and whatever veggies I’ve got in the fridge is all it takes to turn a hectic night into a solid dinner. The crispy edges and juicy flavor never disappoint, and cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
This Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet was one of my best college hacks and still comes through when I’m short on time and need something filling. Toss everything in one pan, ground beef, tomato sauce, rice, cheese, and it basically cooks itself. It’s easy, hearty, and tastes way better than anything I ever made on a dorm stove.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken got me through finals week more times than I can count, and I still reach for it when I need a no-fuss dinner. It’s simple, uses pantry spices, and feels a little fancier than it really is. Even now, it’s one of the fastest ways I know to get juicy, flavorful chicken on the table with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
This green bean hamburger casserole is one of those college meals I’ve never stopped making, mostly because it’s ridiculously easy and checks all the comfort food boxes. Just toss everything in a baking dish, meat, cheese, green beans, and let the oven do the work. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and hits the spot every single time.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Sheet Pan Chicken
I used to throw together this sheet pan chicken on hectic college nights, and it’s still a lifesaver when I need something fast and simple now. The whole meal cooks in one pan, chicken and colorful veggies, so it’s minimal mess with maximum flavor. It’s perfect for when I want dinner to be easy but still feel like I tried.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This beef and cabbage stir fry has been in my weeknight rotation since college because it’s fast, budget-friendly, and fills me up without fail. I can whip it up in 20 minutes flat with whatever’s on hand. It’s the kind of no-fuss meal that keeps me from ordering takeout when I’m too tired to think.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken in the slow cooker was a total game-changer during my college years, and I still count on it when I don’t want to cook but need something ready. It takes just two ingredients and basically makes itself while I get other things done. It’s tender, tangy, and perfect for stuffing into anything from tacos to salads.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Beef Barbacoa
This beef barbacoa was my secret weapon back in college when I wanted to eat like a queen without doing much work, and I haven’t stopped making it since. All it takes is a few minutes of prep and a slow cooker to get melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s good for days. It’s fast to start, lasts all week, and makes every meal feel like something special.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Pork Chops and Applesauce
Pork chops and applesauce was one of those weirdly nostalgic college meals that turned into a forever favorite. It’s super simple but tastes like way more effort, which is exactly what I need on a hectic night. A simple, fast sear, a spoonful of applesauce, and dinner is done before I know it.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry was one of those college lifesavers I could always count on when time and money were tight. It comes together in under 30 minutes, all in one pan, and still feels like a complete meal with protein and veggies. Even now, it’s my fallback whenever I want something fast, easy, and seriously delicious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
2-Ingredient Burger Buns
These 2-ingredient burger buns were a total college discovery that blew my mind, and I still use them when I want something in a snap without any fuss. They’re warm, fluffy, and way more forgiving than traditional baking, perfect for holding sandwiches, burgers, or just slathering with butter. Fast and foolproof is always a win, especially when time’s not on my side.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Burger Buns
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
I started making this ground beef Philly cheesesteak skillet in college to stretch my grocery budget, and it’s been a staple ever since. It has all the bold, cheesy flavors of the sandwich, but comes together in one pan and way less time. On hectic nights, this is one of the easiest ways I know to get dinner on the table without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
This fried cabbage and sausage skillet is one of those college meals that ages like fine wine, still cheap, still fast, still so good. Everything cooks in a single skillet and is done in under 30 minutes, which was a must back then and still is now. It’s comforting, flavorful, and takes zero brainpower to pull off after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Cheeseburger pie was a total college hack when I was trying to make ground beef exciting, and it’s somehow even more of a favorite now. It uses ingredients I almost always have on hand and turns them into something warm, cheesy, and nostalgic. When I want something fast and cozy without a lot of cleanup, this is the recipe I reach for.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet
This vegetable and ground beef skillet is the meal I lived on in college and still whip up when I need something fast that won’t let me down. One pan, a handful of ingredients, and it somehow manages to be hearty, flavorful, and balanced all at once. It’s a weeknight hero that shows simple doesn’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable and Ground Beef Skillet
