I grew up baking cookies and making jam with my grandma, layering casseroles and stirring soups with my mom, and husking corn and picking avocados with my dad. I loved every part of the preparation, the cooking, and the comfort — and still do. But when I started college in San Francisco, cooking solo was a whole new ball game. Suddenly, there was budgeting, grocery shopping, meal prep, cooking, and cleanup, all while juggling classes, exploring a new city, and making friends.
Dining out in the city was exciting, but expensive, so some of my favorite memories became cooking in our tiny dorm kitchen with a microwave, a small oven, and a fridge that fit just enough. I quickly learned that campus cooking didn’t have to be instant ramen every night (though ramen is indeed fabulous and of course still makes an appearance below).
This list is full of simple, fun, budget-friendly meals that you can easily prepare with just three or four Aldi ingredients. Whether you have an air fryer, a toaster oven, or just a microwave, there’s a little bit of everything here with both meat and vegetarian options. I’ve also included cost estimates per recipe for four servings and single servings, so you’ll know exactly what you’re spending (and maybe what to split with roommates). A little creativity goes a long way in college, and I hope these recipes inspire you to put your own spin on them and enjoy your time in the kitchen!
1.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
3.
Microwave Vegetarian Nachos
4.
Five-Cheese Ravioli in Marinara
6.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
8.
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies
10.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wrap
11.
Egg Fried Cauliflower Rice
13.
Peanut Butter Banana Waffle Stack
15.
Veggie Taco Lettuce Cups
16.
Turkey and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders
18.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
19.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon and Broccoli Bowls
20.
Southwest Chicken Taco Salad
22.
Air Fryer Double Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Easy and budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring, especially when Aldi’s shelves are essentially stocked for college kitchens! With just a few staples, a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer, you can whip up meals that feel like takeout, mom’s comforting cooking, or even a special date night. These 22 recipes prove you don’t need a lot of ingredients (or money) to eat well in college. You just need a little creativity, a cart from Aldi, and a hungry roommate or two to share it with!
Do you have some favorite college-friendly meals you like to whip up? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!
For even more dorm-friendly college meals, download the free Tasty app to browse and save thousands of recipes — no subscription required.