Easy Food Recipes & Dishes For University Students
Balancing academic responsibilities, social life, and independent living at university can feel like a juggling act. Add budgeting and learning to cook to the mix, and it’s easy to understand why students often lean on instant noodles or takeaways. Cooking at university doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. In fact, it can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you keep things simple, flavourful, and versatile!
To help, we’ve put together a list of quick and easy food recipes and dishes that are perfect for university students. From flavour-filled tacos to vegetarian-friendly pastas, whether you’re new to cooking or a budding chef, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no-time.
Easy Meals For University Students
The first easy meal on our list is our Mini Crispy Chicken Stand ‘N’ Stuff Tacos recipe! Ready in as little as 35 minutes, it’s ideal for those busy days when you’re juggling responsibilities. Plus, our Stand ‘N’ Stuff Tacos are perfect for sharing – making this dish great for flatmate get togethers.
Mini Crispy Chicken Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ Tacos
Recipe Name
Mini Crispy Chicken Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ TacosTotal Time
Servings
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast fillets, cut into small pieces
- 1 pack Old El Paso™ Crispy Chicken Seasoning Mix
- 1pack Old El Paso™ Mini Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ Soft Flour Tortillas
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1tbsp Old El Paso™ Garlic & Paprika Seasoning Mix for Tacos
- 100 g grated cabbage
- 85 g grated cheese
- Barbecue sauce
Preparation
- Heat up the oven to 225°C, (205°C for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 7. Throw the chicken, 2 tbsp vegetable oil and the Crispy Chicken Seasoning Mix into a plastic freezer bag, close and shake until the chicken strips are coated in the rich spices.
- Lay the chicken strips out on a baking tray and throw them in the oven for 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise with taco seasoning mix and stir in cabbage.
- Heat tortillas as directed on package.
- Fill each warmed tortilla with cabbage mixture, chicken and cheese. Drizzle with barbecue sauce. Enjoy!
Bonus Tip: Leftovers? Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 48 hours, reheat thoroughly before eating.
Made With...
Bean and Sweetcorn Pasta: Affordable & Vegetarian-Friendly
Pasta is a common ingredient in almost every student’s cupboard, and we’ve added a Mexican-inspired twist to this everyday pasta dish that makes it extra special! Simply combine cooked tagliatelle, Old El Paso™ Black Beans, sweetcorn, and chunky salsa for a quick and satisfying meat-free meal. Add grated cheese and fresh coriander for extra flavour.
One of the great things about this recipe is that many of the ingredients are long lasting and will stay good in the fridge or cupboard until you’re ready to use them!
Make It Your Way: It's easy to add meat to this recipe - if you'd prefer it simply mix in some cooked shredded chicken.
Cheesy Bacon Bean Quesadillas: Comfort Food In Minutes
Craving something cheesy and filling? These quesadillas are made with Old El Paso™ Super Soft Regular Flour Tortillas, refried beans, crispy bacon, and lots of gooey cheese. Press them flat, cook until golden on both sides, and pair with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Mexican-Inspired Pepperoni Pizzas: A Quick Weeknight Treat
With this recipe you can easily turn Old El Paso™ Soft Tortillas into a tasty pizza base! Spread refried beans instead of tomato sauce, add salsa, pepperoni, and cheese, then bake until the edges are crisp. Taking only 25 minutes to make, these tasty pizzas are sure to curb your cravings and save you money on eating out.
Vegetarian? Swap out the pepperoni for mushrooms or your favourite toppings.
How To Make Cooking Easier
If you struggle to find the time or motivation to cook while studying, these tips should help to make cooking easier:
- Meal Prep Ahead: Save time by pre-chopping vegetables during the weekend and storing them in airtight containers.
- Stock The Basics: Keep items like Old El Paso™ Black Beans, seasoning mixes, canned corn, pasta, and tortillas in your cupboard for quick meal ideas.
- Team Up: Cooking with flatmates can help everyone save money and make mealtimes even more enjoyable. Just make sure everyone helps with the clean-up!
Let’s Get Cooking!
With these quick and easy food recipes and dishes for university students, you can create delicious Mexican-inspired meals that fit your budget, schedule, and dietary needs! Kick things off with our Mini Crispy Chicken Stand ‘N’ Stuff™ Tacos recipe or explore even more recipe ideas here.