13 Poverty Meals and Recipes for Students

As a student, managing a tight budget while trying to eat healthy meals can be challenging. However, with a little creativity and some affordable ingredients like black beans, canned tuna, and fresh veggies, you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending. From comforting classics like tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches to hearty dishes like chicken pot pie and baked potatoes, we’ve compiled a list of 13 cheap dinner recipes that are both satisfying and easy on the wallet.

Cheap Poverty Meals and Recipes for Students

1. Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are a classic combination that is both cheap and nutritious. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white or brown rice (preferably basmati rice)
• 1 can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, chopped (caramelized onion adds extra flavor)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onion

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in the rice and chili powder, and cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Add black beans and chicken stock to the pan. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice) until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions for an extra punch of flavor.

2. Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches

The classic peanut butter and jam sandwich can be upgraded for a tasty and cheap dinner or snack. Try adding sliced pickles or substituting the jam with raspberry jam for a sweet and tangy combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of whole wheat or white bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon raspberry jam or your favorite jam
• Optional: 4-6 pickle slices for a savory twist
• Optional: a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter evenly on one slice of bread.
2. Spread raspberry jam on the other slice.
3. Add pickle slices on top of the peanut butter for a unique flavor.
4. Combine the slices to make a sandwich. Cut diagonally and enjoy.

3. Biscuits and Gravy

This Southern comfort food is a family favorite and makes for an ultimate comfort food meal that’s hearty and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade biscuits
• 1/2 pound breakfast sausage or oat sausage (for a vegetarian option)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk or heavy cream (for a richer gravy)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, chilli flakes for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Bake biscuits according to package directions or your favorite recipe.
2. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
6. Stir the cooked sausage back into the gravy.
7. Serve the gravy over split biscuits.

4. Canned Soup Upgrades

With a few simple additions, you can turn a basic can of soup into a gourmet meal.

Ideas

• Stir in cooked rice, pasta or potatoes
• Add protein like canned chicken, ham or beans
• Mix in frozen or canned vegetables
• Top with croutons, crushed crackers or tortilla chips
• Drizzle with hot sauce, sour cream or pesto

5. Buttered Noodles

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. Dress up plain buttered noodles with these tasty variations:

Additions

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Toasted breadcrumbs

6. Spam Fried Rice

Spam is an affordable and versatile protein that works well in many poverty meals and recipes for students. Try it in this easy fried rice:

Ingredients

• 1 can Spam, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add Spam and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add onion and carrot and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push ingredients to the side. Pour eggs into the empty side and scramble until set.
5. Add rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry everything together until heated through.

7. Ramen Noodle Upgrades

Instant ramen noodles are a college student staple. Elevate them with these simple hacks:

Ideas

• Add a soft-boiled egg
• Stir in peanut butter for a Thai-inspired dish
• Mix in canned tuna and mayo
• Top with sliced green onions and sriracha
• Use less water for a thicker, saucier noodle

8. Macaroni and Cheese Mix-Ins

Boxed mac and cheese is a blank canvas for creative add-ins. Try mixing in:

Ideas

• Canned chili
• Salsa and black beans
• Tuna and peas
• Cooked ground beef and tomato sauce
• Broccoli and chicken

9. Lentil Soup

Lentils are an inexpensive source of protein and fiber that cook quickly without soaking. Try this easy lentil soup recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in lentils, broth, tomatoes and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Puree some of the soup for a creamier texture if desired.

10. Potato Wedges

Baked potato wedges are a healthier alternative to french fries and just as delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss potato wedges with oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
3. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

11. Tamale Pie

Turn leftover chili or taco meat into a satisfying casserole with a cornbread topping.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 cups leftover chili or taco meat
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat egg, milk and oil. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Pour half the batter into the prepared dish. Top with chili or taco meat and cheese.
5. Pour remaining batter over the top and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Sauerkraut and Sausage Skillet

This German-inspired dish is hearty, tangy and comes together in one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 smoked sausages, sliced
• 1 can sauerkraut, drained
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in sauerkraut, apple and caraway seeds. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

13. Polenta

Polenta is a creamy cornmeal porridge that can be served soft or cooled and sliced. Top it with your favorite sauce, vegetables or protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
• 4 cups water or broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, bring water or broth and salt to a boil.
2. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and creamy, about 20-30 minutes.
3. Stir in butter and Parmesan if using.
4. Serve hot as a side dish or pour into a greased loaf pan and refrigerate until firm. Slice and reheat as needed.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Eating well on a tight budget is possible with these cheap dinner ideas that are both delicious and nutritious. These poverty meals and recipes for students prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or health when money is tight. By stocking your pantry with affordable staples like rice, pasta, canned beans, and frozen veggies, and utilizing cooking methods like the slow cooker, pressure cooker, or air fryer, you can create healthy meals that satisfy your hunger and your wallet. So next time you’re pondering what to eat, try one of these budget-friendly recipes and enjoy a delicious meal without overspending. Bon appétit!

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