College Student’s Guide to Budget-Friendly Cooking

Embrace Simplicity: Cheap and Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipes

Nothing spells comfort more than a heartwarming, budget-friendly, and easy-to-prepare dinner. With our busy schedules, it’s more appealing than ever to whip up nutritious, cost-effective, and delicious one-pan meals. Here are some delightful recipes to help you serve up some much-needed comfort food on those rushed weeknights.

1. Hearty Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken is versatile, affordable, and quick to cook. Pair it with an assortment of vegetables for a balanced one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking pan, place the chicken breasts in the center, surrounded by the vegetables.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

2. Savory Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Seafood might seem luxurious, but shrimp can be quite affordable. Combine it with sausage for a rich, flavorful one-pan dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the shrimp, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until the shrimp is pink and the vegetables are tender.
4. Return the sausage to the skillet, stir well to combine, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Quick and Easy Tofu Stir-fry

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just love a good meatless meal, this tofu stir-fry is a delightfully simple and tasty one-pan dish that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the bell peppers, onion, and carrot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Return the tofu to the pan, add the soy sauce, and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. One-Pan Mexican Quinoa

For a nutrient-dense, wallet-friendly, and flavorful dinner, this one-pan Mexican quinoa dish ticks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare and packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno (if using) and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cumin to the pan. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

These four one-pan dinner recipes not only save you time and effort in the kitchen, but they also offer a variety of flavors and nutrients to keep your meals interesting and balanced. Remember, eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just one pan and a few affordable ingredients, you can create delicious meals that will satisfy your taste buds and your budget.