Cheap and easy dishes for college students?

Hey! As a soon-to-be college student, I'm trying to get some ideas about which dishes are easy to prepare and cheap, since I'll be on a tight budget. Anyone got any good suggestions?

Absolutely! When you're trying to eat on a budget, simplicity is key. You'll want meals that are easy to make and made with affordable ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

1. Pasta Dishes: A box of pasta is typically inexpensive, and it can stretch for several meals. While you can always go with the classic butter and Parmesan cheese, you can also try adding in canned tomatoes and some spices for a simple marinara, or canned tuna for extra protein.

2. Rice Bowls: Rice is another staple that's cost-effective and versatile. Stir fry some veggies and protein of your choice, throw it on some rice, and you have a simple, nutritious meal. Canned beans and frozen vegetables can keep costs down.

3. Homemade Pizzas: Buy some ready-made pizza dough, a jar of marinara sauce, and your favorite cheese and toppings. This can be more budget-friendly and healthier than ordering out.

4. Baked Potatoes: They're not just sides, they can be an entire meal if you have the right toppings! Consider adding a little cheese, some broccoli, bacon bits, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt.

5. Soup and Sandwich: You can always do a classic sandwich and soup combo. Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic that's budget-friendly.

6. Stir-Fry: It doesn't get much easier than stir-fry. You can add in whatever veggies and protein you have on hand, add in some noodles or serve over rice, and toss it all in soy sauce.

Remember, shopping seasonal produce and sales can also save you a lot of money. And don't underestimate the power of a good spice cabinet – it can take even the simplest dish from bland to flavorful!