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16 Cheap, Easy, and Delicious TikTok Recipes for Students

16 Cheap, Easy, and Delicious TikTok-Approved Recipes for Students

Aug 3 2023

Calling all freshers! In-between the admin and packing, there's a more pressing issue to think about for your big move into self-catered halls: what to cook. Without the supplies and skills of parents, figuring out how to feed yourself at uni can seem overwhelming. But don't be fooled, it doesn't have to be all Pot Noodles and beans on toast - there's a number of chef-approved recipes, with a student-budget in mind, that are resurfacing on TikTok.

From budget burritos to one-pan orzo, you don't have to scrimp on taste - providing you know what essentials to stock-up on. When the time comes for the big supermarket shop, forgo all the freezer food and ensure you have the cooking must-haves: all spice, mixed herbs, stock cubes, garlic, onions, and tinned tomatoes need to be on your shopping list. You'll soon realise they are key for so many meals.

Be selective when it comes to your equipment. Chances are your new roomies will also bring an Ikea-load of kitchen utensils; surely you can share a tin-opener? Of course, you'll need the necessities to be able to cook and eat a meal, but some of the lesser-used supplies you can bag once you're in and know what's missing. Measuring cups are a must to make sure you don't waste ingredients and raid the family cupboards before you go for old takeaway boxes you can freeze, they'll help you make your meals last longer. A pack of resealable bags are key to making the most of food before it goes off, too.

Now that you've swotted up on your kitchen essentials, check out these 16 quick, easy and in some cases, chef-approved, recipes that are all under £15.

— Additional reporting by Gabriella Ferlita

Image Source: Getty / Andrea Kessler

The Pizzadilla

Ever wondered what would happen if a pizza and a quesadilla collided? Now you can know with the social media Pizzadilla. Yes, it's essentially a cheese and tomato quesadilla, but you have to admit the name is catchy. It's a level up from a cheese sandwich and only takes 5 minutes to cook. Plus, you need minimal ingredients and just a frying pan. Add egg whites to a pan, pop a tortilla on top. Add tinned tomatoes, oregano, salami (optional), and cheese before flipping in half and cooking on both sides. An easy dinner!

Estimated cost: £5

Budget Burritos

Love a burrito? If you don't yet, you will now. This recipe is quick, filling, cheap, and tasty, and a great one for veggies. All you need for the filling is a bundle of cupboard essentials, from garlic and tomato puree, to a 65p tin of red kidney beans.

Dice half a red onion and chop two garlic cloves and throw them in an oiled pan until softened. Add a tablespoon of tomato puree, salt, and a splash of boiled water for two minutes before throwing in half a teaspoon of cumin powder, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, one teaspoon of paprika, and a sprinkle of dried oregano and cook for two minutes. Then add drained kidney beans and leave for a further 2 minutes. Half a mug of boiled water is then included before leaving to simmer for 8-10 minutes. Once done, add a squeeze of lemon and some coriander. Then add sour cream and rice (microwaveable is fine), the filling, and cheese onto a tortilla, before rolling and toasting to your liking. You can make enough for three portions, too!

Estimated cost: £7

Stuffed Potato Patties

This is the ultimate comfort food that involves those ingredients always lurking in your cupboard: potatoes, cheese, and flour. Officially known as Llapingacho, all you need to do is cut up potatoes, boil them in salt water until soft, and mash them. The roll the mashed potato, stuff it with cheese, and flatten as patties, before frying in oil until golden brown. A saviour when you are in need of a food shop.

Estimated cost: £3

10 Minute Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Want to achieve chef-approved pasta in just 10 minutes? According to personal chef @natsnourishments, it only uses six ingredients and will cost you £8. The secret is a jar of £1.70 red peppers instead of buying them fresh. The only thing you'll need to equip yourself with (or borrow from a roomie) is a blender in order to make the sauce thick and creamy. Blend the peppers with yeast, garlic, and salt. Heat in a pan and add in drained chickpeas, cooked pasta, a little starchy pasta water, black pepper, and basil. It's a great option for vegans.

Estimated cost: £8

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Egg Bhurji

If your student budget no longer caters for fancy Indian restaurants like Dishoom, try making your own spiced-up scrambled eggs at home. It's an all-round winner for every meal time and only requires an onion, garlic, tomato, and some cupboard-friendly dried spices including chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Whip it up in 6 minutes for just £2 a portion by adding them all to a pan, before scrambling the eggs with the mix. A flavoursome treat.

Estimated cost: £6

One Pan Orzo

Orzo, the lesser-known pasta shape that looks like grains of rice, is an ideal ingredient for batch cooking as it lasts a couple of days. This 7-ingredient recipe by @mob requires one pan, which means you'll also save on the washing up.

Slice up 5 garlic cloves, a chilli, and a large tomato and add to a pan of olive oil. Throw in cherry tomatoes and squish them until they start creating a sauce. Add a veggie stock cube and mix through, season, and add 500g of orzo and 800ml of water. Cook over a medium heat and stir regularly until the pasta has absorbed a lot of the water. Stir in some basil and black pepper and voila!

Estimated cost: £5

Ikea-Style Meatballs

The ultimate comfort meal when the winter months roll round, and it's ready in just 20 minutes. The price-tag may seem hefty, but that's only if you already don't have your kitchen go-to's like milk, butter, and oil. If so, then this hero meal works out at just over a pound per portion, with enough meatballs for the next day.

Combine 300g of beef mince with one grated onion, 2 tablespoons of milk, and chopped slice of bread. Season with salt and pepper, and add one teaspoon of nutmeg and one teaspoon of mixed spice. Combine thoroughly and roll into balls. Fry for three minutes until golden brown on the outside and take them out. Using the same pan, add two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of flour. Dissolve beef stock in 500ml of water and add to the pan. Add 120ml double cream to make a nice, thick gravy. Return the meatballs to the sauce and cook for 8 minutes until cooked through.

Estimated cost: £12

£5 Pub Grub

You can't go wrong with toad in the hole and the traditional meal is perfect for homesick days. Budget Titkok chef @mealsbymitch proves that you can do this meal for under a fiver – and you'll be left with all the ingredients to make yourself pancakes for breakfast the next day, too.

Pop sausages into a baking dish and cover in vegetable oil. Put in the oven on 190 degrees for 15 minutes. Prep the batter by adding 250g plain flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt and crack in 4 eggs before stirring together. Gradually add in 180ml milk and keep stirring together. Tip the batter all over the sausages and put back in the over for another 15 minutes. Add some veg and you've got comforting homemade food for a fiver.

Estimated cost: £5

Chip Burger

If you are a chip person, try this fun way of using them as a burger bun. Tiktoker @syllygirl has gained 26.4 million views on her unique recipe which involves wrapping a burger in cheese, covering it in batter, then frozen chips, freezing for 30 minutes, and then deep-frying. It's making us drool just thinking about it.

Estimated cost: £7

Tuna Melt Snacks

Another three ingredient winner that's ideal for a light lunch or snack. This time, all you need is tuna, cheese, and an egg. Mix the ingredients together, shape into patties and fry (via an airfryer or a pan with oil). You'll be eating in 10 minutes flat.

Estimated cost: £3

Pesto Eggs

For breakfast or lunch between lectures, this new take on fried eggs on toast will make you fall in love with the dish all over again. The secret? Using a dollop of pesto instead of a sprinkle of oil to level-up your eggs. Add some avocado if you're feeling fancy.

Estimated cost: £3

Oat Pancakes

Want to switch-up your breakfast from cereal? Try these super easy, healthy pancakes. All you need is a banana, egg, and oats. Mash the banana, mix all the ingredients together and fry. The best thing? Oats have the ability to soak up water, making you feel fuller for longer.

Estimated cost: £3

Pizza Wraps

Before you think about ordering a Dominos, feed your pizza craving with a quick and easy pizza wrap at home. The only difference? Instead of dough, you use a tortilla wrap which makes it a healthier option, too. Simply add a tomato-based sauce onto a tortilla wrap with cheese and toppings of your choice, then pop in the oven for 10 mins. Plus, if you already have cheese in your fridge, it will only cost you £2.40.

Estimated cost: £3

Crispy Sandwich

If you have time on your hands and want to elevate your sandwich to make it crispy, try this fun recipe. All the ingredients are typical cupboard must-haves, so this could be a good thing to rustle up when you have random ingredients staring back at you.

Simply roll out a slice of bread so it's a little thinner and add your filling to the middle (this TikTok uses cheese and tuna). Use a glass to cut out a circle in the middle and dip it in egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry in oil until golden brown.

Estimated cost: £5

Peanut Butter Noodles

Want to take instant noodles up a notch? This recipe only requires three ingredients and is packed with protein: peanut butter, tahini, and noodles. For extra flavour, add a sprinkle of seasoning in the mix.

Estimated cost: £5

Fresh Pasta with Marinara Sauce

I may have learned to make homemade pasta during The Roman Food Tour's cooking class on the cobblestone streets of the Italian capital, but you can re-create the magic of hand-made fettuccine in your uni dorm without the need for a pasta maker. Simply use a rolling pin (or a steel water bottle), and you're golden!

As taught by head chef Luciano in Il Segreto Roma, you only need 200 grams of plain flour, and two medium eggs for the pasta dough. For an easy marinara sauce, combine olive oil, diced garlic, basil, cherry tomatoes, and tomato passata, along with a dash of salt (all measured by eye). Or, just throw in a jar of ready-made tomato sauce, we don't judge. Buon appetito!

Estimated cost: £2.50-£8.30 depending on your sauce of choice.

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