8 Easy Meals for College Students With a Microwave

Ginger Abbot

Oct 12, 2022
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Learning how to eat nutritious food is part of the college experience. You’ll have to find ways to eat when you can’t visit the campus cafeteria or get takeout, but that seems challenging in a dorm room.

Check out these easy meals for college students with a microwave. You don’t need a full kitchen to eat the meals you love while attending classes.

1. Bacon and Garlic Potatoes

Walk down the frozen vegetable aisle in your local grocery store the next time you need to pick up a few ingredients. It will have small bags of single or two-serving potatoes diced and frozen in garlic butter. Microwave a bag for the time indicated in the directions and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to eat.

It’s important to always include protein in your meals, so add a bit of bacon to your garlic potatoes. You could use two paper towels to microwave a few strips to crispy perfection or buy a box of cooked bacon to make your food even faster.

2. Microwave Enchiladas

You can have your favorite Mexican food anytime you want if you have a microwave. All you need are tortillas, enchilada sauce and cheese. Add pinto beans for some protein and you’ve got an entire meal.

Cover your bowl or plate with a paper towel before warming everything up. Heat makes sauce explode, which will cover the inside of your microwave. It’s an easy step that keeps the peace with your roommate by preventing an extra mess in your shared living space.

3. Mac and Cheese

Pasta typically boils in water on the stove, but you can also make it in your microwave. Cover the dry pasta in water and cook for a few minutes until it’s soft. You can drain it before adding cheese, butter and salt.

Making macaroni and cheese in just a few minutes is a simple self-care activity that eases stress while students are studying for exams. Pair it with microwaved chicken nuggets or sliced hot dogs to ground your meal in protein.

4. Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Spaghetti squash is an easy way to make a meal full of fiber and nutrients. Slice one in half and use a fork to scrape the spaghetti-like insides. Top everything with parmesan cheese and microwave for a minute or until it’s soft enough to enjoy. It pairs perfectly with frozen meatballs warmed up in the microwave.

5. Oatmeal

Oats are high in fiber, so eating oatmeal before your first class of the day will keep you satisfied longer than an iced coffee and a donut. Add instant oats to water and microwave for a few minutes. All you’ll need is your preferred sweetener and a flavor additive like cinnamon to treat yourself to a luxury breakfast.

6. Microwave Egg Sandwich

Grab your favorite English muffins, bagels or bread while you’re at the grocery store. You can start each day with an egg sandwich to give your mind and body extra energy. Crack an egg in a bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds before stirring and repeating the process until the egg is solid. You can top it with a slice of cheese and stick it in your sandwich bread for an instant meal. 

7. Meatloaf

Microwaves can also help you make multiple meals at a time. Get two pounds of ground beef and you’re 15 minutes away from homemade meatloaf in your dorm room. All you need to do is combine the meat with spices, tomato sauce and brown sugar. Microwave for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and save any leftovers for future meals.

8. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches hit the spot after walking across campus on a blustery fall afternoon. Toast two slices of bread in a toaster, coat the insides in butter, line with cheese slices and microwave until the cheese melts. You can dip your sandwich in a bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal between classes.

Try the Easiest Meals for College Students

These are some easy meals for college students with a microwave who want to eat more than protein shakes and snack packs. You’re only ever a few minutes away from your favorite foods with a little creativity and the right ingredients.

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