Have you used up your dining dollars yet? Are you sick of takeout? Or are you looking to spice up your recipe book? Well, I’ve found and tested some pretty cheap and easy meals that can be made in a dorm, in under 15 minutes, and for less than 15 dollars. 

Quesadilla

Ingredients: 

• Cheese – $3.69
• Tortilla – $1.25
• Total: $4.94
• Veggies/meat (optional) – Price varies
• Total: Around $9.43 

Steps:

1. Put all your ingredients between two tortillas
2. Grease your pan, and place the quesadilla inside
3. Cook until the cheese has melted, and the outside of the tortilla is golden brown
4. Enjoy!

*If you’re using meat, make sure to cook it all the way before starting the rest of your prep

Pesto Pasta

Ingredients: 

• Fusilli Pasta – $1.99
• Pesto – $2.99
• Cherry Tomatoes – $3.29
• Parmesan cheese – $3.49
• Total: $11.76

Steps:

1. Make your pasta according to the instructions on the box
2. Put the cherry tomatoes on a pan with oil until they start to wrinkle
3. Once strained, add the pesto and your cooked tomatoes to your pasta
4. Add some parmesan cheese if you’d like, and enjoy!

Elevated Mac and Cheese

Ingredients: 

• Kraft Mac and Cheese – $2.49
• Pepper – $1.00
• Garlic Powder – $1.00
• Onion Powder – $1.00
• Extra cheese – $4.29
• Butter: $3.99
• Total: $13.77

Steps: 

1. Cook your pasta according to the instructions on the box
2. Once strained, add a teaspoon of butter, the cheese packet, and your extra cheese to your pasta
3. Once the cheese is mixed in, add your spices to taste
4. Enjoy!

And there you go, three cheap and easy meals to get you through the semester. Good luck, and happy eating!