Quick and Affordable Recipes Every Student Should Know

Good food should be simple, comforting and easy to fit into everyday student life. Whether you are looking for quick meal prep ideas, affordable recipes for the week or something delicious to cook in your student accommodation kitchen, having a few reliable dishes can make life feel smoother and much more enjoyable.

These four recipes are designed with students in mind. They are quick, budget friendly and use simple ingredients you can find at any local Melbourne supermarket.

Whether you are cooking solo in your studio or sharing a kitchen with friends, these recipes are easy to follow and suitable for any level of cooking confidence.

If you enjoy learning new recipes, experimenting with flavours or cooking with others, our Journal cooking classes are a fun way to pick up new skills while enjoying something tasty together.

1. Korean Beef Bowl

A sweet, savoury and slightly spicy classic that takes 20 minutes and reheats beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great for large batches
• Full of flavour with simple pantry staples
• Easy to customise with vegetables and toppings
• Even better the next day

Ingredients

• Base
  
• 300g beef mince
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sauce
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• For Serving
• Steamed rice
• Sesame seeds
• Spring onion
• Quick pickled vegetables

 

 

How to Make It

1. Prepare the sauce: Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper and chilli flakes.
2. Cook the aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan, add garlic and onion, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Brown the beef: Add beef mince and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Add the sauce: Stir through and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Serve: Spoon over steamed rice and top with spring onion and sesame seeds.

Meal Prep Tip

Store beef and rice separately to keep the texture perfect.

Video Recap:

Residents learned how to make Korean beef bowls during our latest cooking class. From chopping veggies to plating the final dish, it turned an ordinary Thursday into something delicious.

2. Stracciatella Pesto Pasta

A creamy and comforting pasta inspired by Italian home cooking.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 15 minutes
• A great way to use leftover pesto
• Feels fancy with minimal effort
• Perfect for lunchboxes

Ingredients

• 200 to 250g pasta
• 3 to 4 tbsp pesto
• ½ cup stracciatella cheese
• 3 to 4 slices prosciutto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• A handful of pistachios, chopped
• Salt and pepper

 

How to Make It

1. Cook pasta and reserve a small amount of cooking water.
2. Toss pasta with pesto and add a splash of pasta water until glossy.
3. Add stracciatella, torn prosciutto and pistachios.
4. Finish with olive oil and pepper.

Meal Prep Tip

Keep the stracciatella separate until serving so it stays fresh and creamy.

 

3. Japanese Chicken Curry Rice

A warm and cosy comfort meal that lasts for days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget friendly
• Uses easy to find Japanese curry roux
• Perfect for cold Melbourne evenings
• Tastes even better on day two

Ingredients

• 300 to 400g chicken thigh
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cups water or chicken stock
• 3 to 4 blocks Japanese curry roux
• Steamed rice
• Optional peas, corn or boiled eggs

How to Make It

1. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned.
2. Add onion, potato and carrot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Pour in water or stock, bring to the boil and simmer until tender.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the curry roux until melted.
5. Simmer again on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Serve with rice.

Meal Prep Tip

Portion into containers with rice on the side to avoid sogginess.

4. Tiramisu Cups (No Bake Dessert)

A study break treat you can make ahead and keep in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required
• Assembles in minutes
• Feels luxurious but uses simple ingredients
• Great for sharing with flatmates

Ingredients (Makes 4 cups)

• 250g mascarpone
• 120ml cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100ml strong coffee
• 2 to 3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
• 12 to 16 ladyfinger biscuits
• Cocoa powder
• Chocolate flakes

How to Make It

1. Make the cream: Whip cream, icing sugar and vanilla to soft peaks and fold in mascarpone.
2. Prepare the coffee dip: Mix cooled coffee and liqueur.
3. Assemble the cups:
   Dip ladyfingers briefly
   Layer biscuits, cream, biscuits and cream
4. Finish: Dust with cocoa powder and chocolate.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Meal Prep Tip

Keep covered and they will last 2 to 3 days, perfect for a late night study boost.

Video Recap: Dessert time at our cooking class. Residents made tiramisu cups together, layering cream, coffee soaked biscuits and cocoa for the perfect sweet finish.

 

Final Thoughts

Meal prepping does not need to be complicated. A few simple recipes you enjoy can make busy weeks feel easier and more organised. These four dishes are practical, comforting and ideal for student life.

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