Meal PrepMeal Prep for Broke College Students
You don't need a full kitchen, a stand mixer, or a grocery budget to meal prep in college — this one comes together with a single pot (or a hot plate and a microwave), ingredients that don't need a car to get to, and a total cost that undercuts a single fast-food meal.
- for the pot
- 2 cups white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce, optional
five containers, about $1.50 a meal at most grocery stores.
- Cook the rice according to package directions (a rice cooker or even a covered pot on a hot plate both work).
- While the rice cooks, microwave the frozen vegetables according to package directions, about 5 minutes.
- Stir the black beans, cooked vegetables, and soy sauce (plus hot sauce, if using) into the rice once it's done.
- Divide between 5 containers. Cool before sealing if you have fridge access; otherwise this keeps fine for a few hours at room temp before eating.
No rice cooker or stove? Instant microwaveable rice pouches work — just stir everything together in a bowl instead of a pot.
No black beans? Any canned bean works the same way — whatever's cheapest that week.
Want more protein? A can of tuna or a couple of scrambled eggs stretches this further for very little added cost.
No soy sauce? Any bottled sauce works — teriyaki, salsa, or even ketchup and hot sauce in a pinch.
Keeps 4-5 days refrigerated — rice and beans are some of the most reheat-stable foods there are. Microwave 2 minutes, stirring halfway, adding a splash of water if it's dried out. Freezes fine in individual portions for up to 2 months if you do get fridge or freezer access.
Breakfast version Swap the soy sauce for salsa and top with a fried egg for a budget breakfast burrito bowl.
Extra heat Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter with the hot sauce for a quick, cheap peanut-sauce flavor.
Stretch it further Add a scrambled egg or a can of tuna on top of any portion for extra protein without much added cost.
Kantan tip — buy rice and beans in the biggest bag/can your budget allows — the per-serving cost drops fast at bulk sizes, and both keep for months in a dorm closet.
Gear that makes this recipe easier
The tools this recipe actually calls for, with the one we'd reach for in each category — these link to our own comparisons, not straight to a store.
- Multi-Cookers & Pressure Cookers Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6 Qt) Compare all 3 multi-cookers & pressure cookers →
- Freezer Trays Souper Cubes 2-Cup Freezer Tray Compare all 5 freezer trays →