If you’ve moved into your first dorm room, you’re probably on a meal plan with endless food options. But sometimes, you only have a few minutes between classes and need something quick that you can make in your microwave. Or maybe you feel like “cooking,” but don’t have the means. Most dorms prohibit any kitchen appliances, and instead provide a microwave and fridge for you to use. But a microwave is much more versatile than you may think, and can do much more than just make Easy Mac or popcorn. Plus, making your own food is better for your budget than ordering takeout all the time. This will help prevent credit card debt.
Try American Consumer Credit Counseling’s dorm meal ideas.
In this edition of Eat Your Way to Debt Relief, we’ve put together some of our favorite microwave recipes to give you a full day of meals. With these dorm meal ideas, you’ll no longer be a slave to the dining hall hours, and be able to better control your nutrition.
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and bacon. For the bacon, lay the strips over an overturned microwave-safe bowl, put on top of a paper towel and plate, and microwave for a minute per slice. If you want to prevent grease splatter, put another paper towel over the bacon slices.
For the scrambled eggs, beat 2-3 eggs with a dash of milk, salt and pepper, and pop into the microwave in a bowl. Microwave for a minute, stir, and repeat until the eggs are no longer wet.
Lunch: Veggie delight pizza. Using toast or tortillas as a base, top the crust with a tbsp of tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and top with your favorite vegetables like olives, peppers, onions, or whatever else you have on hand. Pop in the microwave for a minute or until the cheese melts.
Dinner: Steamed vegetables and meatloaf. Combine two tbsp of milk, a tbsp of ketchup, 2 tbsp microwaveable or quick-cooking oats, and 1 tsp of any soup mix (I recommend onion soup mix). Add 1/4 lb of ground beef and mix. Coat a microwave-safe mug with cooking spray, and fill with the beef and seasoning mixture. Microwave on high for three minutes, or until core temperature is 160 degrees (if the meat is still pink, then it needs more time in the microwave). Drain and let sit for five minutes.
While the meatloaf sits, put frozen veggies in the microwave in a covered bowl. You can also purchase frozen vegetables that are microwaveable right in the bag. Microwave until hot or according to directions on the bag.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
