One-Pan Wonders: Simple & Speedy Meals for Uni Life
Published on 30th Oct, 2025
Uni life is a whirlwind of lectures, deadlines, and, let’s be honest, trying to figure out what’s for dinner. You’re busy, your budget’s tight, and the last thing you want is a mountain of washing up after a long day. We get you.
That’s where these one-pot wonders come in. We’re talking proper good, hearty meals that get the job done without any fuss. Just a handful of ingredients, one pot, and you’re laughing. We’ve got everything from tasty pasta bakes to throw-it-all-in stir-fries that'll have you feeling like a master chef without the drama.
Plus, many of these recipes make enough for seconds — perfect for a bit of meal prep or sharing a wholesome, delicious meal with your housemates. So roll up your sleeves, grab your best pot, and let’s get cooking!
Sausage & Vegetable Bake
Fancy a satisfying, no-nonsense dinner? Our sausage and vegetable bake is a winner every time. It’s a brilliant way to get a warming, delicious meal sorted with minimum effort and maximum flavour. Plus, this recipe uses budget-friendly ingredients, so you can feed yourself and your housemates without breaking the bank.
Just toss everything into one dish, and the oven does the rest. It's a lifesaver for busy students and, let’s be honest, anyone who wants a filling meal without the hassle. There's enough to go around, so you can sort out a few meals in one go or share with your housemates. Easy peasy!
Super Easy One-Pan Chilli Beef
Love a crispy chilli beef takeaway? What if we told you that you could make a proper, guilt-free version at home, in just one pan, and in only 30 minutes? This super-easy one-pan chilli beef recipe is a lifesaver. It’s a fuss-free, no-nonsense way to get a dee-lish dinner on the table without paying eye-watering takeout prices. Plus, it makes plenty, so it’s ideal for meal prepping or serving up a seriously satisfying dinner.
Roasted Butternut Squash & Pepper Masala
A good masala is always a winner, and this one is a bit different. With sweet roasted butternut squash and peppers in a spiced sauce, it’s a comforting and hearty vegan meal that’s ready in no time. It's a great option for a meat-free Monday or whenever you fancy a healthy, fuss-free dinner. Just one pot to wash up too, which we think is a definite bonus!
Chicken & Bean Fajita Traybake
Need a fuss-free dinner that everyone will love? This chicken and bean fajita traybake is a winner. Loaded with plenty of chicken, hearty beans, and a handful of those classic fajita spices to give you a properly good, protein-packed meal. This easy dish is a great way to serve up a feast for friends or be a bit clever and save the leftovers for a lavish lunch.
Hot Honey, Orange & Sesame Prawn Stir-Fry
Want to impress your friends or housemates with a sensational yet simple dinner? Stir-fries are always a smart move. Don’t opt for the boring old usual, try this flavour-packed prawn stir-fry. With the winning combination of hot honey, zesty orange, and nutty sesame, it’s a vibrant dish that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for those nights when your brain is fried from studying and you need a tasty, faff-free meal. Serve it up with rice or noodles and you've got an easy weeknight winner.
No Carb'onara
Love a good carbonara but fancy a lighter twist? This No Carb'onara is a real helping hand for those days when you're craving a classic, creamy dish without the carb overload. It swaps traditional pasta for a clever low-carb alternative, so you get all that rich, Italian flavour and a dee-lish, feel-good meal. Simple, clever, and absolutely tasty.
Elote - Mexican Street Corn Pasta Bake
It's normal to want to make a good impression on your housemates, and this is the way to do it. This cheesy pasta bake is a comforting, clever twist on Mexican street corn, bringing all those smoky, zesty flavours into one delicious dish. It's a real winner for a big dinner with friends, and the best part is that it makes loads, so you’ve got a proper lunchtime feast sorted too.
Black Bean Tacos
Tacos in just 25 minutes? That's what we call a dinner winner! These black bean tacos are an uh-mazing healthy option for when you're short on time. A great meat-free meal packed with protein and flavour, they’re fuss-free and a delicious choice for a quick, satisfying bite.
One-Pan Baked Feta with Summer Tomatoes, Oregano & Butter Beans
An easy but impressive one-pan meal is always a winner. Inspired by the Mediterranean, this dish brings together creamy baked feta with juicy tomatoes and hearty butter beans for a delicious and wholesome meal. A brilliant choice for a picky tea with friends, just make sure there’s plenty of crusty sourdough on hand for scooping up every last bit.
Chilli Tuna Pasta Bake
A good pasta bake is a comforting classic for a reason. Our Chilli Tuna version adds a spicy kick that's sure to awaken your taste buds! This brilliant budget-friendly meal is a doddle to make, even on a busy weeknight. Best of all? It makes plenty, so it's perfect for feeding a crowd or for getting your dinners sorted for the week ahead. Get ready for a new favourite mid-week meal that's easy on the wallet and big on satisfaction!
Explore More Student-Friendly Recipes
We hope these one-pot recipes have shown you that cooking at home doesn't have to be a lot of work or washing up. If you're hungry for more ideas, you're in luck! Explore our recipes for even more easy, student-friendly dishes. We've got something for everyone, whether you're after a quick meal or more great budget-friendly ideas. Plus, don’t forget to shop for all your student essentials and ingredients at Morrisons online or in-store.
Cooking from scratch on a budget? Try shopping our More Ways To Save category online.
