College is a place where food is a big part of your daily routine. But sometimes you get bored of the same old food you're having at the dining hall or dreading going to Applebee's continuously for half-price appetizers. One of the many skills that students do not use is their ability to cook. Cooking meals can be a cheap alternative can spice up your taste buds with some new recipes. Here are five inexpensive meals that won't break the bank account.

1. Chili

Chili can be made numerous ways and is also one of those dishes that can serve many people. This recipe makes 10 servings and will cost you around $15.

Ingredients:

One pound of ground beef: $3.98

Two cans beans: $2.62 (for a four can pack)

Large can diced tomatoes $2.48 (for two Tomatoes)

One onion, chopped: $2.00 (for 8 ounces)

One bell pepper: $1.50

Celery: $1.00

Tomato sauce: $1.50

Chili seasoning: $0.69

Start by browning some ground beef in a large pot and draining the fat. Then dump in a base of tomato sauce (or paste or juice), add one whole chopped onion, a few stalks of chopped celery, one large can of diced tomatoes, a chopped bell pepper, a minced clove of garlic and some salt and pepper. Add water and a package of chili seasoning (or make your own seasoning) and bring it to a boil. Next, add two cans of black beans or kidney beans. Continue to simmer for 1-3 hours or until you’re ready to eat, then serve over pasta, rice, or tortilla chips.

2: Pot roast with vegetables

This is dish is perfect for anytime and also to get your fix of meat and potatoes. This dish will cost you around $14 and makes 10 servings.

Ingredients:

Rump roast: $10

Six potatoes: $2

Small bag of carrots: $2.50

Place the small rump roast in your crock pot and cover it with water. Cook on high for three hours then add some chopped-up potatoes and peeled carrots, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for another three or four hours and serve.

3. Eggs and Toast

Everyone loves a good breakfast. I know I do. The best, easy and affordable breakfast is eggs and toast. This meal will cost around $6.

Ingredients:

One dozen eggs: $3

Loaf of bread: $2.50

You can prepare the eggs any way you like: maybe scrambled, over-easy, sunny side up or poached.

4. Pancakes

Keeping with the breakfast theme, pancakes are another affordable meal. This meal will only cost around $5. What a bargain!

Ingredients:

Pancake mix: $1.50

Butter: $2.00

Maple syrup: $1.50

You can prepare the pancakes however you like: maybe chocolate chips, fruit or just plain.

5. Pizza Bagels

We all love pizza, but ordering pizza out can really be expensive. Pizza bagels are cheap and affordable and they will only cost you around $10 to make.

Ingredients:

Six bagels: $3.99

Jar of pasta sauce: $1.50

Shredded mozzarella cheese: $2.00

Other toppings like pepperoni or vegetables: $3.00

Take a bagel and load it up with sauce, cheese and your topping of choice. Then pop it in the oven around 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes. If you have a toaster oven then that will work just as well.

I hope that you will get inspired to try some of these dishes and there are numerous recipes on the Internet. Go and check them out.

Happy eating!