Hi there 👋 and welcome to College Meal Saver!
My name is Larrouy, and I’m the creator of this site. I live in Austin, Texas, and my love for cooking started long before this blog — but it truly took shape when I was living in a tiny apartment on a tight budget, just like many college students today.
Back then, I was juggling classes, part-time jobs, and everyday expenses. Like most students, I survived on instant ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever was cheapest. It was affordable, yes — but it didn’t take long to realize that my energy, focus, and overall well-being were paying the price.
That’s when I started searching for simple, affordable, and filling meals that didn’t require fancy ingredients or a fully equipped kitchen. My first real win? A basic homemade chili made with canned beans, tomatoes, and ground beef. It wasn’t perfect — but it was cheap, comforting, and it worked.
Over time, I kept experimenting. I failed sometimes (too much spice, burned pans, questionable combinations 😅), but I learned what really matters: good food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Today, College Meal Saver is built around that exact idea.
My Mission
My goal is simple:
👉 Help students (and anyone on a budget) cook easy, affordable, and satisfying meals without stress.
On this site, you’ll find:
- 💸 Budget-friendly recipes
- 🍳 Dorm & small-kitchen friendly meals
- 🍱 Meal prep ideas for busy weeks
- 🥗 Simple comfort food and healthier options — no extremes
You don’t need fancy gadgets, long ingredient lists, or chef skills. With basics like pasta, eggs, rice, canned goods, and a little creativity, you can eat well without breaking the bank.
Cooking Philosophy
My cooking philosophy is simple: less is more.
Cooking doesn’t need to be perfect. You’ll make mistakes — and that’s okay. Some of my favorite recipes started as happy accidents. What matters is learning, saving money, and enjoying the process.
If my recipes help you feel more confident in the kitchen, smile after a long day, or keep a little extra cash in your wallet — then this site is doing its job.
Thanks for being here, and welcome to the College Meal Saver community 💙
Happy cooking!
— Larrouy 🍳✨