Picture this: You’ve just come home after a long, mind-numbing day, your stomach’s growling louder than a grizzly in the wild. Cooking for one doesn’t have to be a bore, though! With these quick and easy dinner recipes, you’ll whip up something delicious before you can say “takeout,” and maybe even surprise yourself with how good solo dining can be.
Steps
- Make Saffron Rice and Bean Salad: Cook saffron rice and mix with beans, creating a flavorful salad. Use leftovers in wraps, burritos, or fried rice for variety.
- Prepare Crustless Asparagus Quiche: Bake a quiche without a crust and enjoy leftovers in egg sandwiches. Freeze individual portions separated by parchment for later use.
- Cook Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs: Roast chicken thighs with lemon and rosemary, then freeze leftovers. Repurpose them in salads, quesadillas, or as pasta toppings.
- Make Black Bean and Corn Soup: Simmer black beans and corn for a simple soup that freezes well. Enjoy with toppings like tortilla chips or alongside quesadillas.
- Bake Pesto Penne with Italian Sausage: Combine penne with pesto and sausage, then freeze in portions. Defrost and reheat for quick dinners.
- Create Garden Quichelettes: Bake mini quiches that are easy to freeze. Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps for convenient meals.
- Stuff Mediterranean Green Peppers: Fill green peppers with a Mediterranean mix. Use leftovers as toppings for rice or pasta.
- Prepare Meatball and Orzo Soup: Cook meatball soup with orzo, perfect for freezing in portions. Reheat for a warm meal anytime.
- Mix Lentil, Chickpea, and Carrot Salad: Combine lentils, chickpeas, and carrots with feta cheese. Freeze or use leftovers in wraps or as a grain bowl topping.
- Make Grilled Cheese Melts with Brie and Spinach: Assemble grilled cheese sandwiches using brie and spinach. Include various cheeses and leftover proteins for diverse flavors.
Ingredients
- Saffron
- Rice
- Beans
- Asparagus
- Eggs
- Lemon
- Rosemary
- Chicken thighs
- Black beans
- Corn
- Tortilla chips
- Pesto
- Penne pasta
- Italian sausage
- Green peppers
- Meatballs
- Orzo
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Carrots
- Feta cheese
- Brie cheese
- Baby spinach
- Bread (for sandwiches)
FAQ
- How can I minimize food waste while cooking for one or two people?
- Be mindful of the quantity of food you purchase. Opt for smaller or individual portions to prevent spoilage. If you buy in bulk, plan how you will use or store the excess, using the freezer as a handy option.
- What are some versatile ingredients to keep on hand for quick meals?
- Eggs are a versatile and cost-effective choice that can be used in various ways such as omelets, frittatas, and salads. They last a long time in the fridge and are quick to prepare.
- How can I make the most out of leftovers without getting bored?
- Transform leftovers into new meals to keep things interesting. For instance, use leftover roast chicken in quesadillas, salads, or sandwiches. This approach helps you enjoy variety while minimizing food waste.
- What are some strategies for meal prepping when cooking for one?
- Create a meal rotation by listing recipes you enjoy that freeze well. Over time, prepare these dishes and freeze individual portions. This strategy ensures you have a variety of meals ready, reducing the need to cook every night.
- How can I make grocery shopping more efficient for smaller households?
- Utilize bulk bins to purchase exact amounts needed, reducing unnecessary waste. This method is especially useful for items like grains and nuts.
Tips
- Shop Smart with Bulk Bins: When cooking for one, utilize bulk bins at your grocery store to purchase only the exact amount of ingredients you need, reducing waste and saving money.
- Embrace Versatile Eggs: Eggs are a cost-effective and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond breakfast, such as omelets, frittatas, or even hard-boiled for salads.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Avoid getting bored with leftovers by transforming them into new meals. For instance, use leftover roast chicken in salads, sandwiches, or quesadillas to keep your meals interesting.
- Utilize Your Freezer: Make large batches of freezable dishes like soups, casseroles, or pasta. Portion them out, freeze, and enjoy a quick homemade meal whenever needed.
Equipment
- Freezer Bags – Essential for storing leftovers and freezing individual portions.
- Sealable Glass Containers – Useful for storing and reheating meals.
- Parchment or Wax Paper – Helpful for separating items in freezer bags.
- Aluminum Foil – Often used for wrapping items for freezing.
- Baking Dish – Needed for recipes like Baked Pesto Penne or Crustless Asparagus Quiche.
- Soup Pot – Required for making soups such as the Black Bean and Corn Soup or Meatball and Orzo Soup.
- Nonstick Skillet or Frying Pan – Useful for preparing various recipes including omelets or grilled cheese.
- Quichelette Pan or Muffin Tin – Useful for making Garden Quichelettes.
