Making Meals for One Person Enjoyable
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Meals for one person can be simple, satisfying, and enjoyable when you focus on fresh ingredients, flexible recipes, and a little creativity.
For some, cooking for one isn’t about cutting corners. It’s either about cooking smart or, as in my case, I enjoy cooking but don’t know how to cook for one. When I was cooking for two, before Mr. G passed away, we would always have enough for one more meal. I love leftovers, but not for four or five days.
I’ve learned that with a bit of planning, searching on Pinterest, and a willingness to experiment, solo meals can become something you look forward to. So grab that skillet, pan, and treat yourself to good food worth enjoying.
It’s also a chance to tailor meals exactly to your tastes, explore new recipes at your own pace, and avoid the waste that often comes with bulk cooking. So, don’t let being alone in your household stop you from enjoying a good meal with great taste.
Embrace the Single Serving
There’s no shame in scaling recipes down to serve just you. In fact, many meals are easier to prepare in a single serving. Think about omelets, salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls. Use versatile ingredients that can be repurposed throughout the week, like:
- Rotisserie chicken: great for wraps, salads, or soup
- Canned beans: toss them into tacos, pasta, or stews
- Eggs: perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Frozen veggies: no spoilage, quick to steam or sauté
Plan, But Keep It Flexible
Meal planning doesn’t have to be rigid. Instead of prepping five days of identical meals, try keeping a small variety of core ingredients on hand. One bag of mixed greens, a few proteins, and some pantry staples can become dozens of combinations.
Here are a few examples of meals for five days that I have found and enjoy myself. Since I am low-carb, there are still many recipes out there with mainly protein and veggies.
- Monday: Grilled chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Tuesday: Chicken quesadilla served with salsa (one of my fav things to fix)
- Wednesday: Stir-fried veggies and served with rice
- Thursday: Egg and veggie scramble
- Friday: Mexican stuffed sweet potato
I do pick up salads with chicken when I don’t feel like cooking. I do love Cauliflower Pizzas I can get at the store, and a cheeseburger without a bun or on a low-carb bun, served with a pickle.
Minimize Waste, Maximize Flavor
Buying in bulk is great for families, but not always ideal for solo eaters. Shop smarter.
- Choose loose fruits and veggies instead of pre-packed ones.
- Visit the deli or butcher counter to buy exact portions.
- Use freezer bags or small containers to portion and store extra servings.
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Turn last night’s roasted veggies into a breakfast hash or blend them into a soup. I love leftover ground beef that has been cooked, mixed with Taco seasoning, and served over Quest Taco Flavor chips with shredded cheddar cheese on top for my low-carb version.
Try One-Pan or One-Pot Meals
These are lifesavers for solo cooks. Fewer dishes, faster cleanup. Some go-to ideas:
Make It Special—Even If It’s Just You
Set the table. Light a candle. Play your favorite music. Cooking for yourself is a form of self-care. You deserve a meal that’s not just quick but also meaningful and delicious. I love sitting out on the lanai with a candle and music and watching the birds at their feeders. And you will catch me sitting in front of the television too when I’m lazy.
Being alone means giving yourself grace and enjoying your meal the way that makes you happiest.
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There is a ton of enjoyable meals for one person. For me, it’s rotisserie, I love it and my usual go to when my family is not around.
I love all these suggestions, recently being widowed I am having to change my meal plans. I do still have my daughter but she doesnt eat a lot of the meals myself and my husband used to eat. But these have given me inspiration for new meals to cook for us
I love that you shared this. Everyone thinks you have to make batches of food or it won’t come out right.
I’m going to try these tips. I’m keto, and the rest of my family isn’t, so I do a lot of cooking for one.
I always struggle cooking for one but also don’t want to have all these leftovers. Thank you for sharing these simple, easy to scale down meals. They are very helpful.
Cooking for one can be tricky. Lots of great tips here. I like the idea of one pot meals.
When my daughter is away at college, oftentimes I cook meals for one because my husband & I eat different types of food. I lean towards more fish & chicken and he is a meat eater. That said, I’ll try out your suggestions!