Cooking for one can be rewarding. You have total control over what you eat, what you get at the grocery store, and how much you spend. But it also comes with a few challenges.
Maybe you’ve bought more ingredients than you can finish. Or you’re tired of eating the same leftovers for days. You might just lack the motivation to cook a full meal for yourself. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few smart grocery tips and simple recipes, solo cooking can be easy, efficient, and even fun.
Smart Grocery Store Shopping for Solo Cooks
When you’re shopping for one, buying the right amount is key. Overbuying leads to waste, and food that spoils fast can hit your wallet hard. Start with a short, focused grocery list based on what you actually plan to eat in the next five to seven days.
Visit the bulk bins whenever you can. These let you scoop exactly the amount you need of pantry staples like oats, rice, or lentils. You don’t have to commit to a full bag.
Stick with versatile ingredients. Eggs, tortillas, canned beans, and a rotisserie chicken can form the base of several different meals. You can turn those into tacos, wraps, stir-fries, or breakfast bowls.
The freezer can be your best friend. Portion out cooked meals, chopped vegetables, or even bread, and freeze what you won’t use right away. You’ll reduce waste and always have something ready to reheat.
Don’t ignore the frozen aisle at the grocery store for fruits and veggies. Frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh and often more convenient. It stays good for months and works well in stir-fries, smoothies, or soups.
Kitchen Tips to Make Cooking Easier
You don’t need a huge kitchen setup to make delicious solo meals. A few small-scale tools go a long way. A mini sheet pan, a small nonstick skillet, and a personal-sized blender are perfect for one-person cooking.
Try to cook in batches, but not full meals. For example, make a pot of rice or boil a few eggs at the start of the week. Later, you can mix and match these with fresh or frozen items.
Prepping ingredients instead of entire meals helps keep variety in your routine. One night it’s a rice bowl with veggies, the next it’s a wrap with beans and greens. You get flexibility without the burnout.
Shortcuts are okay. Buy sauces, pre-chopped vegetables, and microwaveable grains when needed a the grocery store. It’s better to eat a simple home meal than order takeout because cooking feels like too much work.
Three Easy Recipes Perfect for One
1. One-Pan Veggie & Egg Hash
This hearty meal works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 small potato
- ½ bell pepper
- ¼ onion
- 1 egg
- Oil, salt, pepper
Instructions:
Chop all the vegetables into small pieces. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the potato first and cook until slightly golden. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until soft. Make a small well in the center and crack the egg into it. Cover the pan and cook until the egg is set.
You can top this with a little cheese or hot sauce for extra flavor.
2. 10-Minute Tortilla Pizza
This recipe is quick, fun, and perfect for using up leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 flour tortilla
- 2 tablespoons marinara or pizza sauce
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Toppings of your choice (veggies, cooked chicken, bacon)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread the sauce evenly, then sprinkle with cheese and toppings. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.
3. Personal Pasta Bowl
This dish is easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dry pasta
- 1 cup spinach
- A few cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package directions. While it cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and tomatoes until soft. Add the spinach and let it wilt. Drain the pasta and toss it into the pan. Stir everything together and sprinkle with cheese.
You can add chickpeas or cooked chicken for extra protein.
You Deserve Great Food, Even When Cooking for One
Cooking for yourself doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right ingredients and tools, it becomes a quick and satisfying part of your grocery store routine.
At Farmer Joe’s, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy fresh, wholesome meals, no matter how many they’re cooking for. From planning your grocery store trip to choosing smart portions, these simple habits make solo cooking rewarding and fun.