Category: Dinner Recipes for One Person

Most dinner recipes are for two or four.  It’s too much food for one person. Making extra is fine at times (especially for soup or chili), but extra servings aren’t always ideal. These dinner recipes for one person make just enough for a single serving.

No leftovers.  No fussing.  And every recipe has links to similar recipes (so that you have ideas for the rest of the package of chicken, the carton of eggs, or the eggplant you bought. I, for one, hate having food go bad because it didn’t get used.

Chicken Recipes for One Person

Stir Fry Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Easy Chicken Curry Recipe

Crispy Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

Single Serving Chicken Recipe with Tarragon and Mushrooms

Pasta Recipes for One

Penne with Feta Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Olives

Pistachio Pesto Pasta Recipe

Spaghetti with Spinach and Lemon Cream Sauce

Pasta alla Norma with Eggplant

Fish Recipes for One

Salmon with Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce

Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

Indian Fish Fillet in Yogurt Sauce

Sichuan Chinese Chicken and Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

This is all my brother’s fault.  He was raving about the Sichuan Chinese chicken and eggplant with garlic sauce that he had at a local restaurant.  I couldn’t get the idea out of my head, and I already had the eggplant (bought to make eggplant parmesan), so I figured I would give it a try. This will also, incidentally, work with beef.

This recipe is adapted from The New York Times. It originally called for minced garlic, soybean paste, and hot chili paste.  I had the garlic, but not the other ingredients, so I improvised. I replaced the soybean paste with hoisin sauce, and used chili garlic sauce instead of the garlic and chili paste.  Doing that also saved me an extra step (no garlic to chop). I reduced the water a bit to compensate. That recipe also called for ground pork (which I didn’t have because I’d eaten the last of it with my black beans, so I used chicken instead).

Eggplant is notorious for soaking up oil.  There are several schools of thought about preparing eggplant in order to minimize this.

Some insist you have to salt it and let it sit (to draw out the water) and dry it with a paper towel and let it sit for 45 minutes.  Others say to put it in water, salt the water, cover that with a lid or a heavy weight, and let it sit for 15 minutes, then drain, and dry it off.

A third way (which I just learned, and wouldn’t necessarily do for Chinese food), is to soak the eggplant in milk.




I tend to use the first method, but I confess I usually don’t wait that long.  I’m too impatient (and hungry). I get around it by slicing the eggplant very thin.

If you want your eggplant extra crispy, dredge it in cornstarch before you cook it.

Ingredients and Tools to Make Sichuan Chinese Chicken and Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

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Koon Chun Hoisin Sauce

Sweet, slightly tangy and great for this dish, as well as marinades. Try it with a simple pork roast, sliced and served with steamed bread and scallions. Or, marinate fish with garlic, hoisin, and five spice powder. It’s also great in stir fries.

 

huy fong chili garlic sauce

Chili Garlic Sauce

In case you haven’t guessed (since I keep mentioning it), I love this stuff. It’s got more heat than sriracha (which has sugar), plus the extra flavor boost from garlic. I put it on eggs, in marinades, stir-fries, veggies, enchiladas, soup. Someone on Amazon mentioned mixing it with some plum sauce and cooking it with chicken. I’m going to try that next!

huy fong sambal oelek

Chili Paste

If you want to be authentic, get the chili paste. Use it for this recipe, or for making Thai or Indonesian recipes. It makes a great starting base for marinades and sauces. Mix it into meatloaf or top some scrambled eggs. Think of it as sriracha with more kick.

 

More Asian Chicken Recipes

honey sticky garlic chicken

Honey Sticky Garlic Chicken

Crispy, sweet, and spicy all at once. And, the sauce is made entirely from pantry ingredients you already have in your home.

 

easy singapore noodles with chickenSingapore Noodles with Chicken

Toss veggies, turmeric, curry (yes curry), chicken and noodles all together and make this colorful and delicious meal. A great way to clean out the fridge or use up those extra little bits of frozen veggies.

stir fry chicken peanut sauce recipeStir Fry Chicken with Peanut Sauce

An easy way to get takeout without leaving home.  Crisp-fried veggies, tender chicken, and a smooth, velvety sauce over it all.

 

Asian chicken salad with cabbageAsian Chicken Salad with Cabbage

Colorful, spicy and just the thing for a hot day, or when your appetite isn’t quite right. It’s a carnival of color and flavor, brightened by lots of crispy veggies, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sriracha.

 




White Pizza Recipe Without Ricotta

The usual standard for white pizza is to use ricotta cheese. While I do like ricotta (heck I like nearly every cheese), I don’t usually have it in my fridge.  So, I switched cheeses and used mozzarella instead.  The nice thing about this recipe (or nearly any pizza recipe) is that it’s flexible and you can change it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have at hand.

In this case, I used chopped garlic, olive oil, and dried basil, plus a dusting of grated parmesan.

I made the dough myself, from the Smitten Kitchen pizza dough recipe for one, but you can use store-bought dough if you don’t have the time or energy to make it yourself. Many supermarkets sell it, or you can try your local pizza place.




Once the dough is ready (or bought), all you have to do is chop the garlic, shred the cheese, and sprinkle basil over your dough.  If you’re really pressed for time (or feeling lazy) use the pre-shredded mozzarella.  I recommend you get the fresh if possible though; it tastes much better.

Note: the pizza is a light tan because I’ve been using King Arthur white whole wheat instead of all-purpose flour since the shutdown made white flour harder to find. It’s tastier than white flour, but not as dense and heavy as standard whole wheat.

Substitutions and Variations for Pizza Without Ricotta

Of course, there are almost as many possibilities for this as there are ingredients.

  • Use a mixture of mozzarella and goat cheese
  • Add mushrooms and/or eggplant
  • Saute some spinach and add that on top
  • Try some caramelized onions and/or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Use manchego instead of parmesan

Tools and Ingredients for White Pizza Without Ricotta

Oxo box grater

Oxo Box Grater

As much as I love my zester, there are times when only an old-fashioned box grater will do the job. The zester grates far too finely for this purpose. This box grater is from Oxo, so it’s easy to hold. It even comes with a little container to catch all the grated cheese (so it doesn’t get all over your counter). The container (and its lid) all fit inside the grater, to take up less space in your kitchen. Or, you can use the closed container to store any leftovers until the next time.

cuisinart roasting pan with cover

Cuisinart 12 inch pan with cover

I’m not normally a non-stick fan, but this pan has held up really well over the years. It’s the perfect size for a single person pizza too. And, since it’s nonstick I don’t need to do anything to keep the pizza (or anything else) from sticking. It cleans up easily, and the lid fits lots of other pans, so I can see how well my food is cooking.

More Pizza Recipes

rosemary potato roasted garlic pizzaRosemary Potato Roasted Garlic Pizza

Another no tomato sauce pizza, this one is a Roman classic, call it potato chip pizza if you like.  Because if one starch is good, two starches are better!

 

goat cheese caramelized onion pizzaGoat Cheese Caramelized Onion Pizza

Goat cheese, and lots of veggies are another different twist on the usual pizza.  Switch it around with spinach, mozzarella, and whatever veggies suit you. You could even crumble some sausage on top.

tortilla pizza for oneHomemade Tortilla Crust Pizza

The super-lazy at home pizza. Just make a tortilla crust (or even use a pita bread or pre-made tortilla), pile on the veggies and toppings, and you’re good to go.

 

garlic bruschetta pizza

Garlic Bruschetta Pizza

Another way to eat pizza. And it’s completely vegan and vegetarian. No cheese, no sauce, just delicious.

 

 




Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes for One

The source of this recipe for chicken with olives and tomatoes will probably surprise you. It’s a North African recipe from a Jewish cookbook.  You probably think of lox and bagels and matzo balls when you think of Jewish cuisine, but it’s really far more varied than that. This is just one example.  My recipe for Moroccan chicken and lentil soup was adapted from the same cookbook.

This recipe looks a bit complicated, but it really isn’t.  The flavors of the chicken, olives, garlic, and a bit of ginger make it rich and delicious (with a hint of spiciness).  It clocks in at about 45 minutes cooking time, so it works for either a work night or a weekend.

Castelvetrano olives, by the way, are far different from the sad specimens you get in a can. They’re firm, bright green, sweet, and buttery, almost like a fruit.  I thought I hated olives, until I happened to try these (they were an amuse bouche at a restaurant).  The restaurant is now gone, but the olives are still here!  If you can’t find those, try cerignola olives. They are large, salty/sweet, bright green, and great for snacking or cooking.




Tools and Ingredients for Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes

saffron

Spanish Saffron

Soak a tiny pinch of this in hot water before you use it. Saffron adds a flavor that’s hard to describe, as well as beautiful reddish-yellow color. Use it for Moroccan dishes (like this one), or for Indian food.

olives

Jeff’s Naturals Whole Castelvetrano Olives

Use the olives for this chicken dish, or the pasta recipe below. They’re also great with an antipasto platter. Or, add some olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, and marinate them. Don’t get the pitted ones; it seems easier, but they lose flavor. Serve that with a cheese platter.

The Book of Jewish Food cookbook

The Book of Jewish Food

This is part cookbook and part travel diary. The author includes brief histories of the communities that created the dishes, and how they adapted local cuisine to suit religious restrictions (such as no pork or mixing milk and meat).

There’s recipes for the expected kugel, split pea soup, and chopped liver. But then it goes off to Spain, Baghdad, and India. From there you get leek meatballs, eggplant fritters, chicken with rice croquettes, borekas, lamb with raisins and almonds, and pumpkin kofta curry.

More Recipes with Olives or Chicken

penne with feta cheese and sundried tomatoesPenne with Feta Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Olives

Easy and pantry-friendly too. Sun-drying intensifies and sweetens the tomatoes, which make a delicious contrast to the salty olives and cheese.

 

spaghetti with green olives and lemon pankoSpaghetti with Green Olives and Lemon Panko

A delight in a bowl, with crispy golden-brown lemon panko, dill, and a burst of citrus. It’s light, it’s green, and it’s an ideal wake-me-up for your taste buds.

 

chili citrus chickenChili Citrus Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

Turn an ordinary piece of chicken into something special with a quick chili citrusy marinade tempered with honey.  Then let it sit, and bake.

 

feta brined roast chickenFeta Brined Roast Chicken Recipe for One

You’ve heard of brining turkeys? This is a twist on that old favorite. Here, the brining is not with salt, but with feta cheese. The brine keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, and the whole thing only requires a few simple ingredients.




Black Beans and Rice Recipe for One Person

A friend’s mom made this black beans and rice recipe for me many years ago on Thanksgiving.  We had the traditional turkey, and also a slow-cooked pork roast that was divine.  The beans were so good I asked her to have her mom send me the recipe.

The great thing about this is that you feel you’re eating something rich and luxurious, even though it’s a “budget” meal.  This particular recipe is also vegetarian.  Of course, if you want, you can add some pork or bacon in with the seasoning mixture and cook that before you combine it all with the beans.

It’s also versatile.  Cook it down more and you have black beans and rice. Cook a bit less and you end up with black bean soup.

The recipe here is portioned to be a substantial main dish for dinner (or two lunches). Or, use it for two side dishes.

There are two ingredients in it that are a bit unusual for black beans and rice (at least unusual to me): balsamic vinegar and port.  You just use a little of each, but it adds an extra depth of flavor which wouldn’t be there otherwise.

I don’t usually have port, so I used brandy instead.

I nearly always get the dried black beans instead of the canned ones. The canned beans tend to have extra salt and additives to “keep them fresh” (which never made sense to me; canned food should last without preservatives). Besides the dried beans are a better value and will last indefinitely.

It does take a bit of time to make this (not so much because of the cooking as because of soaking the dried beans). However,  you can just let them soak overnight or use my quick soak method.  Or, if you’re in a big hurry, use canned beans.  Half the can should do it.

I used leftover rice that I already had.  If you don’t have leftover rice, start the rice while the bean and onion mixture is simmering.




Substitutions and Variations for Black Beans and Rice Recipe for One Person

  • Use brandy instead of port
  • If you don’t feel like opening an entire can of tomato sauce to use a small amount, use ketchup (add a little more water)
  • Add 1/4 pound pork stew to the onion mixture (when you start it)
  • Try some pork fat or bacon or a ham hock
  • For more kick, add some cumin or cayenne

More Recipes with Beans and Rice

tuna cannellini bean saladTuna Cannellini Bean Salad Recipe for One

Open a few cans, mix everything together and instant food! No actual cooking, heating, or baking required.

 

Brazilian chicken paprika stewBrazilian Chicken Paprika Stew

A Brazilian take on chicken paprikash.  Rich, satisfying, not too spicy, and only one pot!

 

pasta e fagioli soupPasta e Fagioli Soup (Small Batch)

A classic Italian soup that’s made entirely with pantry ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard.  And, as my mom would point out, beans and starch equals a complete protein!

bibimbap rice bowlBibimbap Rice Bowl with Meat and Vegetables

Layers of flavor piled into one bowl.  First the meat, then the sweet carrots, balanced by the sharp cabbage, and spicy chili garlic sauce. All topped with a slightly crispy fried egg.  A whole meal at once.

 




Chili Citrus Chicken Thigh

This chili citrus chicken thigh recipe was inspired by a friend.  She used orange zest and marmalade, but I didn’t have either of those things.  And, I’m not a fan of marmalade anyway.  I figured lime would do just as well.

The citrus gives it a bit of a tang, the chili garlic sauce adds heat, and the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

It’s a pretty easy, hands-off recipe.  First, you mix the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, pour the marinade over the chicken, and let it sit for half an hour or so and bake. And that’s just about it.  If you’re really in a hurry, you can skip the marinating time, but the flavor improves if you let it sit.

UPDATE: I’ve changed the way I make this. The new method is easier, faster, and yields better results.  I’ve increased the cooking temperature, reduced the cooking time, and eliminated the need for an extra pot. And, the chicken ends up with a crisper skin and juicier meat.




More Chicken Recipes for One Person

one person chicken curryEasy Chicken Curry Recipe

Quick, and pantry friendly too. This dish requires only a few fresh ingredients, and some spices. It’s got plenty of flavor though, from onions, garam masala, and cumin.

 

chicken with mushrooms and tarragonChicken with Mushrooms and Tarragon

Delicious French food without going out (or getting a big bill at the end). Only takes one pot and about thirty minutes to make.


homemade chicken shawarmaHomemade Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Can’t go to your favorite Mediterranean takeout place? Make your own. No fancy equipment needed. You can make it right in your oven.

 

honey sticky garlic chickenHoney Sticky Garlic Chicken

Delight your taste buds and clear your allergy head with this crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken recipe. And it’s pantry-friendly too.

 

 




Chicken with Peaches and Ginger

I adapted this chicken with peaches and ginger recipe from The New York Times. It’s a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors and I haven’t tinkered with the ingredients very much.

On the other hand, the preparation and cooking instructions were a problem. The original recipe called for slicing up the chicken thighs into strips, then baking it at high temperature for 20 minutes. I did that the first time I made this and ended up with dry chicken!

The instructions also said to use hard peaches, because unripe peaches are easier to handle and cut up. They probably are, but they’re not as juicy and they don’t taste as nearly as good.

So, I changed the baking time and temperature and swapped hard peaches for ripe ones.

I have used both sherry and brandy for this recipe (though I think the sherry is better). The brandy is sweeter, so it’s a better option if your peaches aren’t as sweet as they should be.  You could also use Cointreau if you have some. I don’t drink enough of any of those to make it worth getting a large bottle, so I get the airline size bottles or at least the smallest bottle I can find.

The revised recipe takes a bit longer, but it’s easy to put together, and doesn’t require a lot of stirring or cutting or steps to make. Just mix up the cut peaches, basil, garlic, brandy, and oil, pour the mixture over the chicken, and throw the whole thing in the oven for an hour.

Make some rice to go with it on the side and maybe some green beans and you’ve got a great, easy dinner.  It’s also easy to scale this up for company.




More Chicken Thigh Recipes for One Person

chicken with tomatoes and olivesChicken with Olives and Tomatoes for One

A Jewish recipe from North Africa (yes really).  A bit more zesty than you might expect, with salty olives, sharp garlic, and a rich tomato sauce.

 

chicken mango stir fryQuick Chicken Mango Stir Fry

An Asian-inspired tangle of bright, crispy veggies with the sweetness of mango. Ready in minutes.

 

Vietnamese baked chicken with limeVietnamese Baked Chicken with Lime

Garlic, ginger, and a dash of chili garlic sauce add heat, softened by the sweet citrusy lime. Mix together a marinade, let it sit, and then bake.

 

crispy lemon chicken thighCrispy Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

A bit like fried chicken, without any frying.  It’s sweet, crispy, and great either hot or cold.

 




Pasta alla Norma with Eggplant

Summer is now in full force, and I got some lovely tomatoes and eggplant from the Greenmarket, as well as fresh pasta and fresh mozzarella cheese from the Italian market. Inspiration struck, and I thought I’d put them together to make pasta alla norma (pasta with eggplant) and add a caprese salad.

Caprese salad is simply fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil leaves. It’s an easy summer side dish that requires no cooking at all.

Pasta alla norma is  slightly spicy pasta with fresh eggplant, and tomato sauce, topped with manchego cheese. This is a great meal when you’re in a hurry, as it’s pretty easy to throw together.

And, since we’re only making one serving (and using tomato sauce instead of the original whole tomatoes, the cooking time is cut from nearly an hour to about 25 minutes. If you don’t have tomato sauce, use canned crushed tomatoes and add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to get the same effect.

The original recipe (from the New York Times) called for lots and lots of olive oil.  I think the term they used was “abundant” olive oil.  I love olive oil, but so does eggplant. It just slurps it up! However, I found that by cooking the eggplant on a low flame, it used a lot less olive than it would otherwise.

If you’re really concerned about the oil, you can drizzle the eggplant with it, and then roast it at 400 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes.




 

Caprese Salad

This is so simple, it’s hardly a recipe at all.  Just layer slices of fresh tomato, fresh unsalted mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.  Top with a generous drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Skip the sat if you get salted mozzarella (unless you prefer salty food).

More Eggplant Recipes

vegetarian eggplant sandwichVegetarian Eggplant Sandwich for One Person

Transform a side dish salad into a full meal in minutes. This sandwich starts with Israeli salad and builds layers of flavor from eggplant, hummus, and an egg.


eggplant parmesan for oneEggplant Parmesan

This was a favorite treat as a child: tender eggplant, gooey cheese, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.  And yes, this is one serving!

 

rosemary olive oil broiled eggplantRosemary Olive Oil Broiled Eggplant

Velvety and creamy (but super easy) eggplant infused with olive oil and dusted with rosemary and parmesan cheese.

 

moussaka without bechamelMoussaka Without Bechamel Sauce Recipe

I love moussaka, but the standard recipe is just too much work. This one is easier (no bechamel), but still full of flavor from spicy/warm cinnamon and nutmeg, tender eggplant, ground beef, and tomatoes.




Salmon with Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce

Salmon with Greek yogurt dill sauce is a great combination.  The piquancy of the Greek yogurt complements the rich flavor of the fish beautifully. A pinch of mustard gives it a bit of a bite, without overwhelming the rest of the dish.

The other great thing about this dinner is that it’s quick and easy to make.  Just mix a few simple ingredients for the sauce (which uses ingredients you probably already have, so no need for a special trip to the grocery store), season the salmon, and put the fish in the oven while the sauce flavors combine.

I’ve written the recipe for a toaster oven (since I don’t want to heat up the whole apartment), but you can make this in a standard oven too. Or, if you’re really pressed for time (or very hungry), you can cook it in your microwave.  If you do, once the sauce is made and the fish is seasoned, you can have dinner in 6 minutes.

One of the great things about this salmon with Greek yogurt dill sauce is that it’s a quick meal that looks (and tastes) like you cooked for hours. And, it’s easy to scale this up and serve it when you have company.

If you have the time, do let the sauce sit for a while before you cook everything else.  It really does improve the flavor.

I served the salmon with some jasmine rice (which is my new favorite rice), the rest of the cucumber I used for the sauce (fresh from the farmer’s market), and some beautiful, ripe Jersey tomatoes.

It’s a great summer meal because it’s light, doesn’t require a lot of fussing, and it’s ready in a few minutes. And, since you’re cooking the dish in foil, there’s one less thing to wash when you’re finished (which is always a bonus, as far as I’m concerned).




More Salmon and Fish Recipes

salmon in foil packet with potatoesSalmon in Foil Packet with Potatoes

Zesty citrus, sweet tomatoes, and a bit of mellowed onion create a flavorful and aromatic dinner all in a single package. Plus, the foil keeps the salmon moist.

 

Smoked Salmon Pasta with Tomato Cream Saucesmoked salmon pasta with tomato cream sauce

Pasta with a creamy, velvety tomato sauce that’s elegant enough for company (though you’ll probably want to keep it for yourself). Use smoked salmon or leftover cooked salmon.

fish fillet with yogurt sauceIndian Fish Fillet in Yogurt Sauce

Maybe ten minutes of prep, but plenty of flavor from onion, garam masala, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Just put it together and bake.

 

pan-fried tilapia with lemon butter saucePan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

A touch of mustard and plenty of lemon add zest to this easy fish dinner. Just season and pan fry.

 




Easy Lentils and Rice Recipe

I had a partial bag of lentils leftover from making lamb and lentil soup some months ago, and decided they’d make a good fairly last minute dinner. Unlike beans, lentils don’t have to be soaked, so you can make them quickly.

Lentils and rice go together just as well as beans and rice, plus when you put them together you’ve got a complete protein. My mom always stressed this when I was a kid; it makes me laugh now. It’s a fairly quick, tasty dinner and it’s also pretty budget-friendly.

I looked at several other lentils and rice recipes and didn’t like any of them. Some were too bland and simplistic, while others involved way too much work and some hard-to-find ingredients.

I try to keep my recipes tasty, but not complicated (and with ingredients that are readily available).  So, I did a bit of fudging, combining, and tweaking to get the results I wanted.

 

This lentils and rice recipe is fairly easy to prepare, and features a surprise ingredient you may not expect. It is, admittedly, not going to win awards for looks, but it did taste good!




Lentils and Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • If you have the time, start by caramelizing the onions first; you’ll get a deeper, richer flavor
  • Make it Lebanese with the caramelized onions, a fried egg, and cumin (full recipe)
  • Or, go to Ethiopia with some cardamom, tomatoes, cumin, and red lentils (instead of brown)

More Easy Lentil Recipes

red lentil carrot soup

Red Lentil Carrot Soup

Carrots add sweetness, while the garlic, ginger, and garam masala add warm earthy spice.  For heat, add red pepper flakes (or if you really like spicy food, go for red chili peppers).

Spicyspicy lamb and lentils Lamb and Lentils

Fragrant with cumin and garlic, and just a smidgen of heat from red pepper flakes. This meal is largely pantry and fridge staples, and takes only a few minutes to make.

 

lamb and lentil soupLamb and Lentil Soup Recipe

Exactly one portion of soup. Made with leftover lamb, this is hearty and filling. Great for changeable weather. I used lamb broth (since I had it). Beef broth will work too.

 

Easy Haham and lentil soupm and Lentil Soup for One Person

Ham and lentil is, of course, a classic combination. This is simmered slowly. It’s also got kielbasa for extra salty, smoky, peppery flavor.

 

 




Easy Italian Meatball Recipe for One

I may cook quite a few “exotic” or complicated dishes, but sometimes something simple and comforting and nostalgic really hits the spot.  And when it comes to nostalgia and comfort food, it’s hard to beat an old-fashioned, but easy, Italian meatball recipe.  Just thinking about spaghetti and meatballs makes me smile.

This recipe is easy, quick, and just perfect for one person. Yes, one person.  Just six meatballs.

You can serve your meatballs the classic way, with spaghetti and pasta sauce, but they’re also great for making a fast Italian wedding soup.

If you like, double the recipe and split between the two. If you don’t want the soup right away, just pop the meatballs in the freezer.  Then days, or weeks later you can defrost them and treat yourself to soup in a few minutes.

I’ve kept this recipe simple, and easy, but you can change it to suit your own tastes and preferences.  Check the end of the post for some inspiration.  You can make it spicier, swap the bread crumbs for oatmeal or potato starch (to make it gluten-free), or use turkey instead of beef.  A mixture of pork and beef is good too.




Substitutions and Variations for Easy Italian Meatballs

  • use a mixture of ground beef and pork, instead of just beef
  • add more garlic
  • add oregano
  • if you don’t have breadcrumbs, grind up some oats in a mini-chopper,  use quick-cooking oats, or try potato starch
  • use ground turkey or chicken instead of meat (if you do, I recommend getting the dark meat turkey; it tastes better)
  • add a splash of sriracha

 

Easy Meatball (and Ground Beef) Recipes for One

sloppy joes one person recipeSloppy Joe Recipe for One Person

A bit messy, but worth the extra napkin, this Sloppy Joe recipe is wonderful comfort food.  Heck, a friend saw the recipe and wanted some right away! It may bring back childhood memories, but this is for grownups. It packs a bit of a kick.

easy Italian wedding soupEasy Italian Wedding Soup

Make your meatballs, add some broth, and other standard ingredients, and you have soup. And you don’t have to chop for an hour or wait for it to simmer either.

 

compound butter cheeseburgerCheeseburger with Compound Butter

Turn your burger into a gourmet treat with compound butter. Soften the butter, mix in some herbs, and add that to your ground beef. The beef is moister, more flavorful, and tastes wonderful, with very little effort.

white ragu papardelleWhite Ragu Pappardelle Pasta for One

A delicious change from the usual ragu. There’s not a tomato in sight.  Instead, this dish has ground beef, sausage, white wine, and earthy porcini mushrooms, blended with a touch of cream.