Smart Strategies for Two-Person Meal Prep

This post shares helpful advice for preparing meals for a duo during mid-life, making dinner prep simpler and less overwhelming.

Preparing meals for two often requires a change in routine. Empty nesters frequently shift from family-sized cooking to smaller portions, while newlyweds may be learning the ropes of cooking just for two.

Below are my top suggestions for cooking for two people.

1. Organize in advance – My top strategy for saving time and reducing stress at mealtime is planning ahead. Dedicate some time to outline your weekly or even monthly menu! I offer a useful meal planning template with a matching grocery list for this task. A solid plan not only cuts grocery costs but also eliminates the constant "what’s for dinner?" question that lingers throughout the day.
2. Cook a double batch and save half. – If you have beloved recipes you previously used for larger families, prepare the full amount but freeze the surplus for a future meal.
3. Maximize your freezer’s potential. I mentioned this briefly above, but I enjoyed preparing a month’s worth of freezer meals when feeding a family. I still find joy in doing this for two. You can discover more freezer meal advice here.
4. Invest in casserole dishes and bakeware designed for two. – I frequently take a recipe meant for a 9×13 pan and divide it into four 5X5 pans, or two 8×8 or 9×9 square pans. I prefer bakeware with lids – such as this 8×8 inch or this 2 quart version. (affiliate links)
5. Enjoy the process of trying new recipes. – With our sons having distinct food likes and dislikes, I often had to get creative with menu planning. Now that it’s just the two of us, we enjoy exploring new flavors, spices, and healthier recipe options.

1. Purchase meat in bulk and separate into two-serving portions before freezing. – This habit saves a significant amount of money! During summer barbecues, you can place chicken breasts in a marinating bag and freeze them; they’ll be ready for the grill on your chosen day! (Here is my preferred BBQ chicken marinade recipe.), or you can learn how to make turkey burgers and portion the ground turkey into zip-lock bags before freezing.
2. Keep essential pantry staples available for quick meals. – Identify items you can grab from the shelves to get dinner on the table swiftly. Note these and ensure your pantry is stocked so you’re prepared for busy days.
3. Refresh your math skills. – If you desire to make a recipe that serves four or six, simply halve the quantities to serve the two of you. It may be helpful to print the recipe and calculate the adjustments before you begin cooking to avoid confusion!;)
4. Savor leftovers for lunch the following day! – We often find our dinners yield just enough for a next-day lunch. Pair this with a fresh green salad, and you’re all set!
5. Stock your own convenience freezer items. – Let’s be honest; some evenings we simply don’t feel like cooking. I like to keep a few items in the freezer (such as premade frozen chicken cordon bleu) for those nights when I need a break!;)

Do you have additional tips for cooking for two? Please share them in the comments section below.

Happy cooking!