A jaw-dropping 90% of Americans don’t like to cook.
Unfortunately, this decision to forgo cooking at home can cost thousands of dollars per year with wasted food combined with the cost of eating out!
But cooking at home, especially for a single guy, can save you time and money. And with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together a meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.
If you’re struggling to find easy meals for single guys to make, look no further. Grab an apron, some pots, and let’s get cooking!
Basic Kitchen Must-Haves
In order to cook well at home, there are a few basic kitchen ‘staples’ you need to have on hand. These ingredients and items are essential to almost every or most recipes. They save you money and mean less time shopping each week. Here’s our list:
- olive oil or other cooking oils you prefer
- salt and pepper
- spices such as basil, rosemary, Italian seasoning, chili powder, oregano, and bay leaves
- flour
- condiments like salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, and bbq sauce
- fresh or minced garlic
- onions
- canned beans (any variety!)
- canned tomatoes – diced, crushed, fire roasted, etc.
- tomato sauce
- baking powder
- baking soda
- sugar or other sweeteners
- rice and pasta
- salsa
- sliced or crushed nuts – almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, or whatever you prefer
- red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- soy sauce
- bone broths like chicken, beef, or vegetable
- cornstarch
Here are some kitchenware essentials you’ll want to make sure you have.
- small, medium, and large saucepans
- dutch oven pot
- skillet
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
- can opener
- mixing bowls – different sizes
- vegetable peeler
- whisk
- colander
These are just general suggestions. They can vary according to your preference!
10 Easy Meals for Single Guys to Make
Let’s get started! These meals are easy, quick, tasty, and once you’ve made them a few times, simple to remember.
1. One Pot Pasta
For this pasta, the ultimate convenience is cooking it all in one pot on the stove – really. Toss in the pasta, water, ingredients, stir and watch your pasta form before your eyes. Fewer dishes, more delish!
You’ll need:
- one large dutch oven pot
- pasta
- basil
- garlic
- tomato sauce
This recipe is a great one to get you started.
2. Fried Rice
Because rice is a pantry staple, this recipe should be a breeze. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, fried rice can be paired with other meats like chicken or pork for an even more filling meal.
You’ll need:
- rice, white or brown
- egg
- peas
- carrots
- skillet
- onion
Try it out and see how simple it is!
3. White Chicken Chili
Nothing loves your belly like a warm bowl of chili, especially white chicken chili. Chili is even easier when you use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
You’ll need:
- chicken
- canned white beans
- chicken broth
- dutch oven pot
- toppings like cheese or avocado
Chili doesn’t have to simmer all day long for it to be delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this on the table in no time.
4. Loaded Baked Potato
Can it get more simple than a baked potato with a few toppings? Baked potatoes are great on their own or pair well with a steak. Yum!
You’ll need:
- large Russet potatoes (however many you choose to make)
- toppings like sour cream, cheese, bacon, or your choice
- butter
- knife
This recipe slices the potato into slits making for baked-potato perfection.
5. Wraps
Perfect for quick meals, these are completely personalized to your taste!
You’ll need:
- meat of your choice
- tortilla, white or whole wheat
- other ‘filler foods’ like cheese, tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, cooked bacon, onion, mustard or dressing – whatever you like!
How to make it:
Take a tortilla (white or whole wheat), the meat of choice like turkey or chicken, and top it with whatever you like. Starting from one side, begin rolling the tortilla until it’s completely rolled.
Make this a low-carb option by omitting the tortilla and substituting for lettuce.
6. Omelets
Omelets are completely versatile and provide a lot of protein. Any ingredient can be tossed in like peppers, cheese, spinach, and salsa to name a few. Omelets are considered a breakfast food, but really, anytime is a good time for an omelet.
You’ll need:
- eggs
- toppings of choice
- skillet
- spatula
This recipe shows you how to get started!
7. Salad
Who doesn’t love a good healthy salad? Salads don’t have to be veggie-heavy; they can be stocked with protein like chicken, turkey, or cooked beans. Use any greens you want like romaine, spinach, or kale for a healthy boost.
Salads are great because they can be tossed together in a pinch! Make sure you have your favorite dressing ahead of time to make this even more efficient.
8. One Pan Chicken and Veggies
Looking for a healthy dinner, but want to skip a bunch of dishes? One-pan meals are becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that they use one pan! This makes clean up quick so you can get in and out of the kitchen.
You’ll need:
- two chicken boneless chicken breasts cut in half
- broccoli
- potatoes
- tomatoes
- garlic
Prepare this dish and be impressed!
9. Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Lasagna can be somewhat intimidating, but lasagna roll-ups are friendly. Same concept as classic lasagna, but less time in the kitchen.
You’ll need:
- lasagna noodles
- tomato sauce
- dried spinach
- cheese
- egg
These steps can help you out!
10. Quesadilla
Never underestimate the power of cheese and tortillas. Quesadillas are delicious, especially when they’re packed with tasty ingredients like chicken, beans, and salsa for dipping – the possibilities are endless! Heat up a skilled and stuff your quesadilla with all the yumminess.
You’ll need:
- tortillas
- cheese
- chicken
- beans
- salsa
- skillet
While quesadillas are fairly simple to make, give yours a boost with this fool-proof recipe. Quesadillas make fantastic party finger food. For your next get-together, offer your guests Soho Taco and quesadillas.
Cooking Doesn’t Have to be Hard
For a single guy, cooking doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With minimal ingredients, these easy meals for single guys to make are simple enough that you could make extra and store them for leftovers. Get in the kitchen today and start cooking!
For all things manly-related, our site can guide you in the right direction!
