Comfort Food Recipes For One (2024)

Home Cooking for One Articles Comfort Food Recipes For One

By Joanie Zisk

on Jan 20, 2020, Updated Apr 21, 2021

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We’ve gathered our most popular comfort food recipes that you’re sure to enjoy. Recipes include beef stew, tuna casserole, meatloaf, and many more!

this Recipe

There’s something special about comfort foods that we seem to crave throughout the year. When it’s cold, a big bowl of something warm and wonderful feels right. If we’ve had a bad day, many of us crave a glorious carb filled meal. And on days when we’re feeling like we just want to curl up on a sofa in something comfortable and binge watch our favorite show, a hearty nostalgic dish seems to call out to us.

RELATED: 14 Day Single Serving Meal Plan

Here we’ve gathered our favorite (and most popular!) comfort food recipes. Each recipe is designed to serve one person, possibly two if a side dish is also shared.

Within this list, you’re sure to find many hearty and delicious recipes you’re sure to enjoy.

Healthy Comfort Food Recipes

Comfort Food Recipes For One (3)

Pork Tenderloin For One

4.92 from 24 votes

Discover how to make pork tenderloin with our simple, single serving recipe. Ideal for a quick, tasty dinner for one, without any leftovers.

Pork Tenderloin For One

Comfort Food Recipes For One (4)

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls For One

4.91 from 10 votes

Enjoy a single serving of unstuffed cabbage rolls in minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal. Made with simple ingredients, these unstuffed cabbage rolls are quick and easy to make, and they're sure to satisfy.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (5)

Easy Ham Steak Recipe

4.94 from 33 votes

Enjoy a quick, delicious ham steak with brown sugar glaze ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Ham Steak For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (6)

Healthy Turkey Chili For One

4.80 from 10 votes

Single serve Turkey Chili recipe made with lean ground turkey, tomatoes, vegetables, and spices. A healthier alternative to beef chili, this flavor packed single serving meal can be ready in 30 minutes!

Turkey Chili For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (7)

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup For One

5 from 4 votes

Creamy Instant Pot butternut squash soup is a healthy and hearty soup recipe made in a pressure cooker. Get the slow simmered flavor in half the time with this flavorful butternut squash soup recipe.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Comfort Food Recipes For One (8)

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup For One

5 from 5 votes

Enjoy a quick and comforting single serving of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Perfect for chilly days or a cozy pick-me-up, this recipe brings classic home flavors to your table effortlessly.

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Comfort Food Recipes For One (9)

Italian Meatball For One

5 from 6 votes

Easy to make giant Italian meatball topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. This homemade, oven baked meatball is juicy & filled with flavor!

Italian Meatball For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (10)

Pork Stir Fry For One

4.86 from 35 votes

Make a quick and healthy single serving ground pork stir fry with our easy dinner for one recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a delicious, nutritious, and fast dinner. Ideal for busy weeknights!

Pork Stir Fry For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (11)

Chickpea Curry For One

4.95 from 20 votes

Quickly prepare a flavorful Chickpea Curry in 20 minutes! A delightful dish with rich spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty chickpeas.

Chickpea Curry For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (12)

Chicken Caprese For One

5 from 18 votes

Enjoy a single serving of Chicken Caprese, ready in 30 minutes. A classic Caprese blend with seasoned chicken, tomatoes, red onions, balsamic glaze, and melted mozzarella. Simple, elegant, and easy to clean up, it's the perfect mix of health and taste.

Chicken Caprese For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (13)

Lemon Garlic Chicken For One

4.91 from 31 votes

Enjoy a single serve Lemon Garlic Chicken meal, ready in under 30 minutes. Cook it in the oven or on the grill, and serve with rice, pasta, or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. Quick, versatile, and full of flavor.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (14)

Butter Chicken For One

4.73 from 22 votes

This is the easiest Butter Chicken recipe you'll find. Incredible flavors, quick and easy to make, this classic Indian dish will surely become a favorite.

Butter Chicken For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (15)

French Onion Soup For One

4.93 from 27 votes

Indulge in a comforting bowl of French Onion Soup. Rich, savory, and topped with melted cheese, this easy soup recipe brings gourmet flavor to your kitchen.

French Onion Soup For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (16)

Healthy Sloppy Joe For One

4.93 from 13 votes

A healthy Sloppy Joe made with lean ground turkey, chopped red bell peppers and sweetened with molasses. Lower in fat and calories than a traditional Sloppy Joe sandwich and even more delicious!

Sloppy Joe For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (17)

Mini Zucchini Lasagna

4.85 from 13 votes

Healthy, low carb, cheesy zucchini lasagna made with all of the wonderful ingredients found in a traditional lasagna but without the noodles.

Mini Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (18)

Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby For One

4.88 from 16 votes

Make a Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby in under 30 minutes! Enjoy a buttery pancake with fluffy-crispy textures, savory ham, and melted cheese.

Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby Recipe

Nostalgic Southern Comfort Food Recipes

Comfort Food Recipes For One (19)

Salisbury Steak For One

4.77 from 30 votes

This Salisbury Steak Recipe For One is single serving comfort food at it's finest. Low in carbs and topped with a mushroom, onion gravy. Made with with pantry staples, this comforting meal can be ready in minutes.

Salisbury Steak For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (20)

Slow Cooker Meatloaf For One

4.94 from 16 votes

This Mini Slow Cooker Meatloaf is tender and juicy and so easy to make! Made with onions, garlic, spices and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. This simple recipe makes the perfect amount to serve one or two people. Included in the recipe are instructions for converting a Crockpot or Crockpot-style slow cooker into a single serving slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf For One

Comfort Food Recipes For One (21)

Beef Stroganoff For One

4.92 from 34 votes

Make a delicious, quick, and easy single serve Beef Stroganoff with tender beef, creamy sauce, no canned soup, and cooks in 30 minutes. A satisfying meal!

Beef Stroganoff For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (22)

Twice Baked Eggplant

4.85 from 53 votes

Cheesy Twice Baked Eggplant reminds me of a healthy twice baked potato. This stuffed eggplant recipe will make you an eggplant lover!

Twice Baked Eggplant For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (23)

French Bread Pizza

5 from 5 votes

Discover how to make delicious French Bread Pizza in minutes! An easy, customizable recipe perfect for a quick, cheesy meal.

French Bread Pizza Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (24)

Tuna Casserole For One

4.89 from 34 votes

Enjoy a single serving tuna casserole crafted from one can of tuna, featuring a rich homemade creamy sauce, pasta, and a crisp, buttery topping.

Tuna Casserole For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (25)

Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

4.67 from 24 votes

Savor a Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, blending classic burger flavors in a homestyle meal for 1-2. Juicy beef, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese in every bite.

Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Comfort Food Recipes For One (26)

Taco Casserole For One

5 from 18 votes

Layers of seasoned ground beef and cheese between crispy tostadas and baked in the oven. Easy single servings recipe is absolutely delicious!

Taco Casserole For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (27)

Beef Stew For One

4.91 from 22 votes

A hearty, classic Beef Stew filled with amazingly tender beef, onions, carrots, and gold potatoes. You'll love how easy this stew is to make and how rich and satisfying it tastes! This recipe makes the ideal amount for one person.

Beef Stew For One Recipe

Comfort Food Recipes For One (28)

Mini Lasagna

4.91 from 42 votes

Indulge in a delicious Mini Lasagna, perfect for serving one or two. This small lasagna recipe features classic flavors and bakes in just 30 minutes!

Mini Lasagna Recipe

Comfort Food Recipe Side Dishes

You might like to consider serving any of these single serving side dish recipes with any of the comfort food recipes listed:

Cornbread

Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Butternut Squash

Cucumber Salad

Irish Soda Bread

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up For

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit ourFAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit ourStore page.

RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes For College Students

Comfort Food Recipes For One (29)

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Comfort Food Recipes For One (30)

Welcome!

I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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12 Comments

  1. Finding your site is a true blessing. I am a widow now and alone. Cooking was a challenge until I found your cookbook and now I enjoy the videos, your recipes and all your tips. I found joy again in the kitchen. Thank you from my heart!
    Sue

    Reply

    1. I’m so happy you found our website, Sue! It’s great to know our recipes and videos are helpful to you.

      Reply

  2. These meals for one is such a wonderful idea and greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad you are finding the recipes helpful.

      Reply

  3. I love this website very much. I have been having trouble cooking for myself since my husband had passed away on 6/8/2008 of a heart attack after being married for 20 years. Thank you for your recipes that you have been sending me and I look forward to seeing more of them soon.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Michelle.

      Reply

  4. You are awesome! I thank you a hundred times over for all the hard work you put into making other’s lives easier. You are truly a blessing! I subscribe, own your cookbook, and have used dozens of your recipes and haven’t been disappointed yet! Umm, however…I’m still waiting for the Boston Cream Pie for one! Thank you again for the gift you have given to so many people

    Reply

    1. Margaret, you are too kind!

      I’ve added Boston Cream Pie to our list of recipes to work on and share this year. Thank you for the suggestion – I happen to love this pie so working on the recipe will be a fun project.

      Take care,
      Joanie

      Reply

  5. I’ve got to tell you… After having had bariatric surgery and also having recently tuned into cooking for one, I’m in heaven with these recipes. Thank you SO much.

    Reply

    1. Hi Brenda,

      I am so happy you are enjoying the recipes. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know!

      Joanie

      Reply

  6. I am a new member. I lost my husband 2 years ago, came across this network a few days ago and i am really enjoy the recipes. Love the meatloaf, and others..Thanks..

    Reply

    1. Hi Jean,
      Welcome! Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your husband. I’m so glad you found our site and hope you find many new recipes to try here.
      Have a wonderful week.
      Joanie

      Reply

Comfort Food Recipes For One (2024)

FAQs

What's your go to comfort food best answer? ›

It's the food you like having to feel good. Could be something like fish and chips, mac and cheese, spaghetti, a hot dog, some noodles, a dosa, or maybe Snickers or some good old paratha.

What is a good dinner for one person? ›

  • Spinach Orzo Salad For One.
  • Baked Cod For One.
  • Slow Cooker Chickpeas And Sausage For One.
  • Sweet Potato And Black Bean Salad For One.
  • Baked Chicken Thighs For One.
  • Chicken Fried Rice For One.
  • Small Batch Ham And Cheese Sliders.
  • Crack Chicken For One.

What is the most comforting food in the world? ›

10 Comfort Foods from Around the World
  • India: Butter Chicken. ...
  • France: Cassoulet. ...
  • Morocco: Harira Soup. ...
  • South Korea: Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae) ...
  • Mexico: Pozole. ...
  • Greece: Moussaka. ...
  • Thailand: Tom Yum Soup. ...
  • Brazil: Feijoada.

What are the top five comfort foods? ›

Become a Jetsetter
  • 1 Chicken and Waffles.
  • 2 Spaghetti and Meatballs.
  • 3 Chicken Fried Steak.
  • 4 Mac and Cheese.
  • 5 Hotdish.
  • 6 Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
  • 7 Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
  • 8 Matzo Ball Soup.
Mar 1, 2020

What is your favorite comfort meal? ›

The first is obvious—if you're looking to feel all warm and cozy, go for foods that are (literally!) served piping hot, like soups and stews. We've included some of our favorites, like our lasagna soup, our white bean chicken chili, our beef stew, or our chicken matzo ball soup, but really, any will work.

What is America's #1 comfort food? ›

Nearly 15 percent of the 2,252 adults surveyed by Harris listed pizza as their top comfort food, more than twice as many as said chocolate (7 percent) or ice cream (7 percent) and more still than said mac and cheese (5 percent), chips (4 percent), hamburgers (3 percent), steak (3 percent), or either popcorn, pasta or ...

What is the number 1 most loved food? ›

Pizza has rightfully earned its place as the world's most beloved food. This Italian creation has become a staple in numerous countries, with endless variations to suit every taste bud. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep dish, classic Margherita, or loaded pepperoni, pizza has something for everyone.

What to make for a solo dinner? ›

Meal-for-one recipes
  1. Aubergine & sesame dan-dan-style noodles. A star rating of 4 out of 5. ...
  2. Super steak with cheat's béarnaise. ...
  3. Smoky bacon pot noodle for one. ...
  4. Kung pao cauliflower & prawn stir-fry. ...
  5. Flattened chicken with tomatoes, olives & capers. ...
  6. Microwave mug omelette. ...
  7. Christmas dinner for one. ...
  8. Summer risotto.

How to cook for just one person? ›

12 tips that make cooking for one person a breeze
  1. Keep staple items on hand. Buy cooking basics in bulk and store them in air-tight containers. ...
  2. Buy individual pieces of produce. ...
  3. Learn how to scale down recipes for one person. ...
  4. Get creative with seasonings. ...
  5. Freeze extra ingredients and leftover meals.
Sep 19, 2018

What should I make for dinner if I live alone? ›

  • Tempeh Quesadilla. Rated 5 out of 5.
  • Collard Greens & White Bean Soup. Rated 4 out of 5.
  • Spicy Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos. Rated 3 out of 5.
  • Quick Tandoori Chicken. Rated 4 out of 5.
  • Quick Tomato Sauce. Rated 4 out of 5.
  • Ricotta Mini-Pizzas With Kale Pesto. Rated 5 out of 5.
  • Mushroom & Egg Toast. Rated 4 out of 5.
  • Black Bean Chili.

What is the happiest food? ›

A “happy food” is any ingredient that lifts your mood and supports mental health. Examples of happy foods include fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, leafy greens, berries, olive oil and whole grains.

What is the most gentle food? ›

Foods and drinks like bananas, white rice, toast, crackers, and broth are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from an upset stomach. It's best to avoid foods and drinks that are difficult to digest and may worsen GI symptoms.

What is the most satisfying food? ›

Whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and fiber will generally leave you more sated, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. Some of the most filling foods include boiled potatoes, oatmeal, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.

What are your comfort food examples? ›

Top 20 comfort foods
  • Next level ratatouille.
  • Italian veggie cottage pie.
  • Triple cheese & aubergine lasagne.
  • Best ever macaroni cheese.
  • Spicy chicken & chickpea curry.
  • Easy sausage casserole.
  • Mexican bean soup with guacamole.
  • Big-batch bolognese.
Nov 9, 2023

How would you describe comfort food? ›

Merriam-Webster defines comfort food as “food that is satisfying because it is prepared in a simple or traditional way and reminds you of home, family, or friends.” Oxford Dictionaries gives a more specific definition: “Food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically having a high sugar or ...

Why do people say comfort food? ›

Comfort food is the name given to food that we simply associate with good. It gives us great pleasure and joy because it evokes positive emotions in us. Comfort food makes us feel good, it activates the reward area of the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress when we eat these foods, in the moment.

Why do I want comfort food? ›

But what exactly makes them so irresistible? According to research, our cravings for comfort food are deeply rooted in psychology. These foods often trigger feelings of nostalgia and emotional comfort, providing a sense of security and familiarity in times of stress or sadness.

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