Cooking people. . .please help

[ilovebelle]

Usually, I post on the scrapbook threads, but recently, I moved into my own apartment. I am finding it difficult to cook meals for myself. All my mom's recipes are meant to serve a family of four. I am having trouble finding good recipes for one. I don't care if there are left overs, either. I would appreciate any help you can offer- either recipes for one or recipes where the left overs hold up well in the fridge or freezer! I appreciate anyone's help!

Kristin

 

[Alice28]

I know what you mean- it is hard cooking for just yourself, and yet you want something good and filling too- like what mom makes! This feeds a lot of people, yet it keeps well in the fridge or freezer. It's what my mom called "Taco casserole." ole!

1 pound ground beef
1 can of corn
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of tomato sauce
1 small can sliced olives
1 package of corn tortillas
Shedded cheese- some of those pre-packaged Mexican blends are good, otherwise Cheddar
Spices- cumin, chili powder, salt & pepper..at least 1 teaspoon each of the cumin and chili powder- more if you like those spices- salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and drain fat. Add corn, beans, olives, tomato sauce & seasonings and heat together. Get a Pyrex type casserole dish and start layering- start with a tortilla, then scoop some of your ground beef mix, sprinkle cheese, then again with tortilla, etc. End with a tortilla on top and sprinke a little cheese on top. Bake at 375 or so for 20 minutes- long enough to brown the tortilla on top and get the cheese nice and gooey. Serve with a nice salad in a bag and waa-laa- yummy dinner that makes terrific leftovers. To freeze I would put in one of those Glad plastic containers, cover the top with foil and then put the lid on and freeze. I hope you like it! I'm hungry for it now! You can also add sour cream/salsa/guacamole to the top as you serve it up-- just don't bake it.

Another favorite I like is to make a batch of chicken fajitas- that's also something easy and you can just refrigerate the leftover peppers and chicken and scoop some out as you need it.

Can you tell I like Mexican cuisine?

 

[Margie J]

I'm in the same situation as you. I'm solo but many of the recipes I have feed a family.

I often cook large amounts and then freeze portions for quick meals later. Some things freeze well such as lasagna, sauce, chili, calzones, spinach & cheese pie, soups and pieces of roasts. A few things are horrible such as vegetables from roasts. They get a weird texture after freezing. I'd rather make those fresh.

I often buy meats in bulk, portion them out and freeze them. You can make individual hamburgers, chicken breasts, etc. Then you take them out and cook as needed. Chicken (or fish) can be simply seasoned and then grilled, pan fried or baked. The George Forman grill is fantastic for solos.

In the cooler months I make small roasts for myself. I eat some as is, cut pieces and freeze some and then use leftovers in sandwiches and salads. A portion of roasted chicken can be used to make soup with.