20 easy dinners for one that require minimal effort (and barely any dishes)

Rich, hearty and ready in around 30 minutes, this bolognese pie with gnocchi top is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Designed as a recipe for one, it delivers all the comforting flavours of a classic family pie without the leftovers. 

This satisfying and vegie-packed solo meal can be thrown together quicker than the time it takes to order delivery. Just pop on the rice cooker, to serve with steaming hot, fluffy rice.

Achieve classic Sunday roast flavour without the hassle or the waste, with this 35-minute chicken rissole recipe for one. Just add your favourite gravy!

Throw in a bit of steak on top of packet egg noodles and crunchy snow peas for the quickest dinner of your life. If you’re feeling resourceful, add in your leftover veggies that are piling up in the crisper.

Salmon and rice is still on the rise, and this easy poke bowl is the perfect way to add in a bit of pizzazz to the trend. Pickled ginger and sriracha on the side lets you customise your bowl to exactly what you want.

We’ve got you covered if you’re after a quick and easy couscous recipe perfectly portioned for one. Introducing fennel squid and chilli couscous – a vibrant and flavourful recipe that combines the delicate sweetness of fennel with the tender bite of squid. Served on a bed of fluffy couscous, this recipe combines fresh, aromatic ingredients for a quick 30-minute, satisfying dinner.

For a cosy, comforting dinner for just yourself, this pie for one recipe is ideal! Nothing is more classic than a steak and mushroom pie. If you want some extra vegies, steam some green beans to serve up on the side.

Introducing the ultimate meatball pasta. Using simple ingredients, including sausages, tomato paste and a touch of wine, easy dinner is sorted.

This korma-style curry uses everyone’s favourite ingredients, chicken and broccoli, for the easiest protein-filled dinner.

If you’re looking for a one-serving dinner that’s got fibre, protein and easy cooking all rolled into one, then this spinach and cheese hand pie is for you.

If you’re sick of sushi and the prep work involved with salmon bowls, this one-serving recipe is as simple as it gets. Take a spiced salmon fillet and a bit of potato salad, and you’ve got a hearty and satisfying meal.

Made in a single pan and perfectly portioned for one, this recipe gives you all the classic nacho flavours and your favourite toppings without mountains of leftovers tempting you for days.

Dinner for one doesn’t have to mean takeout containers or another night of scrambled eggs. This pork stir-fry is proof that a solo dinner can be fast, delicious, and mess-free.

Inspired by classic Caprese flavours, this single-serve pasta salad is ideal for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a no-fuss meal prep option without a fridge full of leftovers.

If you’re looking for a meal that feels vibrant and impressive but comes together in just 30 minutes, this chargrilled prawn and cauliflower salad is it. It’s the kind of dish that looks like it took far longer than it did – ideal for weeknights, casual entertaining, or when you want something wholesome without sacrificing bold flavour.

Craving that classic sweet and sour pork you usually get from takeout? This version brings all the tangy, sticky, and savoury flavours you love, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

This delicious chargrilled zucchini, lamb and chickpea salad brings together smoky zucchini, tender lamb, and protein-packed chickpeas in a vibrant, wholesome dish.

Looking for a delicious, easy and impressive dinner for one? Here’s the perfect dinner idea for when you’re dining solo! A sticky pork recipe with brown rice and green vegies. You can’t go wrong.

Looking for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s full of flavour and easy to make? This vegetable lentil pilaf combines fluffy rice and a medley of seasonal vegetables, seasoned with aromatic spices for a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.

It’s a simple, one-pan dinner that feels special but comes together easily, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty, flavour-packed, and made exactly for you.