17 Ways to Make Cooking for One Cheaper (and Easier)

Cooking for one can feel… tricky, can’t it? 

It’s so easy to think it’s more expensive to buy fresh ingredients you can’t finish, or to end up with takeout on speed dial because cooking just for you feels like too much work.

But here’s the thing—I really believe cooking for yourself is one of the kindest things you can do. 

And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune (or take all evening). It can be simple, satisfying, and yours alone.

If you’ve ever felt like making meals for one is wasteful, complicated, or just too pricey, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. 

That’s why I wanted to share these 17 ways to make cooking for one cheaper and easier.

You deserve good food, even on a tight budget. Let’s make it happen.

1. Plan Your Meals for the Week (Even Just Loosely)

Meal planning sounds like something only hyper-organized people do, but you don’t need a spreadsheet or color-coded calendar. 

Even a simple plan makes a huge difference when you’re cooking for one on a budget.

Just think about a few meals you want this week. Write them down. Check what you already have. Then make your shopping list around that.

This one step helps you buy only what you’ll use, waste less, and stop those midweek “well, I guess it’s takeout again” moments that blow the budget.

Planning doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist.

2. Shop with a List—and Stick to It

This is one of those boring-sounding tips that actually saves you the most money. 

When you’re cooking for one, it’s so easy to wander the aisles and think, “Oh, I’ll use that,” only to toss it out a week later.

Before you shop, look at your little meal plan. Write down exactly what you need. Then actually stick to it.

It sounds so simple, but having a list keeps you focused, stops impulse buys, and makes you way less likely to overspend on things you don’t even want once you get home.

3. Embrace Freezer-Friendly Ingredients

Your freezer is your secret weapon for budget cooking. 

Buying frozen veggies, fruit, or proteins can be cheaper than fresh, and there’s zero waste because they last ages.

Plus, you can portion out leftovers and freeze them for your own future “ready meals.” No more sad wilted spinach in the fridge or tossing half a pack of chicken.

If you’re cooking for one, the freezer is your best friend.

4. Buy in Bulk (and Split or Freeze the Rest)

Bulk shopping can save money, but it’s easy to think it doesn’t work for one person. 

The trick? Share with a friend or divide it up yourself.

Things like rice, pasta, beans, and even meats can be cheaper in big packs. Just portion them out into smaller containers or bags and freeze what you won’t use right away.

You get the lower price without the waste. Win-win.

5. Choose Versatile Ingredients (That Work in Multiple Meals)

If you’re on a budget, you want every ingredient to work hard. Choose things you can use in lots of meals—like rice, eggs, canned beans, tortillas, spinach, or chicken thighs.

This way, you’re not buying single-use ingredients that go bad before you finish them.

You’ll spend less, waste less, and still eat meals that feel different each day.

6. Use Pantry Staples to Build Cheap Meals

Your pantry is your budget-cooking toolbox. Stock it with affordable basics: rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, beans, spices, broth cubes.

When you have these on hand, you can throw together a meal even when the fridge is looking sad. They’re cheap, last forever, and keep you from ordering out when money’s tight.

7. Cook Once, Eat Twice (or More)

Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean one serving. Make extra on purpose.

Chili, soups, casseroles, pasta sauce—they all taste amazing reheated. 

You’ll save money by buying ingredients in more economical sizes and save time by not cooking from scratch every single night.

8. Portion & Freeze Leftovers Right Away

Leftovers are only helpful if you actually eat them. Portion them into single servings and freeze them as soon as they cool.

This stops you from forgetting them in the fridge until they’re fuzzy, and gives you a stash of “ready to heat” meals for busy days.

9. Try Cheaper Cuts of Meat or Plant-Based Proteins

Protein can eat up your budget fast. Instead of boneless chicken breast or steak, try chicken thighs, ground turkey, or beans and lentils.

These are just as filling (and often tastier) for less money. 

You don’t have to go vegetarian—just get smart about swapping expensive cuts for budget-friendly options.

10. Shop Seasonal & Local for Fresh Produce Deals

Out-of-season produce is expensive and often disappointing. Buying what’s in season (or local) isn’t just cheaper—it tastes better.

Check local markets or even grocery store flyers. A little flexibility with your plan can save you money and keep meals exciting.

11. Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to mean eating the same thing twice. Turn last night’s roast veggies into a wrap or toss leftover chicken into fried rice.

Being creative keeps meals interesting and stops you from tossing food (and money) in the trash.

12. Learn a Few One-Pot or Sheet-Pan Meals

Cooking for one can feel like so many dishes for so little food.

One-pot and sheet-pan meals are lifesavers. Fewer dishes, fewer ingredients, easy cleanup—and you can make a few servings at once for planned leftovers.

13. Cut Down on Delivery and Takeout Costs

This one’s tough love. Ordering in is so tempting when you’re tired or feeling down. But even a cheap order costs 3–4 times what a home-cooked meal does.

Try saving delivery for special treats. Knowing you have an easy, cheap option in the freezer makes it easier to skip the app.

14. Don’t Overbuy Perishables—Shop Smaller, More Often if Needed

Buying the giant pack of lettuce is cheaper per ounce, but not if you throw half away.

When cooking for one, it can actually be cheaper to shop smaller. Grab what you need for a few days at a time so nothing rots in the fridge.

15. Join Store Loyalty Programs or Use Coupons

This isn’t just for extreme couponers. Most grocery chains have loyalty cards or apps that give you instant discounts or cash back.

It takes two minutes to sign up and can save you serious money over time.

16. Try No-Cook or Minimal-Cook Meals (Sandwiches, Salads, Bowls)

Cooking doesn’t always mean cooking.

Sandwiches, wraps, hearty salads, grain bowls—they’re cheap, quick, and perfect for solo meals. 

You can use up odds and ends from the fridge and avoid heating up the whole kitchen (especially nice in summer).

Easy on the budget, easy on you.

17. Make Budget-Friendly Meal Prep a Weekly Habit

Meal prep doesn’t have to mean rows of identical containers. Even just chopping veggies in advance or cooking a big pot of rice can make weeknight cooking so much easier.

When meals are half-ready, you’re less likely to bail and order out. 

You’ll save money, reduce stress, and eat better—all on your terms.

One Last Thing Before You Go

Cooking for one on a budget doesn’t have to feel sad, lonely, or limiting. 

It’s actually this little act of self-care—a promise to yourself that you deserve good food, even on tight days.

You don’t need fancy tools or a big budget. Just a little planning, some smart choices, and a willingness to make it work for you.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident, less wasteful, and maybe even a little excited about cooking for yourself.

If you have any of your own budget-friendly tricks or favorite cheap meals, I’d love to hear them. Let’s share ideas and make solo cooking feel good for all of us.