Let’s face it. I am not going to make a five-course meal for my single self every night after a full day of teaching. Reality: I am not going to make five different meals in one week for just myself.
To stay mostly on-track during the week and avoid daily runs to KFC, I try to have two meals planned for the week that I enjoy as leftovers. This week, I am sharing five of my favorite recipes. Maybe they will be a help to you.
Enjoy!
5 Favorite Recipes
Zucchini and Potato Bake. This is one of my top favorites. The original recipe includes potatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, dry bread crumbs, olive oil, and garlic. For seasoning, the recipe calls for paprika, salt, and pepper. I substitute cornflake crumbs for bread crumbs, and I add onion and diced raw chicken breast. I love this one because it has a lot of vegetables, and I can add protein by adding the chicken. It does take a long time to bake—especially with all the extra elements I add to it. But it is easy to microwave the next day for a quick lunch. Click here for the original recipe from Allrecipies: Zucchini and Potato Bake Recipe.
Chicken and Zucchini Bake. Okay, have I mentioned I like zucchini? No? Well, I really do! If I do not have the time and ingredients for the zucchini and potato bake, I can do the Chicken and Zucchini Bake from Posh Plate. This recipe calls for chicken, zucchini, and onion. Toss them in olive oil and spices, and then bake the mixture. (I do not think I have ever used cumin on this, although the recipe suggests it.) This is another meal with both vegetables and protein that easily reheats.
Beef Stew. This comforting meal includes beef, which is rich in iron, along with potatoes, onions, and carrots. Supplements like collagen powder can also be added to the stew, and it heats up as an easy leftover. My sister shared her recipe with me, which she says basically comes from the McCormick beef stew package. (Keep in mind that she usually makes enough food for six people.) Ingredients: 2lbs of beef stew meat, 3 TBS of flour, 1 package of baby carrots, 1 diced sweet onion, 6 diced potatoes (approximately), 1 fourth cup carton of beef stock, and 1 package of McCormick beef stew seasoning. Instructions: Coat meat in 3 TBS of flour and brown in skillet. Meat does not have to be fully cooked, just browned. Put meat in crockpot. Add all other ingredients to crock pot and stir in one package of McCormick beef stew seasoning. Cook till potatoes are done. Add flour as needed to thicken.
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Last summer, I came across this crockpot recipe from Plowing through Life that I love: Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Grilled chicken breast, cream of chicken, chicken broth, Swiss cheese, stuffing, and a little butter all go in the crockpot. Or, you can bake the same combination in the oven. Truthfully, this recipe is a little on the fattening side. Although you have to add your vegetables on the side or make a salad, this comfort food easily reheats.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole. I love chicken parmesan—but making it the traditional way is so much work! A couple months ago, I came across this casserole version. Since I got the recipe from a Facebook video, I am unable to link the recipe on the blog. I will try to give the instructions according to the Brain Food video by Kyle Istook here.
(1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. (2) In a large casserole dish, dump a package of pasta. (The video uses Rao’s Homemade spiral pasta, but I use half a box of Barilla’s whole-grain penne.) (3) Add 1 24 oz jar of marinara sauce. Once emptied, fill the marinara jar with water, and add the remaining sauce and water to the pan. (4) Add 1½ lbs. of uncooked chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. (5) Season dish with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (optional) to taste. (6) Mix ingredients together and cover. (Since I do not have lids for my cooking dishes, I cover it with aluminum foil.) Bake for approximately 30 min. or until pasta and chicken is cooked. (7) Stir mixture before adding 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. (8) Add 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs to top. (I use cornflake crumbs instead.) (9) Drizzle ½ stick of melted butter on top. (10) Add grated or pre-shredded parmesan cheese on top. (11) Put casserole back into the oven until cheese melts/crisps up (about 15 min.). (12) Pull it out of the oven and dig in!
What are your go-to recipes? Share some of your favorites in the comments!
Copyright © 2025 by Carmen Dillon. All rights reserved.
For more biblical insights and practical tips on homemaking, check out my book Opening the Hope Chest: A Single Girl’s Guide to Homemaking.
One of my faves is tuna patties. Drain a can of tuna and give the juice to the cat. To the tuna, add one small can of diced green chiles, 2 eggs, one cup of crushed gluten free pretzels, 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary. Using an ice cream scoop, place scoops on buttered griddle. Fry on each side. This usually makes about 4 patties / 2 meals. Serve with a vegetable and a fruit.
Nice! Thanks for sharing!