28 Easy Dinners for Two That Stop Wasting Food

Finding the right dinner for two can be tricky when so many recipes leave you drowning in leftovers. That’s why I love meals that are perfectly portioned, easy to make, and help keep food waste off the table. These simple ideas are just right for when you want a satisfying dinner without the excess.

A bowl of golden brown popcorn chicken on a table. — Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sweet and savory ham comes together beautifully with the help of an air fryer. The tangy orange glaze adds a burst of flavor, while the compact portion ensures no leftovers pile up. It's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for when you want something special without a huge time commitment. The result is a balanced dinner that feels thoughtful yet effortless. Pair it with a simple side for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans. — Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork chops are filled with flavorful stuffing and baked to juicy perfection. The portions are just enough for two, making it ideal when you don’t want extra servings hanging around. Everything cooks up in one dish, saving you time in the kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, home-style meal without the typical fuss. Serve with your favorite vegetable or potato side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These stuffed sweet potatoes are packed with seasoned plant-based filling for a satisfying meal without going overboard. They bake up beautifully, making them easy to prepare and serve. The portions are spot on for a balanced dinner that doesn't leave extra food lingering in the fridge. They work well as a standalone meal or paired with a light side. Ideal for nights when you want something wholesome but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Cornish hens cook up beautifully in the air fryer, resulting in juicy, crispy perfection. The portion size naturally works well for two, keeping things simple and waste-free. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it practical for a weeknight dinner. You get a full meal experience without the hassle of a larger bird. Pair it with a couple of sides for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Popcorn Chicken

Bite-sized and crispy, this popcorn chicken makes for a fun and easy dinner for two. It cooks up quickly, thanks to its small pieces and simple preparation. The manageable portions mean no extra leftovers cluttering up your fridge. It's a great choice when you want a relaxed, shareable meal that still feels complete. Serve with dipping sauces and a fresh side for balance.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs. — Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These golden-brown pork chops are pan-fried to perfection, creating a juicy, flavorful dinner without hassle. The recipe is sized just right for two, making it great when you want a balanced meal without leftovers. Cooking on the stovetop keeps the process quick and manageable. Pair with mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a complete plate. Ideal for weeknights or casual weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Crockpot chicken brings together sweet pineapple and savory flavors for a comforting meal. The portions are ideal for two, helping you avoid food waste while still enjoying a full, flavorful dinner. Slow cooking ensures tender, juicy chicken with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for setting and forgetting while you go about your day. Serve over rice for a tropical-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background. — Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This simple crab pasta brings seafood and comfort together on one plate. The portion size makes it just right for a dinner that doesn't leave leftovers piling up. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it practical for weeknights or special occasions. Light but flavorful, it pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. An easy way to enjoy a seafood dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and comforting, this chicken and broccoli bake is a warm, filling dinner option. It’s perfectly portioned for two, so there’s no concern about waste. The easy bake-and-serve approach makes it ideal for relaxed evenings. Everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup simple too. Pair it with rice or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These flavorful chicken kabobs cook up quickly and evenly in the air fryer. The portion is ideal for two, keeping things simple and manageable. You can switch up the veggies for variety, making it versatile without extra effort. The short cooking time keeps dinner on schedule, even on busy nights. Serve with a dipping sauce or side salad for a fresh, balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This simple shrimp scampi is perfect for when you want a flavorful dinner without leftovers. The portion size is just right for two, keeping things neat and manageable. It cooks in minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete plate. A great way to enjoy seafood without a complicated prep process.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side. — Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These oven-baked pork steaks are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. They’re perfectly portioned for two, making it easy to prepare without worrying about extra servings. Baking keeps the process simple and hands-off, ideal for relaxed evenings. Pair them with a side of potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A fuss-free way to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This homestyle meatloaf delivers all the comfort without the oversized portions. Perfectly portioned for two, it ensures there’s no waste at the end of the meal. The recipe keeps things straightforward while still capturing that classic, hearty flavor. It bakes up beautifully, making it easy to serve and enjoy. Add mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Pouring savory sauce over a bowl of rice topped with beef and bell peppers. — Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This tender pepper steak simmers to perfection in the slow cooker, creating bold flavors without the need for constant attention. The portion size is just right for two, keeping your meal balanced and efficient. Slow cooking makes the beef perfectly tender, ideal for a comforting dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. A simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These beef quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and just the right amount for two. They come together quickly on the stovetop, making them ideal for a weeknight meal. The portions are spot on, helping you avoid unnecessary leftovers. Serve with a simple side of salsa or guacamole for a fresh finish. Perfect for when you want a relaxed yet complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate. — Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Juicy steak cooked in a rich tomato sauce makes this a flavorful dinner option. The recipe is perfectly portioned for two, helping you avoid the hassle of extra servings. It’s a one-pan dish that keeps cleanup manageable. Pair it with a side of pasta or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. Ideal for when you want something hearty without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sheet pan meal brings together tender salmon and roasted vegetables in a balanced dinner for two. The portion size helps you avoid leftovers while still feeling satisfied. Everything cooks together for easy preparation and cleanup. Perfect for when you want a wholesome meal without the hassle. Serve it as-is for a simple but complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This flavorful stir-fry features tender chicken and bold black pepper sauce. The portion size is just right for two, keeping things manageable without waste. It cooks quickly on the stovetop, making it practical for busy nights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and balanced meal. A great way to enjoy takeout-inspired flavors at home.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry. — Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This traditional noodle dish brings savory flavors and hearty ingredients together in just the right amount for two. The recipe avoids excessive leftovers, making it a practical choice. It cooks up quickly on the stovetop, perfect for weeknight meals. Light but filling, it pairs well with a simple side or stands alone beautifully. Ideal for when you want something flavorful without a big mess.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These boneless chicken thighs cook up juicy and flavorful in the air fryer. The portion size keeps things practical for two, avoiding unnecessary leftovers. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy evenings. Pair with a simple vegetable side or rice for a balanced meal. A quick, fuss-free way to enjoy chicken at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This scaled-down lasagna is layered with all the classic flavors you love, in just the right amount for two. Baking individual servings keeps portions neat and efficient. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food without a whole pan of leftovers. Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad. Ideal for cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy chicken tenders cook up quickly in the air fryer, perfect for a casual dinner for two. The portion size helps keep things waste-free while still filling. They’re ready in minutes, making them practical for weeknight meals. Serve with dipping sauces and a fresh side for balance. Great for nights when you want something simple but complete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This air fryer tuna melt is a warm and cheesy option for two that hits the spot. The portions are just right, keeping things balanced without leftovers. The air fryer ensures perfectly melted cheese and crispy bread with minimal effort. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, ideal for quick dinners. Serve with a fresh side for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Carne Asada in the Oven

Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board. — Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This oven-baked carne asada is tender, flavorful, and perfectly portioned for two. Cooking it in the oven keeps the process simple and hands-off. The portion size ensures no leftovers cluttering up the fridge. Pair it with rice, beans, or a simple vegetable side. A great choice when you want a hearty dinner without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This shrimp macaroni salad is cool, creamy, and just the right amount for two. The portion keeps things practical, avoiding unnecessary extras. It comes together quickly and is perfect for a light dinner. Serve as-is or with a simple side for a complete plate. A refreshing way to enjoy seafood in a simple, balanced way.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow-cooked chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfectly portioned for two. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it great for relaxed evenings. The smaller portion keeps food waste in check while still delivering a satisfying meal. Serve with cornbread or crackers for a complete dinner. A practical way to enjoy a comforting classic.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These steak bites are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick dinner for two. The portion size keeps things manageable without leftovers. They cook up quickly in a single pan, making cleanup easier. Pair with potatoes or a side salad for a complete meal. Great for when you want something hearty without a long cook time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

These tender pork chops are slow-cooked to perfection, creating a rich and flavorful meal. The portion size makes it ideal for two, keeping things simple and efficient. The slow cooker does most of the work, so dinner practically makes itself. Serve with mashed potatoes or a vegetable side for a complete plate. A fuss-free way to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops