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    Home / Collections

    21 Main Dishes So Perfectly Portioned, You Won’t Have Leftovers

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 24, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Looking for main dishes that are just the right size? I've got you covered with recipes that ensure no leftovers and no wasted ingredients. These perfectly portioned meals make cooking simple and satisfying. They are ideal for when you want a delicious dinner without the hassle of storing extra servings.

    A close-up of a serving spoon lifting a portion of sloppy joe casserole showing layers of ground meat, vegetables, and golden-brown hashbrown potatoes.Pin
    Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Pan-Fried Pork Chops

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

    Pan-fried pork chops are a classic main dish that's perfectly portioned for a no-leftovers meal. The crispy exterior and tender meat make it a satisfying choice for dinner. Ideal for a quick and delicious meal without extra servings. Enjoy a perfectly sized main dish that's easy to prepare and enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

    Individual Lasagna

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

    Individual lasagna is a comforting main dish, portioned perfectly so you won't have leftovers. Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese are baked to create a satisfying meal for one. Ideal for a cozy dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a no-waste, perfectly portioned lasagna that's both hearty and convenient.
    Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

    Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.Pin
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp macaroni salad is a refreshing main dish, perfectly portioned to avoid leftovers. The blend of tender shrimp and creamy pasta makes it a satisfying meal in a single serving. Ideal for a light and flavorful dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste salad that's easy to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Seafood Pot Pie

    Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.Pin
    Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Seafood pot pie is a rich and satisfying main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The flaky crust and creamy seafood filling offer a delicious and complete meal. Ideal for a comforting dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's hearty and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

    Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a wholesome main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The combination of savory taco filling and sweet potato creates a satisfying meal in a single serving. Ideal for a nutritious and easy-to-make dinner. Enjoy a no-waste, perfectly portioned dish that's both filling and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.Pin
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Alfredo steak pasta is a rich main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The combination of tender steak and creamy Alfredo sauce makes for a satisfying meal. Ideal for a comforting dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both hearty and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.Pin
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer pork belly bites are a crispy and savory main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The crunchy exterior and tender pork make for a satisfying meal in just the right amount. Ideal for a quick and flavorful dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's easy to prepare and enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a juicy and flavorful main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The crispy exterior and moist interior make this dish a satisfying meal for one. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste chicken dinner that's both convenient and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled shrimp skewers are a light and flavorful main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The tender shrimp and smoky grill flavor make it a satisfying meal. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste meal that's easy to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Shrimp Scampi

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

    Shrimp scampi is a rich and garlicky main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The tender shrimp and buttery sauce make this dish a satisfying meal for one. Ideal for a quick and flavorful dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both convenient and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

    Stuffed steak pinwheels sliced on platter.Pin
    Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Stuffed flank steak pinwheels are a savory and elegant main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The tender steak and flavorful stuffing create a satisfying meal in just the right amount. Ideal for a special dinner that's both delicious and perfectly sized. Enjoy a no-waste, perfectly portioned dish that's both impressive and tasty.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

    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.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken skewers kabobs in the air fryer are a juicy and flavorful main dish, perfectly portioned to avoid leftovers. The tender chicken and charred vegetables make for a satisfying meal in just the right amount. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste meal that's both delicious and convenient.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    Air fryer chicken tenders are a crispy and tender main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The golden-brown exterior and juicy interior make this dish a satisfying meal for one. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both flavorful and convenient.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.Pin
    Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sloppy Joe casserole is a hearty main dish, perfectly portioned to avoid leftovers. The rich meat filling and soft bun topping create a satisfying meal in just the right amount. Ideal for a comforting dinner that's easy to prepare. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both filling and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

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

    Baked stuffed pork chops are a savory main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The tender pork and flavorful stuffing create a satisfying meal for one. Ideal for a cozy dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a no-waste, perfectly portioned dish that's both hearty and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    Popcorn Chicken

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

    Popcorn chicken is a crispy and tasty main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The tender chicken with a crunchy coating makes for a satisfying meal. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both convenient and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    Panko Crusted Cod

    Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.Pin
    Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Panko crusted cod is a crispy and savory main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The tender cod with a crunchy panko coating makes for a satisfying meal. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both flavorful and convenient.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.Pin
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Slow cooker chicken tacos are a flavorful and easy main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The tender chicken and fresh toppings make for a satisfying meal. Ideal for a quick and tasty dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste taco night that's both convenient and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bacon-wrapped salmon bites are a savory and indulgent main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The crispy bacon and tender salmon make for a satisfying meal. Ideal for a special dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste dish that's both tasty and impressive.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Individual Shepherd's Pie

    Individual Shepherd's Pie.Pin
    Individual Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Individual shepherd's pie is a comforting and hearty main dish, perfectly portioned so you won't have leftovers. The savory meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes make for a satisfying meal. Ideal for a cozy dinner that's just the right size. Enjoy a no-waste, perfectly portioned dish that's both filling and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd's Pie

    Crock Pot Chili for Two

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

    Crock pot chili for two is a comforting main dish, perfectly portioned to ensure no leftovers. The rich, slow-cooked flavors come together in just the right amount for two servings. Ideal for a simple and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. Enjoy a perfectly portioned, no-waste chili that's just right for a cozy dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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