Comfort Food for One

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

A classic comfort food made just for one, featuring savoury seasoned ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A hearty, budget-friendly meal that delivers all the comfort without the leftovers.

Ingredients for the Filling

• 115 g (¼ lb) lean ground beef
• ¼ cup diced onion
• ¼ cup diced carrots
• ¼ cup frozen peas
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth
• ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

Ingredients for the Mashed Potato Topping

• 1 medium Yukon Gold potato (approximately 180 g), peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil the potato in salted water for 12–15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and beef broth.
6. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in peas and season to taste.
7. Transfer filling into a small oven-safe ramekin. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Add parmesan if desired.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Broil briefly for a beautifully browned potato topping.

Tip: Use frozen mixed vegetables to save money and reduce food waste. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them.

Creamy Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and naturally sweet- sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, creamy, flavorful sauce. An easy, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup and just the right amount of fall-inspired warmth.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken thigh (approximately 150 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ medium sweet potato (approximately 150 g), peeled and diced into small cubes
• ¼ cup baby spinach
• ¼ small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup whipping cream (35%)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Season chicken with paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced sweet potato and onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add garlic and chicken broth. Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes until sweet potatoes are almost tender.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in whipping cream and Parmesan.
6. Simmer uncovered for 4–6 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Fold in spinach and allow it to wilt.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve straight from the skillet.

Tip: Cut the sweet potato into small, even cubes so it cooks quickly. Chicken thighs are affordable, flavorful, and less likely to dry out than chicken breast.

Budget Alternative: Replace whipping cream with evaporated milk or use a little milk thickened with cornstarch.

Apple Crisp for One

A warm, comforting individual dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble. Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without making an entire dessert.

Ingredients for the Apple Filling

• 1 cup sliced apples (approximately 1 medium apple)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Tiny pinch of ground cloves
• Tiny pinch of ground allspice

Ingredients for the Crumb Topping

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon old-fashioned oats
• Pinch of baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Tiny pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions

1. Prepare the apples: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
2. Make the topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in cold butter using a fork or fingertips until coarse crumbs form.
3. Assemble: Transfer apple mixture into a lightly greased 8-ounce ramekin. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
4. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
5. Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tip: Use whatever apples you have at home. Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, or McIntosh all work. Serve warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.