Ultimate Guide to Making a Whole Roast Dinner for One Person

Feeling lonely at home and craving a delicious, hearty meal? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a whole roast dinner perfectly suited for one person. Whether you're using a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or oven, we've got you covered. Plus, we’ll offer tips on storage and meal extension, ensuring you have leftovers to savor over the days ahead.

Using a Slow Cooker for a One-Person Roast Dinner

One of the most convenient methods to prepare a whole roast for one person is by using a slow cooker. It allows for slow and gentle cooking, ensuring your meal is tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:

Trim the Meat: Select a smaller cut, such as a boneless ribeye or a smaller round roast. Trimming removes any unwanted fat or sinew. Choose Vegetables Wisely: For this version, you only need to cook onions and onions are often my favorite, as they retain their flavor and texture even when cooked until tender. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop a handful of onions and place them in the slow cooker. Add your selected roast to the slow cooker. Add Seasoning and Liquids: Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Optionally, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the ingredients moist during the cooking process. Cook for Time: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size of your roast and your specific slow cooker. The longer cooking time ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender. Store Leftovers: Enjoy the meal the next day. Alternatively, shred or cube the leftover roast and freeze it in single-serving portions for future use.

Quick Tip: If you want to minimize preparation time, you can cook the meat and add the leftover to an omelet or scrambled eggs over the next couple of weeks.

Pressure Cooking for a Fast and Flavorful Roast Dinner

Purchasing a pressure cooker can take your meal preparation to the next level, especially if you're short on time. Here's how to make a moist and flavorful whole roast using a pressure cooker:

Brown the Meat: In a pan, brown the selected cut of meat until golden brown on all sides. This develops the flavors and adds depth to your dish. Add Ingredients: Place the browned meat in your pressure cooker. Add diced potatoes, minced garlic, and a cup of beef broth or water. Season the Pot: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid and seal the pressure cooker. Cook Under Pressure: Cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes. The pressure cooker will do most of the work here, saving you time and effort. Prepare the Gravy: Once the meat is tender, release the pressure as per the manufacturer's instructions. Remove some of the cooking liquid and stir in a teaspoon of flour. Simmer and taste for seasoning, then stir until a rich, flavorful gravy forms. Enjoy and Store: Serve the roast with your choice of vegetables and the homemade gravy. Share leftovers in the fridge or freeze for later use.

Microwave Method for a Quick and Easy One-Person Roast Dinner

For those in a rush, microwaving can be a convenient and quick method to prepare a whole roast for one person. Here's how to do it:

Choose the Meat: Select an eye of the round roast, which is ideal for quick cooking due to its thick layer of fat that helps retain moisture. Preparation: Place the roast on a microwave-safe roaster pan. Add a potato, cut into wedges, and a handful of peas on a separate plate to cook alongside. Cooking: Cook the roast and vegetables separately on high for about 15-20 minutes, or until the roast is thoroughly heated and the vegetables are tender. Gravy Optional: If you want to add some extra flavor, have a small saucepan of gravy simmering on the stove to pour over your meal. Enjoy and Store: Serve immediately and enjoy a tasty, satisfying meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or kept warm in a slow cooker for the next day.

Pro Tip: Cooking the roast and vegetables separately in the microwave allows for quick and efficient preparation. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to use a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or microwave, making a whole roast dinner for one person is achievable and delicious. By following these methods, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also saves money and reduces food waste. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can make a whole roast dinner that will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Happy cooking!