Cooking for two? It doesn’t have to be hard to figure out what’s for dinner. Check out easy Meal plan for two with a grocery list that will reduce waste and save you time and money.

Whether you want to streamline your grocery shop or save stress at dinner times, this meal plan for two with grocery list is exactly what you need. Thanks to simple yet fulfilling recipes and an organized grocery list.

While I’ve always advocated for meal plans (especially for busy moms) some might think there is no point in meal planning for just two people. Surely they’re only essential for big families or those on a budget right? Actually, creating a meal plan for two has so many benefits like reducing food waste, cutting down on eating out or takeout meals, saving time, saving money, and helping you make nutritious choices.

Whether you’re a newlywed couple settling into your first home, empty nesters enjoying newfound freedom, roommates sharing the culinary load, or a single parent seeking convenient meal solutions, this meal plan is designed to make your life in the kitchen a breeze. 

From easy-to-follow recipes to a thoughtfully curated grocery list, I’ve created a perfect meal plan for two to experience these benefits for yourself. Trust me, once you’re armed with a healthy yet simple meal plan your only regret will be not switching to one sooner.

Tips for Meal Planning for Two

Before you scroll on to the delicious recipes, I have a few tried and tested tips to set you up for meal planning success.

Shop Your Fridge

Firstly, take stock of your kitchen inventory before you begin meal planning. One way I do this is by cleaning and organizing my fridge, before checking in cupboards and my pantry. This crucial first step helps you avoid buying items you already have and ensures that you’ll use ingredients before they expire.

I like to call this “shopping your fridge” and often build my meal plan around what I already have. This will save food waste as well as wasting precious grocery budget on ingredients you already have at home. 

Some items I make sure I always have on hand and replenish on my grocery run are: chicken breasts or whole chicken, ground beef, rice, gluten-free pasta, fresh produce and fresh fruit (especially those in season), olive oil, avocado oil, butter, and spices like cumin, chili powder and Italian seasoning.

Make a Grocery List

A well-organized grocery shopping list is a key tool for efficient meal planning. Without it, you’ll struggle to stick to the meal plan. It also means you’ll avoid impulse purchases, and ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand when you need them. Have your grocery list on hand to ensure you

Make a List of Your Favorite Recipes

With just the two of you, sit down and make a list of your favorite recipes. Consider what could be make in batches like a roast chicken that be paired with mashed potatoes for one meal or made into chicken tacos for another meals. It’s a great way to cook something once and reuse it.

It can also be fun to prep and cook meals together for date night in that’s budget friendly but fun to do. 

Use Leftovers for Lunches or Future Dinners

Even though I got rid of my microwave, I still swear by leftovers to get us through the week because I also learned lots of ways to reheat food without one. Using leftovers wisely is both practical and economical. It will reduce food waste while saving you time and brain power preparing separate lunches. I’ve created this meal plan for two with this in mind. Each one of my healthy recipes can make more than one meal, giving you more reward for less effort. 

Don’t Make Meals You Won’t Eat as Leftovers

Which brings me to my next tip. When planning meals for two, consider your preferences and portion sizes. Avoid making dishes that neither of you enjoys eating as leftovers, as this can lead to wasted food and effort. Focus on foods that can be frozen and meals that freeze well so you can reheat and they are still enjoyable the next day. 

Buy Foods in Bulk

Buying non-perishable foods in bulk is not only one of my top ways to save time in the kitchen, but it can be cost-effective too as you can make the most of sales and discounts. I’ve mastered the best shelf stable foods to buy in bulk like rice, pasta, peanut butter, and canned goods when I see them on offer as it reduces grocery trips and additional costs. 

Use Kitchen Appliances

This is an important but often forgotten meal planning tip. There are so many benefits to using a slow cooker as well as other kitchen appliances such as an Instant Pot and air fryer. These appliances can save time and effort by allowing you to set and forget certain dishes or quickly cook meals with less hands-on attention. Feeling intimidated to give these gadgets a go? Check out my Instant Pot buttons guide to get you started. 

Plan for Vacation

Going on vacation? You can use a meal plan on vacation. It’s a great way to make healthier food choices and plan ahead for shopping at the grocery store and reduce the temptation of ordering takeout.

Healthy Meal Plan for Two

I’ve created this meal plan for a week’s worth of home-cooked meals. These are our family favorites that are full of flavor and can be used again for new recipes.

Each one of these simple recipes will have leftovers that can easily be reused or reheated for lunch or dinner the next day so you could get a two-week meal plan out of it.

I’ve included serving suggestions as well as sneaky tips for meal planning success. Just to add, all of the home-cooked meals below can be made on the stove top, slow cooker or Instant Pot for ultimate convenience. 

Week 1

• Pork Carnitas with Cauliflower Rice
• Roast Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Corn on the Cob
• Beef Tacos with Homemade Tortillas
• Pasta with Homemade Basil Pesto
• Grilled Fish Tacos
• Fried Rice (use leftover Roast Chicken and Cauliflower Rice or pair with regular rice)

Week 2

• Pork Carnitas Quesadilla (made with Homemade Tortillas)
• Beef Burrito Bowls (use Beef Tacos recipe with rice and your favorite toppings)
• Pesto Chicken Panini (made with Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread)
• BBQ Chicken Pizza (use all that leftover Roast Chicken)
• Grilled Fish and Rice

Get the printable meal plan and grocery list

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas are essentially Mexican pulled pork and one of my favorite gluten free Mexican recipes. Combining simplicity and scrumptiousness, it can be served in so many ways making it a dream dish to include in your meal plan for two. Use in tacos, burritos, nachos, or quesadillas or add to Mexican rice, plain rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. I then like to add toppings such as onions, cilantro, black beans, shredded cheese or salsa. 

Grocery List

• 2 lbs pork roast
• Chipotle in adobe
• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers
• Dried oregano
• Cumin
• Chicken broth

Instant Pot Taco Meat

This recipe for Ground Beef Tacos is brimming with flavor and pairs perfectly with corn tortillas, gluten-free flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps if you’re going carb free. Then reuse for lunch as a tasty topping on a bed of lettuce with homemade guacamole in a nutritious taco salad bowl, or chuck in the instant pot for a tasty taco soup. It’s a healthy, effortless recipe that can be prepared in an instant pot, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker. 

Grocery List

• 1 lb ground beef
• Avocado oil
• Onion powder
• ​Garlic powder
• Chicken stock
• Salsa verde
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Cilantro
• ​Fresh salsa

Instant Pot Roast Chicken

Not only does this roast chicken take less than an hour, it gives you so many meal options. Serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob or roasted carrots and parsnips. Then store the leftovers to make easy meals throughout the week.

For example, you can use the bones to make homemade chicken broth or shred it for chicken tortilla soup, white chicken chili or as a topping on pizza. There are so many ways you use this roast chicken to save you time and money. 

Grocery List

• 1 whole chicken
• Onion
• Lemon
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Homemade Pesto

No meal plan for two should be without this pantry staple. Homemade pesto can transform your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I love whizzing up a jar of my own as I know exactly what’s in it. I then love to spread, stir and serve it in so many ways. Pesto chicken for example is a firm favorite in our house, serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta or an Italian salad. For lunch you can then make a grilled panini or sandwich with pesto, turkey slices, and cheese. Simple, speedy and scrumptious. 

Grocery List

• Basil
• Olive oil
• Pinenuts

Gluten Free Fried Rice

I cannot get through an entire week without this gluten free fried rice recipe as it’s so easy and versatile. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner without the guilt as it’s healthy, gluten free and budget friendly. If you want to pack a little more protein, serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp. 

Grocery List

• Rice
• Eggs
• Cabbage
• ​Onion
• Garlic
• Tamari gluten-free soy sauce
• Avocado oil
• Sesame oil

​Grilled Fish

This low carb, keto and paleo friendly fave is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a light lunch if you have little time. It can be served on a bed of lettuce as a salad or with corn tortillas, GF flour tortillas, or even lettuce cups to eat as tacos. It’s also perfectly paired with rice (either white, brown or Mexican) for an easy dinner during the week. To jazz it up a little, try fixings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, shredded purple cabbage, fresh salsa, and chopped avocado.

Grocery List

• 4 sole or cod filets
• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Now you have these easy recipes and grocery list you’re hopefully ready to get organized in the kitchen. Meal planning helps to align your food consumption with your actual needs, reducing food waste, saving time and money all while encouraging healthy, budget-friendly meals. What’s not to love?

More Recipes You Might Like

• 50+ Instant Pot Soup and Stew Recipes
• 20 Instant Pot Meals in 30 Minutes or Less
• 50+ Gluten Free Asian Recipes
• 50+ Gluten Free Mexican Recipes

Did you try this meal plan for two? Don’t forget to rate it and comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple

Are you struggling to find the time to cook healthy meals for your family? Do you wish you could find one-pot meals that are simple and easy to make… and your family will love?

Learn how simple it is to make healthy, one-pot meals with your Instant Pot with my cookbook Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple. You can download it instantly to your phone, computer or e-reader, so it’s portable and can go with you anywhere!

With this book, you’ll get:

• Tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love – including pot roast, spaghetti, tacos, carnitas, soups, and easy breakfast meals
• Instant Pot starter guide on how to use the buttons, tips and tricks, and more
• Printable shopping lists for ingredients
• Step-by-step video lesson on how to use your Instant Pot, pressure cooker safety, and some of my favorite tips and tricks
• Two-week meal plan that you can put into action for no-stress weeknight dinners

Get 20% off Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple for a limited time!