Being as I am alone now, like many others living alone, I am not inclined to spend much time fussing over a meal.
When I toss together a meal, more often than not..I am using the microwave. Often it is some kind of TV dinner, but i may also nuke an russet potato. I just take the raw potato, slice it lengthwise several times, going nearly to the bottom (1/4" slices)..put a bit of margarine between each slice and nuke for 5 min.
Do I want some meat? Maybe..maybe not..but if I do, just I nuke a quality hot dog, a smoked or Polish sausage.
If I craved meat as some do, I would probably cook up 3-4 pounds of meat, then freeze in single serves..then use them one at a time.
Vegies come in a salad or part of a bag of frozen veggies..heated up and some kind of dressing added..maybe with Cajun seasonings. Vegetable juice helps also.
I get the full course meals too, since I am often invited to my son's house next door for a regular meal..
Then too, on Tuesdays, we have an evening Bible study which is accompanied by a dinner, brought in by we members.
It is then that the ladies outdo themselves...getting this old man to accept some of their dishes to take home... I usually get enough to make a couple meals, and delicious ones at that !.
Sometimes.. instead of a more complete meal, I just whip up a package of Ramen soup, and that does it..