My roommate and I often had the same problem. We've figured out big pots are the way to go for both cost, and time. We often make Chili, Pastas (Ragu/Bolognese), a whole roast chicken is great too (dinner for a night, and then shred the remainder for chicken salad).

Your best bet is either to divide tasks (one preps, one cooks) or to alternate days. Especially if your kitchen is like most rentals we've all suffered through - small, boxing, poorly laid out.

Stews, soups, and chili. Pastas usually make good leftover meals.

Invest in a crockpot. Easiest thing to cook meat in and you'll have a ton of leftovers. I've included some of my favorite recipes below as well as some non-crockpot recipes that I enjoy. Hope this helps!

Idea #1 - Southwest Chicken - 2-3 chicken breasts (frozen or fresh; uncooked); 1 can of corn; 1 can of black beans; 1 16oz jar of salsa - Throw it in the crockpot and cook it on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice

Ideas #2 - I found this Pho recipe on pinterest and it's amazing. It makes for great leftovers - http://pinterest.com/pin/106960559871442943/

Idea #3 - Skinnytaste Spinach Lasagna Rolls - http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/02/spinach-lasagna-rolls.html - This makes individual portions and it's really easy to throw in pyrex dishes

Idea #4 - Soups like this Cabbage Vegetable Soup from Martha Stewart - http://www.marthastewart.com/343492/cabbage-vegetable-soup

Idea #5 BBQ Chicken - Put 2-3 chicken breasts (fresh or frozen; uncooked) and a jar of BBQ sauce in the crockpot - Cook for 6-8 hours on low; You can also cook just chicken breasts with spices and shred it after 6-8 hours to use for tacos.

I served this dish 2 days after making it, and some vegetarians started eating meats after tasting it:-) http://7th-taste.com/2010/11/04/journey-to-corsica-chestnut-soup-rose-wine/

I like to do things like a versatile meat that can then be used in a variety of ways. Example? Pork Carnita shredded meat. We (hubs and I) can eat on that for a week (tacos, tostadas, burritos, with eggs, etc.) We cut up toppings (radishes, cilantro, onions, lettuce, whatever) all at once so it's easy fixins for the rest of the week!

We like this version but it's the concept that's important, not the particular recipe:
http://pinchofyum.com/easy-crockpot-carnitas

I like making big batches of pasta salads for lunches. It's so easy to scoop some into a container and go. With two people eating from it, you won't get sick of it too fast and it won't go bad!

If you really want to eat with your roommate, take turns who cooks and who does the dishes.

I had a roommate with whom I lived for four years. We did family style food for most of that time. When we were really on top of it, we planned menus, decided who would cook and whoever didn't cook cleaned. For groceries she mostly bought the fresh stuff and I mostly bought pantry stuff. If we felt things were getting out of line cost wise, one of us would throw some cash at the other.

Family style with roommate was how I lived for years. Maybe consider some meals you can make ahead (ie when you can be alone in the kitchen) and then just pop in oven at mealtime. I often make meals in the evening for the next day. Agree with above comments: soups, stew, chili, pulled pork etc. and how about a roasted veggie lasagne? http://www.kaleeats.blogspot.ca/2013/02/roasted-vegetable-hemp-seed-lasagne.html
Do you have a slow cooker? Lets you do the prep hours before eating.

Thank you guys so much for the suggestions. We were getting burnt out on the all the spaghetti type dishes we were making, but you guys have some awesome alternatives. And we are going to buy a slow cooker/crockpot this weekend! Thank you for all the comments, we really appreciate it!

Beef Stew makes phenomenal leftovers!

I totally agree with the above comments, but would also like to add things like burritos, empanadas, and meat pies. My husband and I work together and make large batches of each of those, have some that night, and then freeze a bunch. They're easy to thaw out individual portions for lunch or dinner.

I totally agree with the above comments, but would also like to add things like burritos, empanadas, and meat pies. My husband and I work together and make large batches of each of those, have some that night, and then freeze a bunch. They're easy to thaw out individual portions for lunch or dinner.

I found both of these slowcooker recipes on Pinterest and can vouch for how delicious they are! I really like making soup to have around for leftovers because one day you pair it with a hunk of crusty bread, the next day a sandwich, and the day after that a salad. It makes it seem like you're eating a completely different meal every day!

Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup
http://inthekitchenandonthecouch.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-idea-of-comfort-soup.html

Crock Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
http://veryculinary.com/2012/02/09/crock-pot-honey-sesame-chicken/