If you think takeout is your best option for dinners, think again. We’ve rounded up some seriously great recipes that will make you question why you ever settled for soggy fries and lukewarm pizza. These dinners are so good, you’ll actually look forward to cooking at home — yes, even on a Tuesday night.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Forget delivery and whip up Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in less time than picking a TV show. This wallet-friendly meal is ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients. You get the classic flavors of Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, and tomatoes, all mixed in with pasta. Perfect for a quick bite without the extra cost, this dish saves you time and money, and it’s great for busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner. Enjoy the delicious mix of textures and flavors that make it a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
White Bean Soup
Before you tap that delivery app, consider White Bean Soup. It’s budget-friendly and easy to cook, taking just one pot and 40 minutes. This hearty soup is packed with fiber-rich white beans and fresh veggies like carrots, celery and spinach, making it filling and nutritious. Perfect for any night of the week, it requires minimal effort and delivers great flavor. Skip the expense of takeout and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that keeps your wallet happy. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a healthy, cost-effective meal.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is perfect for saving time and money on busy weeknights. It’s a simple mix of frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, giving you lasagna’s comfort without the hassle. Bake until bubbly and golden, and garnish with chopped parsley. It’s a hearty and budget-friendly way to stop ordering out and enjoy a great meal at a fraction of the price. This recipe is great for anyone who needs a quick dinner solution that doesn’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly option perfect for chilly days or quick meals. Using shredded chicken, canned corn, and vegetables, it’s cost-effective and easy to make. This soup is great for batch cooking, saving you time and money throughout the week. Ready in about 55 minutes, making your broth from leftovers adds extra flavor without extra cost. It’s a smart choice for a hearty, affordable meal that warms you up without emptying your wallet. Make a big pot and have easy meals ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a budget-friendly, flavorful meal. It adds a spicy kick to traditional chicken salad, made with shredded chicken, jalapeños, and mayonnaise. This easy-to-make salad is great for a light dinner and stretches your food budget while avoiding takeout expenses. In just a short time, you get a meal that’s high in flavor and low in cost. Perfect for those who love a bit of spice without spending a lot, this recipe is a practical way to enjoy a delicious meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is great for cutting food expenses. Using affordable chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and spinach makes a creamy and comforting meal. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, this bake can be served alone or over pasta or rice to stretch servings. It’s a practical choice over pricey take-out, giving flavor and savings. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and delicious without the high cost. Enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s both easy and economical.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Before choosing delivery, try Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s wallet-friendly and simple to make. Ready in 40 minutes with ingredients you likely have; boil pasta and toss with canned tuna, eggs, mayo, and pantry staples for an easy meal. This salad is great for lunches or light dinners, giving convenience and savings. Perfect for those who want a quick and delicious meal without spending much, this recipe helps you avoid the high takeout costs. Enjoy a dish that’s easy on your budget and your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Consider Chicken Tater Tot Casserole instead of ordering delivery. It’s easy to make and ready in less than an hour. This casserole combines shredded chicken, tater tots, corn, and melted cheese, creating a meal that kids and adults love. Perfect for prepping ahead and freezing, it’s friendly to your wallet and schedule. This hearty dish serves comfort and convenience, making it a go-to option for busy nights. Save money and time with a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage combine affordable ingredients in a flavorful one-pan meal that’s quick and easy and can be made in less than 30 minutes. It combines cabbage, a versatile vegetable that takes on flavor well, with sausage for a hearty, comforting dish. The cabbage is cooked with onions and spices in butter and finished with a splash of apple cider vinegar, adding a slight tang to the dish. This simple and comforting dish is a favorite for many. It’s perfect for busy people who want a hearty meal without spending much money.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great way to enjoy rich flavors without spending much. This one-pot dish turns classic stuffed bell peppers into a simpler casserole. It features all affordable ingredients: bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and canned diced tomatoes. This casserole is filling, flavorful, and ready to serve in 45 minutes. It is perfect for anyone wanting a good meal while saving money and cutting back on eating out. This dish is great for those who crave comfort food but must watch their budget.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great, budget-friendly, quick dinner option. Using simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and butter, you can make a delicious meal in about 20 minutes. This recipe helps you use pantry staples and avoid unnecessary grocery trips, keeping your spending down. Serve these bites with a side of rice or veggies for a complete, budget-conscious meal. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast and don’t want to spend much money.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is perfect for anyone looking for an easy and cheap meal. Toss split peas, carrots, celery, ham, onion, and spices into a slow cooker. Slow cooking lets the flavors meld over several hours. The soup is hearty, nutritious, and cost-effective, making it great for budget-conscious cooks. It’s also perfect for meal prep, and leftovers store well, reducing the temptation to order expensive meals online. This soup is great for those who want to eat well without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cut down on takeout costs with this easy Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Toss inexpensive vegetables like zucchini and broccoli with sausage on a sheet pan and bake. This dish saves you money and time and is great for anyone who wants a nutritious, filling dinner without overspending. Leftovers are great for the next day, stretching your budget further. This no-stress dinner is easy to prepare and clean up, making it a perfect choice. It’s great for busy nights when you need something quick and cheap.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for busy evenings. You can turn affordable pork chops into a crispy meal in 25 minutes with mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, and a few spices. Baking these chops keeps them crispy outside and juicy inside without the mess of frying. This great meal keeps the grocery bill low and helps you avoid the delivery trap. Enjoy a delicious dinner that’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly. This recipe is a smart choice for those nights when you need a reliable meal without spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Spice up dinner without breaking the bank with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. They’re made with affordable canned salmon and ingredients like eggs, diced jalapeño, and cayenne pepper. These patties are quick to cook and packed with flavor. Featuring a spicy kick balanced with homemade lemon dill aioli, they’re a smart pick for getting omega-3s without the cost of fresh fish. Perfect for a fast, spicy dinner on a budget, these patties are great for anyone wanting to enjoy seafood without spending a lot. They’re perfect for those who love spicy food but need to save money.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Skip delivery and save money with Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. This dish uses cheap frozen veggies, cheesy sauce, and crispy bacon. It’s a simple and filling meal that won’t break the bank. You can also double the recipe and freeze one for a busy day. Perfect for those looking for comfort food without spending much, this casserole can be prepped and baked in about an hour, making it great for busy nights. You’ll love how it keeps you full and saves you cash.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Stop overspending on dinner with Crock Pot Taco Soup. Combine ground beef, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and taco seasoning in your crock pot. This soup is budget-friendly and makes a lot of food for a little money. It’s perfect with some bread; you can freeze leftovers for another meal. Cook on low for about 4 hours for a rich, hearty flavor. This soup is great for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget takeout with this easy and cheap option.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great choice for a low-cost meal using pantry items like canned tuna, whole milk, egg noodles, and peas. It’s a simple way to make a filling dinner that saves money. It’s great for busy nights when you need something quick and hearty without the cost of ordering out. Plus, it tastes even better the next day. Bake for about 30 minutes for a golden, bubbly top. This casserole helps you stretch your food budget and save cooking time. Skip delivery and make this easy dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cut down on food expenses with Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats using cheap ingredients like canned chicken, homemade ranch seasoning, and cucumbers. This dish is fresh and easy to make. Prepping this in advance sets you up for light dinners throughout the week, reducing the temptation to order out. Mix everything and scoop into cucumber halves for a crunchy, delicious bite. It’s a great way to eat well and save cash. Perfect for quick, healthy meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Broccoli Casserole
Enjoy comfort food without the high cost of Broccoli Casserole made with economical ingredients like broccoli and cream of mushroom soup. It’s an easy bake that serves up warmth and comfort. Paired perfectly with garlic bread, this casserole shows you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy hearty flavors. Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and hot. It’s especially great for busy evenings when you need something simple without resorting to expensive delivery options. This dish fills you up and keeps your budget in check.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful meals without the high delivery cost. This recipe involves simple layering of chicken, bell peppers, and onions, all baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes. By choosing this dish, you’re opting for a meal that’s easy on your wallet and schedule, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner at home without high costs. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Save on breakfast with Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. These muffins are quick and easy to make with cottage cheese, eggs, cheddar, and flour. They’re perfect for busy mornings or as a light dinner. These protein-packed muffins are also a great way to use leftover vegetables, reduce food waste and save money. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This recipe is a nutritious start or end to your day that’s easy on your wallet. Ditch pricey takeout and enjoy these muffins.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are perfect for a quick, affordable meal. Using canned chicken and pantry staples, these patties are easy to make and budget-friendly. Serve them with vegetables or in a sandwich for a meal that tastes great without the cost of takeout. These patties come together in about 20 minutes, making them great for busy weeknights. They’re a great choice for cutting kitchen time while keeping costs low. Skip the delivery and try these homemade patties for a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect for those wanting a hearty meal on a budget. This dish combines ground beef, mushrooms, and cauliflower rice with creamy elements for rich flavor. It’s easy to prepare with inexpensive ingredients, making it a great alternative to ordering out. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is comforting and wallet-friendly, showing that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy great food. Save money and enjoy a homemade skillet dinner that’s both quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is perfect for budget-conscious eaters. With simple ingredients like cabbage and bacon, it’s easy to cook and packed with flavor. The bacon adds a nice crunch to the tender cabbage, creating a hearty meal with just a few steps. This dish is ready in about 25 minutes, showing you can enjoy a great meal without buying expensive ingredients. This recipe helps you save money and avoid the temptation of takeout. Cook this quick and flavorful dish instead of spending on delivery.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken is great for using leftovers creatively and economically. It combines leftover chicken with green chiles, cream cheese, and spices for a flavorful, quick dish. Serve it over rice or in tacos for a versatile meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a clever solution for enjoying a delicious meal without spending on delivery. It serves great taste and value from simple, affordable ingredients. Make this dish at home and keep your wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a smart choice for families needing to stretch their budget. Mixing ground beef with cauliflower rice and spinach and topped with cheese, this casserole is filling and nutritious. It’s easy to assemble and bake, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in about 30 minutes, this practical recipe serves a flavorful dinner without the high cost of takeout, making it a hit for your stomach and wallet. This casserole is a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for feeding a family.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach