25 Home-Cooked Dinners That’ll Make Your Takeout Menu Cry

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25 Home-Cooked Dinners That’ll Make Your Takeout Menu Cry

Whether you’re trying to avoid the soggy fries that show up an hour late or just tired of your go-to delivery spot, these home-cooked dinners will make skipping the delivery app feel like a no-brainer. With these recipes, you’ll not only save time but also enjoy fresh, flavorful meals that takeout just can’t compete with. Plus, once you’ve tasted how good homemade can be, you might not miss takeout at all.

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instead of waiting for takeout that doesn’t quite hit the mark, you can enjoy this fresh, home-cooked meal that’s ready faster than delivery. Creamy Dijon Chicken brings rich, comforting flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a smooth Dijon mustard sauce with crispy bacon and herbs. This dish feels like something special, but it’s simple enough for a busy night. Everything happens in one pan, so cleanup is quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops give you the fresh seafood experience without leaving your home. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender scallops with a bright lemon and garlic flavor. It’s a great dish to make when you want something light yet filling. With just a few ingredients, you can have this on the table quickly, and cleanup won’t take long, either. This home-cooked meal is fast and flavorful, perfect for when you want something special without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is a flavorful meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s made with spicy sausages and a rich sauce that’s hearty and comforting. Everything cooks in one pan, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time cleaning up. This is a great recipe when you want a bold and filling meal without waiting for takeout that’s never quite right. A home-cooked dinner like this is faster, fresher, and more delicious than anything you’d get delivered. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a little extra flavor in your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a light and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and tomatoes come together in a garlic-infused sauce that feels fresh and comforting. This dish is great for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time. One bite, and you’ll forget takeout was even an option.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect answer to when you want a home-cooked meal without feeling like you’re running a restaurant. Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll combine sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes to create a velvety broth. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Skip the takeout, and enjoy this fresh, comforting meal straight from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a quick 25-minute meal that doesn’t leave you with a messy kitchen. Simple ingredients like cabbage, sausage, and a splash of apple cider vinegar come together in one pan. The cabbage gives that nice crunch, and the sausage adds just the right amount of heartiness, with the vinegar tying it all together. This recipe is great for busy nights when you want to avoid greasy takeout but still need something easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in just 20 minutes, making them great for those nights when you need something quick and delicious. The chicken cooks up crispy and then drenched in a garlic and butter sauce. When you need a simple, no-stress dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the kind of meal that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight. In 40 minutes, boneless seared chicken thighs are mixed in a flavorful sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, fresh garlic, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, heavy whipping cream and spinach. The flavors work together in a rich yet balanced way, giving you a dish far better than ordering out. Plus, it’s much more affordable than restaurant food, and you get to enjoy it in the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is perfect when you’re looking for something delicious and filling. Ready in 40 minutes, this soup combines white beans and carrots with crunchy croutons for a mix of textures. Pureeing half the beans gives the soup a nice creaminess without needing any added cream. It’s a great choice when you need something quick and comforting that’s still light. Plus, making it yourself beats the disappointment of soggy takeout, and cleanup is a breeze. This is the kind of meal that’ll make you glad you stayed in.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a simple yet hearty dish ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts come together in a creamy sauce that feels rich without being heavy. It’s great for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little special but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This dish will remind you why home-cooked meals are always worth it — they’re easier, quicker, and so much better than overpriced takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup gives you everything comforting about pot pie without the extra work of a crust. You’ve got tender chicken, potatoes, and carrots in a rich, creamy broth, ready in less than an hour. It’s great for nights when you just want something homemade without a lot of effort. And let’s be honest, making this at home beats waiting for takeout any day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is the answer to those nights when you want something easy but still comforting. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies in a flavorful broth. It’s quick to make but still gives you that homemade feel, which makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This recipe keeps things simple, which is exactly what you need after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Zuppa Toscana is packed with sausage, bacon, kale, and a creamy broth that’s ready in an hour. The smoky bacon and rich sausage blend perfectly with the fresh kale, giving every spoonful a burst of flavor. It’s a hearty, flavorful soup that feels like something you’d get from a restaurant, but you can make it at home with less effort than ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup combines smooth sweet potatoes with the tang of red peppers for a comforting and simple dish. Topped with sour cream and parsley, it’s ready in about an hour and makes for an easy, homemade meal. You can even make extra and freeze some for later, making it a great option when you want to save time. This soup shows you don’t need to spend money on takeout to enjoy something delicious at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy brings bold flavors together in just 30 minutes. The creamy coconut milk pairs perfectly with tender salmon and fresh bok choy, making this a fast, healthy meal you can feel great about. It’s quick enough for busy nights but still feels special, which makes it a great alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a great choice when you need a comforting meal without stepping outside. The earthy mushrooms combined with a creamy broth bring a balance of rich flavors, and the seasoning adds an extra kick. It’s ready in 45 minutes and can be served as a filling meal, especially with some fresh bread on the side. This soup reheats perfectly, too, so leftovers are your friend here.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a simple, hearty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. The ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar cheese make for a filling dinner without being heavy. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick and easy. After a meal like this, takeout might start feeling like the complicated option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon brings together crunchy cabbage, salty bacon, and onions for a quick meal you can whip up in just 25 minutes. It’s simple but full of flavor, making it a great go-to for nights when you don’t have much time but still want something that feels homemade. It’s fresh, quick, and much better than anything you’d get from a delivery service.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect when you need a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Tender chicken thighs soak up the creamy mushroom sauce, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. It’s ready in 30 minutes and only uses one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. If takeout isn’t cutting it anymore, this home-cooked meal is a great alternative.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken combines juicy chicken thighs with tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, all done in one skillet. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal without the hassle. This dish gives you the richness you’re craving without the wait for delivery. Perfect for busy nights when you want more from your dinner but still want to keep things easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight meal without the hassle of takeout. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, bringing comfort without the extra stress. You only need one pan, so cleanup is easy, making this recipe perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an easy meal that doesn’t take much time, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is ready in 30 minutes. Toss sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and peppers on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. It’s a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and filling without the need for greasy takeout. You’ll love how simple it is, with no extra containers to deal with afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that’s light on carbs but full of flavor. Swapping rice for cauliflower keeps things lighter without losing that creamy texture. Mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan make this dish feel special without much effort. It’s ready in 30 minutes and gives you the satisfaction of a homemade meal without the hassle of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is your go-to for a quick and flavorful meal ready in 20 minutes. With tender chicken (you can use leftover chicken, too!), green chiles, and jalapeños, this dish brings just the right amount of heat. It’s a simple but bold meal that breaks up the monotony of everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup brings comfort to your table in under an hour, making it a great choice for colder nights. Packed with chicken, corn, and vegetables in a creamy broth, it’s filling without being too heavy. Perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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