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Save a buck: Make these 17 restaurant quality meals at home

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By Gina Matsoukas

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Save a buck: Make these 17 restaurant quality meals at home

Ever wish you could whip up those drool-worthy restaurant meals without the fancy bill? Well, guess what? You’ve found the jackpot! Imagine diving into glazed pork chops that taste like they’re straight from a five-star joint, or savoring bacon-wrapped salmon that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef.

We’ve got 17 epic palate-pleasing meals, from cozy slow-cooked short rib ragu to zesty chorizo chili mussels. These recipes aren’t just about saving a buck—they’re about bringing that restaurant thrill to your own kitchen.

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Tea glazed pork chops with sauteeed apples on top and sage garnish.
Glazed Pork Chops and Apples. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Indulge in these flavorful glazed pork chops with apples, poached in a sweet pumpkin tea glaze. This dinner epitomizes seasonal comfort in a dish typically savored in an upscale countryside inn.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air fryer filet mignon with sliced potatoes.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a perfectly juicy and tender air fryer filet mignon, bringing the upscale dining experience to your home with its gourmet flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savor the complexity of flavors in the lamb bolognese, bringing the comfort of Italian cooking to your table with its slow-simmered, herb-infused richness reminiscent of a rustic trattoria.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this simple and elegant bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp, reminiscent of a chef’s signature dish, crafted with fresh, flavorful ingredients in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Pan Seared Duck Breast

Pan seared duck sliced on a cutting board with cranberry sauce in a small bowl to the side.
Pan Seared Duck Breast. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Think duck is off-limits for home cooking? Think again. This effortlessly elegant pan-seared duck breast features simple ingredients, but yields an impressive dish that captures the essence of a refined culinary experience found in a high-end restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy the decadence of bacon-wrapped salmon, offering a restaurant-quality meal that combines wholesome ingredients with a rich and satisfying taste.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make chicken marsala even better by stuffing it! Marrying the flavors of melted mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil, this is a dish that can easily be made at home and trumps the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The tangy and bright flavors of cod piccata, feature a delicate almond flour crust and a zesty caper and lemon sauce. This is a classic presentation that can be made at home more easily than you think.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Chorizo Chili Mussels

Mussels with chorizo and chilis in a pot.
Chorizo Chili Mussels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the bold and spicy flavors of chorizo chili mussels, made with spicy dried chilis and fennel in a chunky tomato broth, reminiscent of the vibrant seafood dishes served in a seaside bistro.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Chili Mussels

Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin

Balsamic Dijon crusted beef tenderloin sliced on a cutting board.
Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This simple yet impressive balsamic dijon beef tenderloin roast is complemented by the refreshing notes of an easy lemon gremolata. Pretend you’re dining in a high-end steakhouse with this dinner.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Risotto gets an unfair reputation of being hard but it couldn’t be easier to make in your kitchen. Delight in the richness of this mushroom risotto, with deep, umami flavors and an irresistibly creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow cooker balsamic pulled pork over polenta with avocado crema in a white bowl.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender and succulent slow cooker balsamic pulled pork, paired with cheesy polenta and a refreshing cilantro-infused avocado crema, combines gourmet BBQ flavors with comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy the simple elegance of bucatini cacio e pepe, a dish hailing from Italian tradition, elevated by the use of quality Pecorino Romano cheese. You’ll be transported to your favorite Italian restaurant with one bite.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Maple Miso Chicken

Maple miso chicken in cast iron skillet.
Maple Miso Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience the delightful combination of sweet and savory restaurant-quality flavors in this maple miso chicken recipe. These are chicken drumsticks like you’ve never tasted before.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow cooker short rib ragu in a bowl over mashed sweet potatoes with a fork.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savor this heartwarming slow cooker short rib ragu with its rich and comforting vibes. A classic comfort food, this dish promises a memorable dining experience in the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Pistachio crusted lamb chops served over mashed potatoes with cherry sauce.
Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Looking for a date night in? Try these pistachio-crusted lamb chops paired with a red wine cherry sauce and creamy parmesan polenta. The dish offers a luxurious dining experience like you’d find in a high end restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With its crispy, crunchy texture and nutty flavor, this pecan chicken is a welcome reprieve from the usual chicken dinner. Paired with a tangy honey dijon sauce, it’ll make your weeknight dinner feel like you’re dining out.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

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