23 Dinners So Good, They’ll Make You Question Your Takeout Loyalty

Photo of author

| Published:

23 Dinners So Good, They’ll Make You Question Your Takeout Loyalty

If you’ve ever thought takeout was your only weeknight solution, get ready to reconsider that life choice. These dishes bring flavors that’ll make you wonder why you settled for the long wait time or random soggy fries. With meals like these, you’ll regret why you ever let your favorite takeout spot have so much power over your kitchen.

https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Creamy-Spinach-Chicken-Bake-1.jpg
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is all about keeping things simple without sacrificing comfort. You layer frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake. The result? A cheesy dish that makes you feel like you’re getting the best of both worlds — restaurant-quality food with the comfort of staying home. Once you try this, you’ll have to question whether takeout is even worth the hassle or price. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 want a comforting meal without spending much time in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can have browned chicken thighs simmering in a rich, creamy sauce made with mushrooms and Parmesan. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to catch all that delicious sauce. It’s a quick and filling dinner that’ll make you realize there’s no need to order takeout when you can whip this up so easily at home. Why wait or pay the cost of eating out?
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fresh Corn Salad is light, refreshing, and quick to make — perfect for nights when you want something simple but filling. With fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lime dressing, it’s ready in about 40 minutes. Whether you serve it as a side or a light dinner, this dish will have you rethinking the idea of buying pre-made salads. It’s fresh and flavorful, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to put together. Instead of overspending on takeout, you can enjoy this at home and feel good about what you’re eating.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a great choice when you’re short on time but still want a filling meal. It’s ready in just 25 minutes using pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing. This recipe works well for busy nights when takeout sounds tempting, but you want something quicker and healthier. It also stores well, making it a good option for meal prep. When you have this ready to go, ordering takeout seems unnecessary. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a meal that tastes fancy but not costly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls give you all the familiar flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the extra work of making one. You’ve got corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing all served in a bowl, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to go through the trouble of ordering out or making sandwiches. Once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever thought takeout was easier. It’s quick, simple, and hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A bowl filled with a quinoa salad that includes chickpeas, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, presented on a light-colored surface.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quinoa Chickpea Salad is a smart option for those nights when you need something quick and healthy. It combines cooked quinoa with fresh veggies like peppers and cucumbers, all tossed in a lemon-garlic dressing. This dish comes together fast, making it perfect when cooking feels too much work. Plus, it’s cheaper than ordering from a health food spot and just as quick. You’ll love how balanced and filling this meal is, and you won’t miss takeout at all.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a simple, filling dish that’s ready in just 40 minutes. You’ll combine elbow macaroni, canned tuna, sweet pickle relish, mayo, mustard, celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs for a creamy, delicious meal. It’s great when you need something quick that doesn’t feel rushed. This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and makes you feel like you’re eating something special without the time or cost of takeout. Meals like this will have you rethinking why you ever order in.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is a simple, no-stress dinner that comes together with basic ingredients — chicken, garlic, cream cheese, and spinach. Just bake it, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go. It’s perfect for busy nights when takeout seems like the easy choice, but this dish is faster and fresher. With little prep and easy cleanup, it’s great for families looking for a wholesome dinner without the hassle. The next time you’re about to order out, try this recipe instead.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice brings comfort and convenience to busy weeknights. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, shredded cheddar, and mushrooms come together in a hearty and quick dish. It’s done in less time than it takes to order delivery, and cleanup is minimal, which is perfect when you’re already feeling stretched thin. Meals like this will make you realize that takeout isn’t always the best choice. You’ll feel good knowing you can make something delicious and simple at home without any extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is a great balance of sweet and spicy, ready in about 45 minutes. With just a few spices, honey, and chicken, you’ll have a flavorful dish that feels special but without the long wait or expense of takeout. Plus, you don’t even need to leave your house for this one. Meals like this will make you rethink your usual takeout routine because it’s quicker than delivery and packed with flavor. You’ll feel confident skipping the takeout menus and making this instead.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for nights when you want something crispy and comforting but don’t want to deal with a long process. You’ll coat the chops in mayo, roll them in breadcrumbs, and bake them for 25 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that great crispy texture without the wait or cost of ordering out. These pork chops show that takeout isn’t the only option for a great meal. After trying these, you’ll see that making a delicious meal at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a complete meal in one dish, perfect for when you want something comforting but easy. With broccoli, cauliflower, sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, bacon, and cheese, everything comes together and bakes in 30 minutes. You don’t need sides or extras with this meal, and it’s a great way to enjoy a filling dinner without spending extra on takeout. Meals like this show that home-cooked dinners can be just as delicious as ordering in, maybe even tastier.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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 simple and hearty dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. You’ll just cook sausage with cabbage, and in no time, you’ll have a filling meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s budget-friendly and doesn’t require much effort, making it great when you’re tired but still want something delicious. This recipe lets you skip takeout and still serve a meal you’ll enjoy without all the extra time or cost. You’ll feel good about cooking this meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a cozy dish that brings together simple ingredients like egg noodles, peas, cheddar cheese, and tuna. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of texture. It’s perfect for busy nights when takeout seems tempting. Instead of waiting for delivery, you can have a homemade meal that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s one of those meals that will make you question why you ever needed takeout in the first place. Toss it in the oven, and dinner’s ready without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are simple yet flavorful, making them a great go-to when you’re short on time but still want a homemade dinner. Small pieces of chicken are pan-fried until golden and then tossed in a buttery garlic sauce that coats every bite. It takes about 20 minutes to pull together, making it a fast and delicious dinner that easily competes with takeout. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, these chicken bites will have you rethinking ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is a wholesome, light meal that still feels comforting. A mix of white beans, carrots, celery, and spices, it’s easy to make and comes together in about 40 minutes. Most of that time, the soup is just simmering on the stove, so you can take care of other things while dinner is cooking. This soup shows you don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to have a good meal at home. After trying this, you’ll see that making soup at home is easier and more rewarding — no need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a lifesaver on those nights when you just want something easy and comforting. With shredded chicken, sweet corn, cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. This casserole is simple to put together and gives you a hearty, homemade meal that will make you forget about fast food. Instead of waiting in line or dealing with takeout, you can enjoy a filling dinner perfect for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but simplifies the process. Ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and rice are baked with tomato sauce for a comforting meal that’s ready in about 45 minutes. It’s a great option for a hearty dinner without much effort. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole gives you the chance to enjoy a homemade meal without needing to rely on takeout. This casserole delivers all the comfort and flavor you’d expect from a homemade meal with none of the stress.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are perfect for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking but still want a hearty meal. By mixing canned chicken with eggs, Parmesan, and almond or sunflower seed meal, you can quickly fry up patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a homemade meal that’s far better than takeout. These patties are flexible too — they go with any side, making them a convenient option for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup makes weeknight meals so much easier. With just a little prep, ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and some spices, you can let the slow cooker do the rest. By dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful soup ready to serve without having to hover in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy nights, and the leftovers freeze well for an easy meal down the road. Instead of reaching for takeout, trust that this soup can give you real, comforting food with no stress attached.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco 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 a quick, one-pot meal that gets dinner on the table in 40 minutes. With chicken, veggies, and cheese tortellini, it’s a simple yet filling dish for when you’re short on time. The broth is light but comforting, making it a great option when you need something fast that still feels wholesome. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Instead of waiting on takeout, give yourself the convenience of homemade comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is ready in just 30 minutes. It delivers a filling, balanced meal without any hassle. Ground beef, spinach, and cauliflower rice are topped with melted cheese, and they all come together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to avoid takeout while still enjoying something delicious at home. This dish is perfect for families or anyone looking for a simple meal. When takeout feels tempting, this casserole shows you how much easier it can be to cook at home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Green Chile Chicken

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

Green Chile Chicken is the perfect quick fix when you’re pressed for time. In just 20 minutes, chicken, green chiles, cream cheese, and a bit of cream come together for a flavorful and creamy meal. It’s easy to throw together and works great over cauliflower rice or wrapped in tortillas. This dish helps you avoid takeout while still giving you a comforting, homemade dinner. It’s budget-friendly and quick, perfect for busy nights. This recipe shows homemade doesn’t have to be hard.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.