Skip Takeout’s Delivery Fee and Make These 25 Great Dinners Instead

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Skip Takeout’s Delivery Fee and Make These 25 Great Dinners Instead

Great dinners don’t have to come with a side of delivery fees. In a world where convenience often comes at a premium, it’s empowering to reclaim the kitchen and create meals that rival the allure of takeout menus. This collection of 25 recipes is not only easy on the wallet but also perfect for those evenings when the thought of paying extra for delivery just doesn’t sit right.

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

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A fork is being used to take a piece of Philly cheese steak casserole out of a dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole puts a dinner-worthy spin on the classic sandwich. In less than an hour, you get all the big flavors of tender sirloin steak with sauteed bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, creating a medley of flavors reminiscent of the beloved cheesesteak. Mix together, assemble into a baking dish, top with slices of provolone cheese, and then bake until bubbling and golden brown. It’s a perfect solution for a great meal that’s both easy and packed with taste, a great alternative to your usual takeout. Plus, it reheats well, so you can enjoy the leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Switch up your dinner routine with Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach, and say goodbye to takeout. This quick dish mixes shrimp, grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, minced garlic, and coconut milk and is ready in just 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a seafood dinner that’s easy to make and packed with good flavors. Serve it over zucchini noodles or with cauliflower mash for a complete meal. This is a great recipe for controlling your ingredients and skipping the long wait and high costs of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is your new go-to instead of takeout. You can whip it up in 40 minutes with cooked chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in chicken broth. Top it off with some chopped parsley and pepper, and you’ve got yourself a comforting meal that’s better than what you can order. Serve with bread or salad. This recipe is a great way to save money and keep things simple and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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.

When you’re racing against the clock on a hectic evening, Baked Ravioli is your go-to. It’s got that lasagna vibe but comes together way faster. Just grab some frozen cheese ravioli, layer it up with marinara sauce, sprinkle on the cheese, and in one hour, you’ve got a great dinner on the table. It’s a solid choice for skipping the delivery fee and still scoring big on flavor and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect pick for a no-fuss meal that’s ready before you know it. It’s easy on the wallet, and you can even prep it ahead to pop in the oven later. Plus, if you’ve got leftovers, they freeze like a dream. This casserole is a straightforward win for feeding everyone with minimal hassle, and it keeps those delivery fees out of your life.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget takeout and try Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Just chop, mix, and roast the ingredients for a simple meal ready in about 30 minutes. Drizzle with a homemade dressing of avocado oil, Dijon mustard, sweetener, and paprika. It’s a hearty option that’s good for you, avoiding the usual takeout overload of oil and salt. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat, making your meal planning a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

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.

Make Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup right at home and skip the takeout. It’s easy to prepare with sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and spices, all cooked up in less than an hour. Saute, mix and then blend to get that rich, creamy consistency. This soup is a cost-effective choice that lets you manage your food’s salt content, and you can even freeze some for later. Homemade always beats takeout for convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Make takeout a thing of the past with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe pairs chicken thighs with a rich sauce featuring mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Made with just one pan, it’s a hearty meal that’s simple to make. Serve with veggies, and enjoy the leftovers for days. Home cooking means better ingredients and no unwanted delivery fees.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ditch takeout for Sausage Curry, a robust one-pan meal that’s ready in no time. Brown the sausage, toss in the sweet potato, peas, carrots, onions, and seasonings, and let it simmer. The entire recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and yields a richly flavored, somewhat spicy curry that’s both delicious and nutritious. It’s perfect over rice or with naan. Keep leftovers for a quick meal later. Proof that homemade can be just as convenient as delivery but with more control over what you’re eating.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Choose Hungarian Mushroom Soup for a cozy meal without the takeout. It’s packed with savory mushroom flavor and aromatic spices like paprika, dill, and thyme. This hearty one-pot meal can be prepared in just 45 minutes on the stovetop. Sauté onions in butter to build flavor, then cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture. A roux is made with flour to help thicken the soup base. It’s a great soup for dipping your bread into and warms you up on cool nights. You’ll have leftovers ready to reheat, making your weeknight dinners easy and relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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 great choice for a quick, hearty meal that beats any takeout option. This one-pot wonder is ready in under 40 minutes with a nutritious mix of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The soup is seasoned with garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a touch of red pepper flakes, adding a bit of spice. Fresh spinach and Parmesan add extra flavor and a burst of freshness. This soup is simple and filling and lets you throw in some herbs for extra flavor. A great homemade alternative that’s both light on the wallet and heavy on comfort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

End your takeout habit with Creamy Tuscan Chicken made in just 40 minutes. It features bone-in chicken thighs with crispy skin, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Serve over pasta or with bread. Enjoy fresh and as leftovers, knowing you’ve got a meal that’s not just easy to make but also healthier and cheaper than ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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.

No need to order out when you can quickly cook up Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in just 30 minutes. This soup mixes Italian sausage with cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a hearty and rich flavor. Made in a single pot, this soup combines the deep flavors of Italian sausage with cream cheese and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a comfy dinner at home. Top it with more Parmesan, grab a piece of crusty garlic bread, and you’re all set. Plus, you can store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer, making your next meal just as easy as ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Kick the takeout habit with this simple Spinach Chicken Bake. Just throw chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a baking dish, season with garlic and Italian herbs, and bake it for 30 minutes. It’s a great pick for a chill evening meal. Serve it with a fresh salad and enjoy a filling dinner that’s easy to make. You’ll also have leftovers that are perfect for the next day, saving you time and money.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Skip the takeout and go for this easy Creamy Dijon Chicken instead. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken with Dijon mustard, spinach, and bacon for a comforting meal. Sear the chicken thighs, render the bacon, and then create the creamy sauce in the same pan, making it a convenient one-pan dish with minimal cleanup required. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to round out your dinner. The leftovers are great for saving in the fridge, making your meals for the week a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Twice-Baked Potato Casserole for a filling meal that’s just as easy as ordering takeout. It’s got bacon, potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Bake potatoes until tender, then mashed with the wet ingredients and seasonings to create a creamy, fluffy potato mixture. Ready in about an hour, it’s a solid choice for a main dish. Plus, it stores well, so you can enjoy a quick, homemade meal without the need or cost of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

End your takeout routine with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, ready in 30 minutes. It’s packed with frozen broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and bacon — all baked into one delicious dish. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. This casserole is filling, packed with veggies, and perfect for when you need something flavorful without any trouble. Leftovers are just as good and keep your meals ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Break your takeout habit with Sun Dried Tomato Chicken, a dish you can make in just 30 minutes. It features seasoned skinless chicken thighs that are cooked to perfection and added to a creamy sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Quick to make and impressive, this meal works great on its own or served over pasta or rice. Store any leftovers in the fridge for easy meals during the week.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Forget about takeout with this Keto Zuppa Toscana, a hearty soup that’s perfect for dinner. Taking about an hour, it takes a classic dish from Olive Garden and switches it up by using radishes instead of potatoes. Combine with Italian sausage, kale, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. It’s a comforting option for colder nights and keeps well, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the extra cost or unknown ingredients of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Swap takeout for this easy Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole, which cooks in 45 minutes. This one-pot dinner is packed with ground meat, bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a mix of spices. It’s bulked up with rice and topped off with melted cheese for added richness. This casserole hits all the right notes for a great homemade meal. Perfect for a busy night, this dish is a smart way to make dinner simple and filling without leaving your kitchen. Bonus: it saves well for leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This quick Cabbage and Sausage dish is ready in under 30 minutes. It combines smoked sausage, cabbage, onions, and garlic with a dash of apple cider vinegar for a simple yet hearty meal. For variety, use your favorite sausage — like kielbasa or andouille — and pair the dish with mashed potatoes for a complete dinner. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a filling meal at home, plus you’ll have delicious leftovers for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is your go-to for a comforting and quick dinner. Ready in less than an hour, it combines tender chunks of chicken with hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. The taste is enriched by creamed corn, corn kernels, chicken broth, and a combination of spices. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something hearty and creamy quickly. For a little extra flavor, top it off with some shredded Parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a 30-minute meal that’s sure to be a hit. It mixes seasoned chicken, cream cheese, peppers, and shredded cheese in a single pan for a meal that’s not only easy to make but also loaded with flavor. Layer cooked chicken with cream cheese, peppers, spices and mozzarella, and bake until cheese is golden and bubbly. Great for a casual dinner, it’s a simple way to feed the family something delicious without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

When you need a quick dinner, try these Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. It cooks in 30 minutes and features boneless chicken thighs seasoned with a mix of Italian herbs, garlic, and onion powder, then cooked to a golden brown. Add to a rich creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and chicken stock. It’s a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect for those times when you want something a bit more special than takeout without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a fast and easy meal that beats takeout any night of the week. With chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, pepper, and salt, then pan-seared until golden brown and fully cooked through and then mixed in with a creamy garlic sauce of grated Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream, this dish is all about big flavor with minimal prep. It’s a great pick for a busy evening when you want something good without the wait. Serve it over pasta or with veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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