17 Dinners That Beat Ordering Pizza Any Day

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17 Dinners That Beat Ordering Pizza Any Day

Who needs pizza when you can have 17 dinners that are a real treat? These dishes offer a variety of options that are as exciting as they are satisfying. Whether you’re craving something comforting or looking for a new twist on your usual meals, these dinners have you covered. And let’s be honest, your family might stop making the “pizza again?” face!

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Start your meal with a crunch and a kick; crisp lettuce topped with juicy chicken and a drizzle of spicy, sweet honey. The mix of cool greens and the heat from the honey gives this salad an irresistible contrast. Don’t forget the toasted almonds that add the perfect crunch. This Hot Honey Chicken Salad turns a simple dinner into a refreshing and lively dish.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Indulge in the rich and creamy textures of Pasta Carbonara, where every forkful is a treat. The creamy sauce clings to every strand, made from eggs and grated cheese, giving it a luxurious simplicity. With pancetta adding a savory depth, this dish proves simplicity can be incredibly fulfilling. It might just make you forget all about dialing for pizza delivery tonight.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a touch of fast-casual dining right to your kitchen table with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. The chicken, glazed in a savory teriyaki sauce, offers a balance of sweet and tangy that’s hard to resist. It serves up beautifully with a side of steamed rice and vegetables. Skip the drive-thru and create this comforting favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With Beef Tacos on the menu, it’s all about customization and fun for everyone at the table. Succulent beef is paired with a host of toppings, so every taco can be as unique as its creator. From homemade salsa to chopped lettuce and shredded cheese, each bite is a new experience. Gather the family and build a taco that makes ordering in seem like a less appealing option.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine biting into homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets; they’re juicy inside with a golden, crisp coating outside. You can dip them in sauce or nibble them as they are – either way, you won’t be missing out. Perfect for a family dinner or a game-day snack. These nuggets might just become a new household staple.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The heartiness of a Cowboy Casserole is perfect for a robust dinner. Layers of ground beef, beans, and cheese come together under a crust of golden tater tots. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that fills the room with an inviting aroma. It’s a simple yet fulfilling meal that outdoes any takeout pizza.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring some smokiness to your dinner table with Chipotle Grilled Chicken. The marinade infuses each piece of chicken with a subtle heat and a hint of sweetness. Grilled to perfection, the charred edges are a testament to the flavors locked within. This dish will have everyone eagerly gathering around the table.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for an effortlessly succulent meal, Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a solid choice. This meal fills your kitchen with a welcoming aroma and promises a taste that’s just as comforting. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors of the beef with the vegetables and broth. It’s a classic for a reason: simple, fulfilling, and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For an exciting dinner, why not switch things up with some Kung Pao Chicken? It’s a spicy stir-fry dish with a lively kick from Szechuan peppercorns. Peanuts and chilies add texture and fire, making for an unforgettable meal. This one will surely spice up your evening better than ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork pulls you in with its tender strands, perfect for piling onto a soft bun. With a homemade barbecue sauce, it strikes a balance of sweet and tangy notes. Enjoy the slow-roasted goodness that melts in your mouth. This pulled pork could easily become your go-to for a no-fuss, finger-licking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of sloppy joe, black beans, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Give a classic a new twist with Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. They’re a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on the comforting flavors of the traditional Sloppy Joe. The peppers add a sweet and earthy vessel for the saucy, meaty filling. It’s a vibrant dish that’s easy to make and delicious to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Asian Style Pork Chops offer a break from the mundane with their mouthwatering marinade. The soy sauce and garlic lend a savory note while hints of ginger add a warm spice. These chops can easily be the centerpiece of your dinner, paired with rice or vegetables. It’s a simple way to bring some international flair to your table.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fuse the comfort of meatloaf with the flavors of a taco night in a Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. The slow cooker locks in both moisture and spices, ensuring each slice is as tasty as the last. Topped with a sprinkle of cheese, it bridges homestyle cooking with a Tex-Mex vibe. Anyone craving a laid-back, flavorful meal will find this combo a winner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A Turkey Casserole might be just what you need for a comforting and wholesome dinner. Lean turkey layered with veggies and gravy, then topped with a flaky crust, can fulfill any appetite. It’s a great way to put a twist on the traditional casserole. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that makes leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who doesn’t love ribs that fall off the bone with a sticky, sweet, and savory outside? Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe delivers exactly that. No need for a grill; your oven is all you need to create a tender, meaty feast. These ribs might just have you happily skipping the takeout menu.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Tamales

Two cooked tamales nestled in corn husks, with a bowl of fresh cilantro partially visible on the left side.
Tamales. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tamales can be a fun and interactive cooking project with a delicious payoff. Steamed in corn husks, they come out with a doughy exterior, revealing a seasoned meat filling. It’s a traditional dish that brings people together, both during preparation and eating. Why order pizza when you can unwrap your own little present of a meal?
Get the Recipe: Tamales

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A reassuring classic, an Easy Meatloaf Recipe knows how to please a dinner crowd. With a mix of ground beef and a flavorful glaze, it creates a simple yet lush centerpiece for your meal. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a side salad. Plus, it’s a no-hassle recipe to whip up any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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