25 Delicious Dinners That Will Make You Laugh at Your Old Takeout Bills

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25 Delicious Dinners That Will Make You Laugh at Your Old Takeout Bills

We’ve all been there, staring at our takeout bills and wondering if we accidentally ordered gold-plated sushi. Delicious dinners don’t have to come with a side of buyer’s remorse. These dinners will make you laugh at those overpriced meals while enjoying great flavors at a fraction of the cost. You’ll be left with extra cash for more important things — like that streaming service you keep forgetting to cancel.

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Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. 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 the hero of a hectic weeknight. Just layer some frozen cheese ravioli with a rich marinara sauce, sprinkle on loads of cheese, and bake until it’s bubbling and perfectly golden. This dish is a breeze to put together and cooks in about an hour, making it a practical option for a busy schedule. It’s a comforting meal that mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna without all the work. Think of the money you’ll save, making this a laughably better option than takeout. Plus, with minimal cleanup, you can relax after dinner instead of dealing with a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Dive into Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach for a light and speedy dinner option. This dish features juicy shrimp and tender spinach tossed with sweet grape tomatoes and garlic in a lush coconut milk sauce. It’s a full-flavored meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for those nights when you need a quick yet impressive dinner. Serve it over zucchini noodles for a complete and delicious meal that will make you forget about those pricey delivery apps. Skip takeout and whip up a dish that is this good in less time than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Our Spinach Chicken Bake is your new go-to for a no-stress dinner that feels like you fussed a lot. It combines tender chicken, creamy spinach, rich cream cheese, and stretchy mozzarella — all seasoned with a combination of garlic and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those nights when you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show than stand over a stove. It’s a comforting meal that’ll make you pat yourself on the back for choosing a home-cooked dinner over a pricey takeout. Plus, it’s so good that you might pause your show to make sure you’re not dreaming.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 about as easy as dinner gets. Throw some frozen tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn in a creamy mushroom sauce, top with cheese, and let the oven do the heavy lifting. You’ll have a comforting and hearty dish in less time than it takes to decide on a takeout menu. It’s the perfect meal for a lazy night or feeding a group without the hassle or high cost of ordering out. This casserole is a reminder that homemade can be easy and just as good — if not better — than what comes in a takeout box. With a meal this good, you’ll be laughing at your old takeout bills in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is your go-to if you want to bring some serious flavor to your dinner table. It’s a rich combination of sausages, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots, all simmered in a lively curry sauce with just the right kick. Ready in about 45 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver on those evenings when you want to impress but can’t be bothered to do anything too complex. Just toss everything in the skillet, let it do its thing, and serve it hot with rice or naan. Perfect for turning a plain night into a feast, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at the thought of ever paying for delivery curry again.
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.

Dive into the comforting depths of Hungarian Mushroom Soup and wave goodbye to bland meals. This soup features a hearty mix of mushrooms blended with sour cream, paprika, dill, and thyme, delivering an earthy and slightly tangy taste. It takes just 45 minutes to cook, so you can get a comforting bowl on your table faster than you could get food delivered. It’s perfect for those dull days when you need a little lift without the stress. You’ll save money making this at home, and you might start laughing at your past takeout bills.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a quick trip to Italy, minus the airfare. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this luxurious dish with succulent chicken thighs nestled in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic. It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re looking to treat yourself without the stress of an elaborate dinner plan. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion, this dish brings the flair without the fare, and the savings on takeout will have you grinning to the bank.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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 is your answer to an easy, filling dinner without the drama of dining out. It’s a hearty mix of ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rice under a layer of melted cheese. It’s ready in 45 minutes and is the perfect dish to impress, whether you’re hosting a dinner or treating yourself. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that makes the hassle and expense of takeout seem like a distant memory. Skipping the takeout can be so rewarding and downright delicious. This casserole does it all and then some.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Say hello to the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, a hearty meal that brings a taste of Philadelphia to your kitchen. This dish packs sirloin steak, crisp bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and sweet onions under a blanket of gooey provolone cheese. It’s all about big flavors and even bigger savings coming together in less than an hour. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without emptying your wallet, and it’s sure to make you chuckle at the thought of spending more on less-filling takeout. So, next time you’re craving something substantial, whip this up and bask in the glory of a great homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak 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.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is the hero your weeknights deserve. It’s packed with broccoli, cauliflower, creamy sour cream, tangy cream cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection in about 30 minutes. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver, perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious meal without the hassle. It’s so filling and hearty that you won’t miss those expensive, greasy takeout options. Cook this up, and you’ll wonder why you are bothered with anything else while your wallet gets a little break.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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 ultimate comfort in a bowl. Ready in just 40 minutes, it combines shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and a mix of carrots, celery, and onions in a flavorful chicken broth. The meal warms you from the inside and keeps you returning for more. Perfect for those chilly nights or when you’re just feeling a bit under the weather. It’s hearty, comforting, and far cheaper than any takeout soup — making you smile at how much you used to spend on less filling options.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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 the usual takeout and try Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon instead. This dish combines butternut squash’s sweetness with cauliflower’s flavors and the crispiness of bacon, all roasted together to perfection. Preparation is a breeze, and cooking time is minimal, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a nutritious side dish. It’s especially great for those evenings when you want something low-effort yet filling. Making this your new favorite weeknight hobby could be much cheaper than takeout, and you don’t even have to tip!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Ditch the delivery menu and go for something like our Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This dish features juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s all about big flavor without the big wait, ready for as long as it takes to pick a movie to stream. Perfect for impressing a date or just treating yourself without the hassle of a high restaurant bill. Plus, cooking this dish might be the easiest decision you’ll make all day — and the most rewarding. No more waiting around for lukewarm delivery!
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

White Bean Soup

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

You don’t need takeout when you have White Bean Soup. This soup is a straightforward pot of goodness, with carrots, celery, white beans, garlic, and onions simmering together into a delicious broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s quicker than most delivery times. It is your go-to when you need something hearty and nutritious without any complicated steps. It’s perfect for those nights when cooking feels too much, but you still want a meal that feels like a hug. Plus, it’s so cost-effective that you’ll be laughing at your old takeout bills in no time.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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.

Skip the takeout and opt for our Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup instead. This soup blends the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the mild heat of red peppers and onions, all in a creamy base. It’s ready in under an hour and packs a flavor punch that takeout can’t match. Plus, it’s a great way to get more veggies in your diet without feeling like you’re just eating salad. Whip this up, and you’ll feel pretty smart — saving money and eating better all at once. That’s a double win in anyone’s book.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Say goodbye to soggy takeout with our Creamy Dijon Chicken. This recipe tosses succulent chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a sharp Dijon mustard sauce for a dish as flavorful as it is quick to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when time isn’t on your side, but you’re not willing to compromise on flavor. This dish is a great reminder that you can whip up restaurant-quality meals at home for a fraction of the cost. And let’s be honest, it’s filling to serve up something this good without stepping outside.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon 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.

Forget the hassle of takeout — Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is your new go-to for a cozy night in. This soup packs a punch with Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Just throw everything in one pot, and in 30 minutes, you’re dining on a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make. It’s almost laughable compared to the old days of dialing for dinner. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re in the mood for something hearty but don’t want to cook all night. Seriously, you’ll laugh at how much you used to pay for delivery when you can whip up something this fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Transform your takeout routine with Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s here to save your evening. It’s stuffed with all the good stuff — bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar. Just mix it up, bake it until everything’s melting together, and bam — you’ve got a dish that’s so delicious that you might forget about your favorite delivery app. It takes minimal prep and cooks quickly, making it a stellar choice for a lazy night. Plus, you’ll have a good chuckle when you see the price of all these ingredients compared to your last takeout bill.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Say hello to Keto Zuppa Toscana, a soup that’s as flavorful as it is friendly to your wallet and waistline. By swapping traditional potatoes for radishes, this soup keeps it low carb without skimping on taste, featuring hearty Italian sausage and kale in a creamy broth. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for anyone on a keto diet or just trying to eat healthier. And when you serve this up and see the surprise on your friends’ faces — realizing it’s homemade — they’ll ask for the recipe instead of the takeout menu. Plus, laughing at your old takeout bills becomes easy when dinner is this good.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Dive into the easy and quick Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and say goodbye to overpriced takeout. This dish features chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a host of Italian spices, all swimming in a creamy sauce. It’s ready in 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. This kind of dinner makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without needing any fancy tricks up your sleeve. Plus, it’s a smart way to save cash compared to those pricy delivery meals. Each bite will remind you why making dinner at home can be simple and spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is the perfect solution when you’re looking for something hearty but simple. This soup combines tender chicken, sweet corn, chunky carrots, and potatoes in a flavorful broth. It’s ready in under an hour and is a great way to comfort a chilly evening without much work. And let’s be honest, it’s so good that once you try making this at home, those takeout menus might collect dust. It’s a practical, delicious way to cut costs and treat everyone to a meal they’ll love — without the wait or the hefty bill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken will change your takeout habits for good. It’s not just another chicken dish; it’s a fiesta of flavors with fajita-seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and sweet mini peppers, all baked in a single pan. It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you’d rather not deal with many dishes afterward. It’s so simple and rewarding that you might start to think your old takeout bills were some bad joke. You’ll save money by swapping out those pricey deliveries for this homemade hit.
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.

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts bring elegance to your table, combining tender chicken thighs and luxurious artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce. It’s all done in just 30 minutes, which is about the time it takes for delivery. This dish is quick and mess-free, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight. Plus, it’s a wallet-friendly way to enjoy a great meal that makes those old takeout bills look like a bad decision. Don’t pay more for less when you can dine splendidly at home.
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.

Ditch the delivery and dive into this Creamy Garlic Chicken instead. It features perfectly pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a decadent garlic cream sauce. Ready in less time than it takes to decide on a takeout place, this dish pairs perfectly with pasta or steamed vegetables. It’s the perfect meal to showcase your cooking chops without the hassle of complex recipes. Plus, cooking at home means you control the quality and portions — no more overpriced, underwhelming deliveries. Laugh at those old takeout bills as you serve this simple yet impressive dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

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

A simple dish like Cabbage and Sausage can make you rethink your food delivery habits. This dish combines crunchy cabbage, flavorful sausage tossed with sweet onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a straightforward, filling meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s quicker than most delivery times and much more rewarding. It’s a perfect example of how easy it can be to whip up a hearty meal that keeps your stomach and wallet full. Say goodbye to those hefty takeout bills and hello to simple, great-tasting dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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