25 Dinners That’ll Make You Skip Your Usual Takeout Order

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25 Dinners That’ll Make You Skip Your Usual Takeout Order

Dinners that make you forget your favorite takeout place even exists? Yes, please. You’ve probably got that one spot on speed dial, but these recipes are about to change all that. Imagine meals so great, you’ll actually look forward to cooking. Say goodbye to the usual greasy bags and hello to dishes that are just as easy, but so much better. Get ready to impress yourself in the kitchen and maybe even save a few bucks while you’re at it.

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. 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 a shortcut to a great dinner that dodges the usual kitchen marathon. Just stack those frozen ravioli, drench them in marinara, and bury them under a mountain of cheese. Bake until everything’s bubbly, and about an hour later, you’re in business. It’s perfect for a weeknight when even calling for takeout feels like too much work. Plus, who knew you could get such great flavors with minimal effort?
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.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick escape to Italy without the jet lag. This seafood wonder, ready in just 25 minutes, combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful dairy-free garlic sauce, fresh grape tomatoes, and spinach for a gorgeous pop of color and a variety of textures. It’s perfect for when you want something light yet filling. You don’t need to go out to enjoy great flavors. After all, why settle for soggy takeout when you can dine on something this good from the comfort of your dining table?
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is your ticket to a flavor-packed dinner without the drama of dining out. It’s loaded with juicy sirloin, crispy bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all under a cheesy provolone canopy. Ready in just under an hour, this dish transforms your average evening into something special. It’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to beef up their dinner game without thinning out their wallet. Say goodbye to overpriced delivery because this casserole has all the perks of a big meal without the big bill.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake throws together some of the best comfort food elements without any hassle. Creamy spinach, tender chicken, a bunch of cheeses, and a hit of garlic and herbs are all there, and it only takes 30 minutes to cook. This is your go-to when you want to impress without the stress. It’s a straightforward dish that packs a punch and leaves you plenty of time to unwind. Plus, with a meal this good, you might be less and less tempted to browse through those takeout menus. This bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can save your evening from takeout tragedies.
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 it gets. Just toss tater tots, chicken, and corn into a dish, smother it with a creamy mushroom sauce, sprinkle some cheese on top, and let the oven do the rest. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s both filling and comforting. Perfect for those nights when even deciding about dinner feels like too much. With this casserole, you’re not just making dinner; you’re making a statement that great meals don’t have to be hard. And really, why bother with mediocre takeout when you can have something this good without much effort?
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 brings a whole lot of flavor with minimal effort. Mix sausages, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots in a delicious curry sauce, and let it all simmer. Forty-five minutes later, you’re looking at a comforting and exciting dinner. It’s a great way to spice up your meal routine without spending hours in the kitchen or dollars on takeout. Serve this with some fluffy rice or naan, and you’ve got a meal that’ll make you forget there’s such a thing as delivery. It shows homemade dinners can be simple, fast, and far better than anything from a box or bag.
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.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is your express ticket to a comforting meal that’s a breeze to make. Dive into a bowl filled with earthy mushrooms, creamy sour cream, and a mix of spices like paprika, dill, and thyme. It all comes together in about 45 minutes, serving a rich and creamy soup that’s perfect for any day of the week. This soup is a smooth move for anyone looking to up their soup game without the hassle of complex recipes or the need for takeout. Whip up something seriously good with just a few ingredients and a little time. Say goodbye to the takeout and hello to homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken has got you covered if you want to avoid takeout and keep things delicious at home. This dish features chicken thighs smothered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It cooks in just 40 minutes, perfect for a dinner that feels a bit fancy without being a hassle. It’s the kind of meal that makes you realize the kitchen is the best restaurant in town. Plus, why wait for delivery when you can whip up something this great in less time than it takes to choose a movie to stream?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is here to show that you can have comfort food without having to wait or pay the hefty delivery fees. Loaded with shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and onions in a delicious broth, this soup is ready in just 40 minutes. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day and way better than anything from a cardboard box. So, next time you’re thinking of ordering in, remember this soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl — just faster and tastier.
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.

For those nights when cooking feels like a chore, Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon comes to the rescue. This easy dish features butternut squash and cauliflower tossed with crispy bacon, all roasted to perfection in about 30 minutes. It combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy tones of cauliflower, all brought together with the richness of bacon. It’s light, filling, and doesn’t skimp on flavor. So, kick back, relax, and let your oven do the heavy lifting. Who knew skipping takeout could taste so good and be so simple?
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.

Say goodbye to mundane meals with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This dish packs a punch with tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all in a creamy sauce. It’s ready before you know it — about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect solution for a weeknight meal that’s better than anything you could order. Why wait around for a lukewarm meal when you can have something this good at home?
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.

White Bean Soup is your new best friend for those nights when you can’t face another takeout container. This soup is a hearty mix of carrots, celery, and white beans, all simmered together in a garlic and onion broth that’s comforting and straightforward. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a fast solution for a busy day. Besides being delicious, it’s loaded with nutrients that beat anything you could order online. And honestly, it reheats so well that you might just prefer it on day two. It’s a smart move for anyone looking to eat better without ordering takeout.
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.

If you’re trying to break up with your takeout habit, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup might just be the dish that helps you do it. This soup features creamy sweet potatoes and bright red peppers, all smoothed together into a comforting bowl that packs a gentle kick. It’s ready in an hour, making it just as convenient as any quick-fix meal but way better for you. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and a great way to impress guests without a lot of hassle. Plus, it’s way cheaper than takeout, so your wallet will thank you too.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Ditch the delivery menu with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, a great choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal at home. Packed with broccoli, cauliflower, sour cream, cream cheese, and bacon, this dish comes together with a crispy topping in half an hour. It’s the ultimate comfort food that makes you wonder why you ever thought takeout was easier. Get ready to impress everyone at the table, including yourself, without breaking a sweat — or the bank.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is here to kick bland meals to the curb. This dish is all about big flavors without the big wait, featuring juicy chicken in a rich, creamy dijon sauce mixed with spinach and topped with crispy bacon. Whip this up in just 30 minutes — faster than your takeout can arrive. It’s a great choice for a weeknight when you’re craving something a bit more special. And let’s be real, it’s so good it might just make your favorite takeout spot a little jealous. This is what dinner should be about: great flavor, no stress, and no regrets.
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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect answer to your takeout blues. Packed with Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and a dash of Italian seasoning, this soup is rich, hearty, and completely filling. It comes together in just 30 minutes, saving you the agony of waiting for lukewarm delivery. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. Next time you’re tempted by takeout, remember this soup — it’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed until now.
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.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is your ticket to flavor town without the takeout regret. It’s packed with all the good stuff — bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar — and baked until everything’s melded into gooey perfection. It’s just the thing for those evenings when you want to keep things simple but crave something hearty. It pairs perfectly with pretty much anything, or it’s great all by itself. Forget about the delivery driver; this casserole has everything you need for a hearty meal that makes leftovers something to look forward to.
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.

Keto Zuppa Toscana is the soup that’ll make you forget about carbs and takeout. Mimicking the famous Olive Garden classic, this soup swaps out potatoes for radishes, which cleverly capture the same texture and flavor. The creamy soup is brimming with garlic sausage, kale, and a hint of radish, ready to serve in an hour. It’s the perfect way to stay on track with your low-carb goals while still enjoying big, bold flavors. Plus, it’s so hearty that even your non-keto friends will be asking for seconds.
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.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is your fast pass to a perfect dinner, no reservations needed. This dish is a hearty combination of chicken thighs, Italian seasonings, and creamy sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for a weeknight meal that feels like weekend fare. It’s about making life easier, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that lets you skip the takeout and keep your taste buds happy with less effort and more satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato 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 like a hug in a dish. It combines ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rice — all topped with melted cheese. Taking about 45 minutes from start to finish, this casserole is a low-maintenance, high-reward meal that shows you can do wonders with simple ingredients. It’s also great for leftovers, making your efforts last. This casserole will make you reconsider your takeout habits for a healthier, cheaper, and just as comforting alternative. It’s the perfect solution when you want to feed your soul and stomach without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together chicken, sweet corn, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful broth. This soup cooks in less than an hour, perfect for a quick dinner that warms you from the inside out. It’s easy and lets you throw everything into one pot, so you can relax instead of juggling pans and pots. Forget the takeout — this is how you soup up a dreary day without leaving the comfort of your home. It’s a great way to enjoy a home-cooked meal that feels like a hug on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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 combine juicy chicken thighs and tender artichoke hearts in a rich, creamy sauce for a dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without actually having to be one. Simple to prepare and even easier to love, this meal is a smooth way to slide into a relaxing evening. Skip the takeout and treat yourself to something that’s not just quick but also raises the bar on what dinner at home can look like. Really, why settle for less when you can dine in and still dine well?
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 serves pan-seared chicken breasts in creamy garlic sauce that’s just right for draping over pasta or vegetables. This dish comes together in a snap, making it a great choice for a weeknight feast that feels indulgent without all the work. You get to enjoy a restaurant-level meal right in your kitchen — less expensive, quicker, and with full control over your ingredients. This dish will have you patting yourself on the back instead of dialing up takeout. Some nights are just better spent in.
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.

Cabbage and Sausage mix crisp cabbage with hearty sausage and sweet onions for a straightforward, delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is all about getting a lot of flavor with less effort. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to make you feel like you’ve done something nice for yourself. Plus, it pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all the great flavors. It’s dishes like this that make you wonder why takeout was ever your go-to on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken turns your oven into a flavor fiesta. It mixes fajita-seasoned chicken, cheese, and sweet mini peppers, all baked together in 30 minutes. It’s an uncomplicated meal that packs a punch and leaves your kitchen clean. Who knew a single dish could be so powerful? This is perfect for those evenings when you crave something tangy but dread the after-dinner cleanup. It’s like bringing the sizzle of a restaurant right to your table without the hassle or the hefty bill. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered with those greasy takeout boxes.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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