23 Dinners That Make Takeout Seem Like a Bad Life Choice

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23 Dinners That Make Takeout Seem Like a Bad Life Choice

Dinners that make you question your takeout choices? Yeah, those. Forget dialing for takeout when you can whip up meals at home that are not only great but will also make you wonder why you ever settled for soggy fries and bland noodles. These recipes are so good you’ll start to feel a little smug about your cooking prowess and maybe even a tad superior to your friends still stuck in the takeout rut.

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Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. 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.

No need to bother with a pricey Italian restaurant when you can make Baked Ravioli right in your own kitchen. Start with layers of frozen cheese ravioli, pour on some marinara sauce, and throw on heaps of mozzarella and Parmesan. It takes about an hour in the oven, and voila, you’ve got a piping hot meal that screams comfort without the price tag or the wait. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to go out or spend a bunch. Honestly, this dish makes paying for Italian seem like a bad joke.
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.

Forget dressing up and waiting for a table. Make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce in about 30 minutes right at home. It’s simple: brown some chicken thighs, then simmer them in a creamy sauce made with mushrooms, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich sauce. It’s a great way to impress yourself or others with what looks like a fancy meal without any restaurant hassle. Plus, who wants to pay triple for something you can make so easily at home?
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.

Toss together a Fresh Corn Salad instead of overpaying at a salad bar. This dish combines fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a citrusy lime dressing. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a light dinner or a refreshing side dish. It’s fresh and quick and won’t leave you feeling heavy or broke. Why waste money on store-bought salad when you can craft one that’s tastier and cheaper at home? Plus, you get to avoid that dreaded post-salad regret when you realize you could’ve made something better yourself.
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.

If you need a quick, filling meal that won’t break the bank, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is your go-to. Mix pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing for a dish ready in 25 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights or when the thought of going out seems like too much trouble. It also keeps well, so it’s great for meal prep. Honestly, spending on takeout when you have this recipe is just throwing money away. It’s good food made easy, without any hassle or extra costs.
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.

Get all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the hassle of these Reuben Bowls. Combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing in a bowl. It’s all ready in about 30 minutes, making it a straightforward choice for a filling meal. Why mess with cooking something complicated or dressing up to go out when you can have this hearty dish at home? It’s the smarter way to feed those sandwich cravings with far less effort and cost. Plus, you don’t even need to know how to make a sandwich to get this right.
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.

Whip up a Quinoa Chickpea Salad when you’re looking for something quick and healthy. It mixes cooked quinoa with fresh veggies and a sharp lemon-garlic dressing, coming together in no time. This dish is a powerhouse meal that’s filling and energizing, perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore, and the local health food place seems too far away. Besides, who wants to pay restaurant prices for a salad when you can have something healthier and just as quick from your own kitchen? It’s smart, simple, and keeps you out of the takeout trap.
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 shows quick meals can be filling. It’s just the ticket when you’re looking for something effortless. It combines elbow macaroni, canned tuna, sweet pickle relish, mayo, mustard, celery, onion, and eggs. The result? A creamy salad with a crisp crunch from the veggies. It’s all done in 40 minutes — quicker than waiting for that local diner to bring your order. Plus, it’s super affordable. Forget shelling out cash at a restaurant when you’ve got all the goodness of a hearty salad right at home. You can kiss those long lines and overpriced menus goodbye!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

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.

Let’s keep it real — some nights, you just need dinner to be easy, fast, and filling. This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet ticks all those boxes. Mix ground beef with cauliflower rice, shredded cheddar, and mushrooms for a dish that’s rich in flavor and easy on your wallet. Ready in just a few shakes, it’s faster than driving to a restaurant and waiting for a table. The best part? Minimal cleanup, so you can relax after dinner instead of scrubbing pans. So, why bother with takeout when you can have a delicious meal without stepping out the door?
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.

Fire up the grill for some Grilled Hot Honey Chicken that brings a perfect balance of sweet heat right to your plate. You just need chicken, a few spices, and, of course, honey. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in about 45 minutes — yes, even faster than that pizza delivery guy can get to your door. Plus, no tipping is required, and you don’t have to change out of your pajamas. So, why would you opt for takeout when you can enjoy a flavorful meal that keeps your comfort and your budget in mind?
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 your answer when you’re craving something crispy. Just coat the chops in mayo, roll them in breadcrumbs, and pop them in the oven. In just 25 minutes, you’ve got a plate of crispy, juicy pork chops. This meal is quicker than most delivery times, and let’s face it, it’s also a lot cheaper. Perfect for those evenings when you want a great meal but can’t deal with the hassle of going out. With this recipe, your kitchen turns into the best new restaurant in town.
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.

You won’t need a side dish when you can have everything in one with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It’s a powerhouse of flavors with broccoli, cauliflower, sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, bacon bits, and loads of cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes. It’s like having a big family dinner without the big bill or needing to dress up. Skip the restaurant racket and keep your evening calm with this all-in-one meal that will keep everyone at the table happy and your wallet even happier.
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 the ultimate in simple cooking with big flavor. Just slice up some sausage, toss it in a pan with cabbage, and let it all cook together. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a hearty dish that’s so good you’ll forget about ordering in. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re too beat to whip up something complex but still want a meal that’s better than anything you’d get delivered. Plus, it’s cost-effective, which means more money in your pocket and less spent on overpriced takeout.
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.

Let’s talk about the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s basically comfort in a dish with its mix of creamy cheddar, hearty egg noodles, peas, and chunks of tuna, all topped with crispy breadcrumbs. You toss it all together and bake it for about 20 minutes. Sounds great, right? It’s the perfect meal for those nights when you’re tempted to hit up the drive-thru but want something healthier and more filling. Forget about soggy fries and mystery meat — this casserole is real food, fast and good. That’s dinner sorted without the drama of delivery apps.
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.

Now, onto Garlic Butter Chicken Bites — they’re little nuggets of joy. We’re talking chicken cut into bites, pan-fried until golden, and then drenched in a buttery garlic sauce. This all comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and a whole lot cheaper than those overpriced appetizers at your local bar. Why wait for a table when you can have these crispy delights at home? With this dish, you’ll rethink whether going out is even worth it. Perfect for a get-together or a chill night in. Say goodbye to parking nightmares and hello to a full belly.
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.

Stir up some White Bean Soup when you’re looking for something light but filling. It’s a smooth mix of white beans, carrots, celery, and a few spices, simmered together until everything is tender. You’ll need about 40 minutes; most of that time, the soup does its thing while you do yours. It’s not just easy; it’s wallet-friendly too. So, why overspend at a fancy soup place when you can make something even better at home? Plus, it’s perfect for when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. This soup makes takeout look like a bad joke.
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.

Here’s the scoop on Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: shredded chicken mixed with sweet corn and cheese, all hidden under a layer of crunchy tater tots. You throw it in the oven, and 30 minutes later, you have a bubbling, hot dish that beats any fast-food option. This casserole is a hero on a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you just slid it into the oven at the last minute. And honestly, who needs to stand in line when you can have this kind of comfort waiting at home? It’s a game-changer, for sure.
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 is all the fun of stuffed peppers with minimal effort. You’ve got ground beef, chopped bell peppers, onions, and rice, all thrown into a dish with some tomato sauce and baked until it’s bubbling. It’s ready in about 45 minutes and packed with flavors that’ll make you forget about your local diner. This casserole is a weeknight warrior, easily battling out those “what’s for dinner?” blues. It’s comforting, and it lets you dodge those noisy eateries. Plus, you get to brag about making a ‘home-cooked meal’ — sounds like a win to me!
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 the celebrity of quick dinners. Mix up some canned chicken with eggs, Parmesan, and a bit of almond or sunflower seed meal, and you’ve got patties that go from prep to plate in about 20 minutes. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they pair up with practically any side you throw at them. On those nights when even ordering pizza seems like too much effort, these patties are a perfect pinch-hitter. It’s great for those “ugh, not cooking tonight” moods, and you end up with a meal that’s so good that you’ll wonder why takeout was ever an option.
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 brings the cozy right to your kitchen. So why hustle with takeout? Load up the crockpot with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a dash of spice and let it simmer. Cooking time? Just prep and forget it until dinnertime. It’s not just soup; it’s a flavor fest in a bowl, perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal without the hassle. And hey, it freezes like a dream. So, next time you think about hitting up a drive-thru, remember this soup’s ready to serve you real food with real flavor, minus the real big bill.
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.

If your idea of winding down involves not spending the evening in the kitchen, meet your new pal, Chicken Tortellini Soup. Ready in 40 minutes, it brings together cheese tortellini, chicken, and veggies in a delicious broth. It’s a complete meal in one pot — because who has time for dishes? Plus, it stretches your leftovers further than you thought possible. Forget about waiting on that lukewarm delivery. This soup’s got your back with fresh, hot goodness straight from your stove. Why settle for less when you can have the best seat in the house at your dining table?
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.

Dive into this Cheesy Beef Casserole and forget all about the fast food flyers. In just 30 minutes, you layer beef, spinach, and cauliflower rice, topping it all off with melty cheese. It’s quick, delicious, and proof that your oven can work faster than any delivery scooter out there. This dish is a game changer for anyone looking to treat themselves without the added expenses. So, next time you’re tempted by glossy ads, remember this casserole doesn’t charge extra for cheese!
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.

With Green Chile Chicken, you’re just 20 minutes away from forgetting why you ever craved takeout. Mix up some chicken, green chiles, cream cheese, and a splash of heavy cream for a simple yet deliciously effective dish. Serve it over cauliflower rice or scoop it into tortillas. It’s the perfect meal for a low-effort, high-reward kind of night, and let’s be honest, it’ll make your leftovers feel like a planned part of the menu. Plus, it’s kind to your wallet — because who says you can’t have great flavor on a budget?
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

When it comes to the Spinach Chickenå Bake, think of it as your knight in shining armor, rescuing you from the clutches of delivery despair. Just toss chicken, garlic, cream cheese, and fresh spinach into a dish and bake. It’s ready before you know the delivery guy’s name and packed with flavors that make takeout menus quiver. This dish is all about making your dinner rush a breeze and keeping your wallet happy. So why wait on the porch for a paper bag when you can dish up real goodness from your own oven?
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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