Make Takeout a Thing of the Past With These 23 Homemade Dinner Recipes

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Make Takeout a Thing of the Past With These 23 Homemade Dinner Recipes

With these 23 homemade dinner recipes, you’ll find yourself waving goodbye to takeout menus and hello to fresh, home-cooked meals that are just as good, if not better. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight fix or something a bit more special for the weekend, we’ve got you covered with dishes that are simple to make and great for any occasion. They’re the perfect way to show off your kitchen skills and impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat.

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

For a quick, flavorful homemade dinner that’ll make you forget about ordering takeout, try Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. You just need shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk. Cook everything in one pan for about 30 minutes, and you’re done. This dish lets you enjoy a seafood feast without the hassle or high cost of takeout. It’s great served over pasta or with garlic bread.
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.

This one-pot Chicken Tortellini Soup is a breeze to make and ready in just 40 minutes, making it a great homemade dinner option for busy evenings. The hearty soup features chicken, cheese-filled tortellini pasta, and veggies like carrots, celery, and spinach simmered in an amazing broth. Serve this nourishing, comforting soup with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Skip the takeout and make Creamy Tuscan Chicken instead–it’s ready in just 40 minutes. You’ll need chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and some cream to whip up this rich, creamy dish. Perfect for a night at home when you want something great to eat. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making prepping for dinner tomorrow a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon needs minimal prep, making it perfect for busy nights. Just chop your veggies, toss them with bacon, and roast. It’s that easy. This dish is a solid pick for a flavorful, filling homemade dinner that’s healthier than takeout. Cool leftovers quickly and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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.

Cozy up with Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup, a simple combo of sweet potatoes, red peppers, broth, and spices that cooks up in less than an hour. Just simmer everything together, and blend until smooth. In one hour, you’ve got a comforting bowl of soup that will make you forget about takeout. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs for extra flavor. This soup freezes well, so make a big batch and save some for later.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Ready in 30 minutes, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick fix for a filling homemade dinner that’ll make you forget takeout. You’ll need chicken thighs, mushrooms, and cream for the sauce. Just cook the chicken, sauté the mushrooms, add cream, and let it all come together. No hassle, but way better than takeout. Serve it with steamed green beans or roasted carrots on the side. The sauce and chicken can be stored together or separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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.

This White Bean Soup comes together in a single pot in under 40 minutes, making it an easy homemade dinner option that’ll make you forget about ordering takeout. The simple ingredients include canned white beans, diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth. Start by sautéing the vegetables, then add the broth and beans. Let it all simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors are well-infused. You can blend a portion of the soup for a creamy texture if desired. Season with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan filled with a creamy sauce with chicken, bacon, and spinach.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cozy, comforting chicken dinner is ready faster than you can order takeout. We’re talking just 30 minutes. With chicken, Dijon mustard, spinach, and bacon, it shows that great homemade dinners don’t need to be complicated to make. Want thicker sauce? Add more cheese and let it simmer for a bit longer on low heat. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice to make it a full meal. And don’t worry about leftovers; they’ll keep for 4 days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

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

Ditch those takeout menus and switch up your dinner game with this one-pan sausage and veggie curry instead. You’ll need sausage, your favorite curry spices, and some veggies. Just cook the sausage, add the spices, toss in the veggies, and let it all simmer together into a flavorful meal that comes together quickly. Serve it over rice or with naan for the perfect homemade dinner that’ll still be great for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

Why even think about ordering out when you can whip up this rich, hearty soup in just 30 minutes? With Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cream cheese, it makes a comforting homemade alternative to takeout that’s full of flavor but easy to prepare, even on busy nights. Top it with Parmesan and serve with some crusty bread. Any leftovers can go right into the fridge or freezer for future quick homemade meals.
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.

Chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella — that’s all you need for this simple yet flavorful meal. This 30-minute bake is the perfect homemade dinner for those relaxed evenings when you can’t be bothered to order in. Just mix it all together in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Serve it up with a side salad, and don’t let those leftovers go to waste. They make a great lunch straight from the fridge the next day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This comforting casserole with bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese proves that delicious homemade meals can be downright effortless. Enjoy this as your main meal and serve up with a side of greens. The leftovers? They store really well for up to 3 more days in the fridge.
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.

In just 30 minutes, you can ditch that takeout habit for this homemade loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole that’s delicious and filling. You’ve got broccoli, cauliflower, a rich cheese sauce, and bacon all baked together into one casserole dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but still flavorful. Serve it with your favorite protein, or just enjoy it as is. Any leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

When you need some cozy, comforting soup for those chilly nights but don’t want takeout, this rich, flavorful mushroom soup has your back, and it’s ready in just 45 minutes and in only one pot. Grab some crusty bread for dipping, and you can keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

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

There’s no need for takeout menus when you can weeknight meals are made special with this 30-minute chicken dish. It features tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. It’s quick enough for any night but still impressive — the perfect homemade option. Just sear up that chicken, make the sauce, and combine it all together. Serve it over pasta or rice, and you can refrigerate those leftovers for easy homemade meals later in 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.

This hearty soup is a great homemade dinner choice that’ll make you forget takeout. It takes around an hour but is inspired by a classic favorite, using sausage, radishes instead of potatoes, and cream to keep it keto-friendly and comforting for chilly nights. Serve with a salad for a complete meal, and enjoy leftovers for up to 3 days. No need to settle for heavy takeout when you can have a flavorful soup at home.
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.

In just 45 minutes, you can have this casserole that packs all the classic stuffed pepper flavors into an easy form. It’s a filling, flavorful homemade dinner option that simplifies your evening without sacrificing taste. Great on its own or with crusty bread, and you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Skip the takeout and enjoy this comforting casserole that you can make with minimal effort.
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, one-pan meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a hassle-free homemade dinner that’ll make you forget takeout. It combines simple cooking with savory flavors from just a few ingredients. Instead of chicken sausage, consider using smoked varieties like kielbasa, andouille, or bratwurst. You can also use any type of pork, beef, or turkey sausage. Serve with mashed potatoes or enjoy as is, and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. No need to wait and pay for takeout when you can whip up this easy, flavorful meal at home.
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.

Prepare a pot of this comforting chicken, corn, and veggie soup in under an hour for a simple yet cozy homemade meal solution on busy nights. No need for takeout when you can easily make this at home. Serve with crusty bread, and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Make the dish extra special with additional vegetables such as chopped celery or frozen peas for extra flavor and texture. For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of ground cayenne pepper. Just before serving, top it off with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese to add a savory finish.
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 30-minute, one-pan dish brings together seasoned chicken, cream cheese, peppers, and cheese for a cozy and flavorful homemade dinner that’ll make you forget takeout. Great for evenings when you want something delicious without much effort in the kitchen. Serve with tortillas or rice, and refrigerate leftovers. Skip the takeout now that you can have this easy, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

In just 30 minutes, you can have this quick and comforting homemade dinner of tender chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce. Perfect for when time is short but you still want something delicious instead of takeout. If you’re going dairy-free, swap full-fat canned coconut milk at a 1:1 ratio. Just keep in mind this substitution will definitely give the recipe a different flavor profile. Serve with veggies or pasta, and refrigerate leftovers. Ditch the costly, disappointing takeout and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless 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.

This easy chicken dish in a rich garlic sauce is perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting homemade meal without hassle – no need for takeout. It shows how quick and straightforward it is to enjoy a delicious dinner at home. Serve over pasta or with veggies, and refrigerate any leftovers. Skip overpriced takeout and whip up this extra flavorful chicken dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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 casserole delivers those mouthwatering tastes in under an hour. Perfect if you’re craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the hassle. Packed with sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, and plenty of cheese, it transforms the classic sandwich into a flavorful one-dish meal. Skip the takeout tonight and whip up this casserole instead. Enjoy on its own or serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

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