23 Really Good Dinners That’ll Make You End Your Takeout Habit

Photo of author

| Published:

23 Really Good Dinners That’ll Make You End Your Takeout Habit

Looking for really good dinners that can help you break up with takeout for good? These 23 recipes are exactly what you need. Simple, fast, and good, these recipes are designed for anyone wanting to cut down on ordering out. They’re easy to make, don’t need a lot of ingredients, and are great for any night of the week. Whether it’s a quick soup or a hearty casserole, each dish is a step towards more home-cooked meals. If you’re aiming to eat better, spend less, and still enjoy dinner time, these recipes are your first move away from the takeout menus.

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe is made in one pan and comes together in only 30 minutes. The recipe features shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk. Every bite is packed with flavor yielding a meal that is impressive and memorable, yet straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

With a prep time of only 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken, a smooth Dijon sauce, fresh spinach, and bacon. It’s easy to make and perfect for a relaxed evening meal, showing that a homemade dinner can be both quick and good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with spinach and sour cream on a sheet pan.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe brings together butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon for a flavorful meal that’s straightforward to prepare. It’s great for a busy night, encouraging home cooking over ordering out.
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.

This soup is ready in less than an hour and is a warm and easy option for dinner. It’s great for those times you’re looking for something comforting without much fuss, helping you enjoy more meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

In 40 minutes, you can have this chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy sauce on your table. It’s easy and quick, perfect for making dinner special without the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A skillet of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce with a wooden spoon.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal, ready in just 30 minutes, features chicken thighs in a simple mushroom sauce. It’s a straightforward choice for a comforting dinner, perfect for those evenings when you want something quick and good without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute meal mixes chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in one pan for a quick dinner. It’s an easy choice for busy nights, showing you can have a good meal without spending a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sausage Curry

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

This one-pan meal creates a warm and flavorful curry with sausage. It’s simple to make and perfect for a homemade dinner that brings something different to your table without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with creamy parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is ready in 30 minutes and combines Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cream cheese for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something warm and quick, encouraging you to cook at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cheesy twice baked potato casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for a comforting casserole that’s great for dinner. It shows that delicious meals can be easy to make, making it a good alternative to ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole brings broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and bacon together for a hearty meal. It’s great for nights when you want something simple and good, helping you enjoy cooking at home more often.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Make this mushroom soup in 45 minutes with just one pot. It’s a great choice for a comforting meal at home, perfect for those times you want something warm with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken thighs with sun dried tomatoes in a white bowl.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe features chicken with sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. It’s good for everyday dinners and special enough for guests, proving that quick meals can also be impressive.
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.

Prepare this hearty soup that’s inspired by Olive Garden. It’s made with sausage, radishes, and cream in about an hour. It’s a great pick for cool evenings when you want a delicious meal but are trying to avoid ordering out. Instead of potatoes, this soup includes radishes, which mimic the flavor and texture of potatoes perfectly.
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 45 minutes, this casserole is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. It’s straightforward to prepare, giving you a filling meal that makes a homemade dinner seem effortless.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This quick dish combines cabbage and sausage in one pan, ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s great for a filling, easy dinner, perfect for when you want something good without too much trouble.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken and vegetable soup needs less than an hour and one pot. It’s a great choice for a simple, comforting meal at home, proving that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish, ready in 30 minutes, uses one pan to cook seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home, showing you can enjoy good flavors without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare chicken thighs in a creamy artichoke sauce in just 30 minutes. This dish proves quick and easy can still mean good flavor and comfort, perfect for those evenings when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal mixes ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice into a comforting dinner, ready in 30 minutes. It’s crafted for nights when you want something flavorful and filling without a long prep time, making it easier to choose home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With this recipe, chicken in a rich garlic sauce comes together quickly. It’s a straightforward meal option for busy evenings. It’s all about getting a comforting dish on the table with minimal fuss.
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.

Transform the classic Philly cheese steak into a casserole in under an hour. It combines sirloin steak, bell peppers, and onions, making it easy to enjoy familiar flavors at home, perfect for when you’re craving something special without going out.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup, featuring wild rice and mushrooms, is easy to prepare, with the rice cooking as you handle the other ingredients. It’s designed for efficiency, ensuring you can serve a warm, comforting meal quickly — great for cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.