27 Recipes That Prove Your Home Cooking Beats Takeout Hands Down

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27 Recipes That Prove Your Home Cooking Beats Takeout Hands Down

These 27 recipes are about to become your go-to for nights when takeout menus are calling your name. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, they’re set to prove that home cooking can not only match but outdo the convenience and flavor of your favorite delivery meals. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, these dishes are great for any day of the week, proving that a fantastic meal doesn’t require a phone app, just a little time in your own kitchen.

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon 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 comforting and straightforward dish, taking about an hour to prepare. It involves layering frozen cheese ravioli with rich marinara sauce and a generous amount of cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is a perfect example of how home cooking can be both easy and impressive, making any dinner feel like a special event. It’s a great alternative to the usual pizza or fast food, serving a delicious meal that encourages family to gather around the table. Plus, it’s much more affordable than ordering out, verifying once again that homemade meals are not only better tasting but also better for your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of pasta, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. This dish is ready in about 25 minutes, making it faster than delivery and healthier. It’s perfect for those days when you need a quick meal without sacrificing quality or flavor. With this salad, you get all the freshness and satisfaction of a home-prepared meal that makes you question the need for takeout. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side at dinners or the main course at a lighter lunch, verifying that quick meals can also be great meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal with Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. This dish combines juicy shrimp with fresh spinach and sun-ripened tomatoes, all sautéed in a flavorful garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s faster than takeout and packs a powerful flavor punch. It’s perfect for those looking to enhance their cooking skills with simple, straightforward recipes.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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 a robust and hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes, with just the right amount of spice. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare, serving a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This soup is not only easy to make but also cost-effective, addressing the common pain point of expensive takeout options. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can serve a soup that tastes even better than it sounds, and leftovers keep well for days. This dish shows that homemade meals can be both convenient and superior in flavor and value.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty and wholesome dish, ready in 40 minutes, featuring tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a mix of vegetables in a broth. It’s the perfect answer to a chilly evening or a busy day when time and energy are short. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl, showing that you can have a filling and heartwarming dinner without the long wait or high costs associated with takeout. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers, making it a time-saving and economical choice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are seared to perfection, serving a meal that’s as nutritious as it is quick to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes. This dish pairs the mild, sweet flavor of scallops with the bright zest of lemon and the aromatic punch of garlic, creating a sophisticated meal that’s simple to make. Cooking these scallops at home not only ensures they are fresh but also allows you to impress guests or treat yourself without the expense and wait of a seafood restaurant. This recipe demonstrates how easy it can be to bring the elegance of a fine dining experience into your kitchen, making it clear why homemade is the better choice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is a robust, flavorful dish that puts takeout to shame, combining hearty sausages with rich curry spices in a single pan. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s packed with flavor. This dish demonstrates that you can create something extraordinary with very little effort, showing homemade meals can be easy, quick, and above all, better than what you’d get delivered.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken transforms your dining experience by combining the rich taste of Dijon mustard with the hearty texture of chicken, cooked in a sauce rich with cream and sprinkled with bacon and herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish not only saves time but also brings a level of sophistication to your dinner table that takeout simply can’t match. Cooking at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the final flavor. It’s always a favorite choice for a great homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a lush, comforting dish that’s far better than any takeout. In just 40 minutes, enjoy tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This one-pan meal is not only quick to make but also leaves you with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that feels special without all the hassle of complex recipes. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your cooking prowess with a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites serve a simple yet delicious way to dine in just 20 minutes. These bites are a testament to how great flavors can come from simple ingredients like garlic and butter, transforming chicken into a mouthwatering meal. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to cut down on dining out without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage combine for a quick, hearty meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need something filling yet simple to prepare. The fresh cabbage paired with sausage serves a delicious dinner that’s much better than takeout. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying the rich flavors of sausage. This meal shows that homemade really can be easy.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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 the ultimate quick-fix dinner, ready in just 25 minutes. These chops are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect alternative to takeout. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also serve a healthier option with less fat. This dish is a clear winner for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s proof that you can have restaurant-quality food at home fast and easily.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Forget takeout when you can create Zuppa Toscana in your own kitchen. It’s a robust soup that comes together in about an hour with sausage, radishes, and kale, simmered in a hearty broth. This dish is not only easy to make but it’s also comforting and perfect for sharing. Leftovers are even better the next day, making this a practical choice for meals throughout the week. Home cooking allows you to control the quality of ingredients and brings a touch of homemade comfort that takeout can’t match.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

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 answer to a quick dinner option, ready in just 40 minutes using a single pot. This soup combines white beans, carrots, and a topping of crunchy croutons. It’s a perfect solution for anyone looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. Plus, it’s great for next-day lunch leftovers, showing that homemade meals can be easy and still give you that fresh, cooked-from-scratch feel that takeout meals lack.
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.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a nutritious choice that shows homemade is better. Ready in just one hour, this one-pot meal blends the smooth flavors of sweet potatoes with the bright taste of red peppers. Topped with sour cream and parsley, it looks and tastes like it took hours to make. It’s also perfect for freezing, making it a smart option for meal planning. This soup shows that with a little prep, you can have delicious meals ready faster than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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.

Enjoy a hearty and delicious dinner with this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice, all in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients like ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms, this dish is a breeze to prepare. It’s also a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. Plus, the quick cleanup and one-skillet cooking method shows that homemade dinners can be easier than ordering out and waiting for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward, flavor-packed dish ready in just 25 minutes. It combines cabbage, bacon, onions, and some spices, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a meal that’s better than takeout, serving a great taste without the extra cost. It’s also a smart way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a way that’s both easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Make a switch from the usual takeout with this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish features chicken in a lush, creamy mushroom sauce, cooked all in one skillet. It pairs perfectly with pasta or rice, creating a meal that impresses without the hassle. This dish exemplifies how homemade cooking can give a high-quality, delicious dinner much faster than delivery, ensuring freshness and flavor that takeout just can’t compete with.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Swap out takeout for this flavorful Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy, which you can make in just 30 minutes. The combination of fresh salmon, bok choy, and rich coconut milk infused with curry powder and other spices creates a quick and flavorful meal. Serve it with rice to soak up the delicious sauce. This recipe shows that cooking at home can be a quick, rewarding way to enjoy gourmet flavors without the wait or cost of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comforting flavors of the traditional pie but in a less time-consuming soup form. Ready in about an hour, this one-pot meal combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty vegetables. It’s the perfect antidote to a long day and far superior to any soup you might consider ordering. Choose this recipe for a comforting evening meal that beats any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn a regular evening into something extraordinary with our Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. This dish substitutes traditional rice with cauliflower for a lighter take on risotto, complete with mushrooms, garlic, onions, and Parmesan, all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a lighter alternative to heavy, starchy meals. Not only is it quicker than waiting for takeout, but it also serves the comfort and richness of risotto without the post-meal heaviness, making it a smart pick for a delicious, nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Ditch the takeout menu and dive into our Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken instead. This dish brings together juicy chicken thighs, rich cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a smooth sauce that cooks up in just 30 minutes. The best part is that it’s all done in one pan, which means there are fewer messes and more time to relax after dinner. This meal shows that you can enjoy gourmet flavors at home with minimal effort and cost. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to boost their weeknight dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

On a chilly evening, nothing beats the homely comfort of Hungarian Mushroom Soup. In just 45 minutes, you can prepare a warming, creamy soup with rich flavors. This soup is rich with mushrooms, a dash of cream, and aromatic spices, making it thick and good. It pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread. Not only is this soup comforting, but it also stays well, making it perfect for several meals, which is great for saving time and money compared to opting for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You won’t need takeout with Creamy Garlic Chicken fresh from your own kitchen. This recipe features chicken cooked in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that’s both comforting and hearty. Ready in just 30 minutes and using only one pan, it’s the ultimate quick and easy dinner option. This dish is great for last-minute meals and shows that you can whip up a dinner that’s both quick and more nutritious than what you’d get delivered. It’s all about making life easier while still eating well.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Simplify your dinner plans with our Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just load up a pan with sausages and a mix of broccoli, zucchini and peppers, bake for about 30 minutes, and you’re set. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also packs a flavorful punch that outdoes any takeout. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a filling meal without a lot of effort or dishes. Showcasing how simple ingredients can be turned into a meal that’s great for both your taste buds and your schedule, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Forget about waiting for delivery. Our Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts can be on your table in just 30 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts. It’s a straightforward recipe that brings a touch of elegance to your dining table without any complex steps or ingredients. Quick, comforting, and less expensive than takeout, this meal shows that staying in is the smarter choice when you’re craving something special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Revamp your leftover chicken into a bright Green Chile Chicken dish in just 20 minutes. This simple yet flavorful recipe mixes chicken with green chiles, onions, garlic, and a creamy sauce for a meal that’s far better than anything you’d order. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable, perfect for throwing together on a hectic night. This dish is a great example of how homemade meals can be both budget-friendly and far more enticing than takeout, serving a delicious way to use up leftovers while still keeping dinner exciting and good.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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