33 Spot-On Dinner Recipes That Will Make You Think It’s Takeout

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33 Spot-On Dinner Recipes That Will Make You Think It’s Takeout

If you love the convenience of takeout but want the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, these 33 dinner recipes are for you. Each dish is designed to deliver restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a delicious dinner any night of the week. Say goodbye to takeout cravings and hello to homemade goodness.

A grilled piece of chicken garnished with rosemary and orange peel, served with a dark berry sauce, presented on a light gray plate with a blue cloth napkin.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This turkey is brined in buttermilk for a juicy, flavorful dish with a subtle tang. It combines the rich taste of turkey with a hint of sweetness from the buttermilk brine, perfect for a special dinner. The main ingredients include turkey, buttermilk, and simple seasonings. This recipe takes about 24 hours to brine and 2 hours to cook.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grain bowl features grilled shrimp with a mix of grains, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. The shrimp add a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the wholesome grains and crisp veggies. Key ingredients include shrimp, quinoa, mixed greens, and a lemon vinaigrette. It’s a healthy meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Hands holding a baking dish with Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish offers oven-baked salmon seasoned with lemon and dill, served alongside roasted asparagus. The salmon is tender and flaky, complemented by the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon and herbs. Main ingredients are salmon fillets, asparagus, lemon, and dill. It’s a quick and nutritious dinner ready in 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are cooked to perfection and topped with a savory mustard shallot gravy. The gravy adds a rich, tangy flavor that enhances the juicy pork. Main ingredients include pork chops, shallots, mustard, and chicken broth. This hearty meal takes about 40 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table.
Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This soup combines creamy butternut squash with fluffy homemade dumplings for a comforting dish. The squash gives a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with the light, doughy dumplings. Key ingredients include butternut squash, flour, eggs, and broth. It’s a warm, satisfying meal ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are glazed with a tangy citrus sauce, giving them a bright, refreshing flavor. The glaze caramelizes as it cooks, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Main ingredients are pork chops, orange juice, honey, and garlic. This recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted chicken and vegetables in a skillet on a cutting board.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features roasted chicken seasoned with herbs, paired with a variety of vegetables. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the vegetables are tender and well-seasoned. Main ingredients include chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, and garlic. It’s an easy one-pan meal ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These ravioli are filled with a rich butternut squash mixture, offering a sweet and savory flavor. The homemade pasta dough adds a fresh, tender texture that pairs perfectly with the filling. Main ingredients include butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and pasta dough. It’s a delicious homemade dish that takes about 1.5 hours to make.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This one-pan dish features tender pork cooked with garlic and pepper, served with a side of vegetables. The garlic and pepper give the pork a robust flavor, while the vegetables add a touch of freshness. Key ingredients are pork tenderloin, bell peppers, and green beans. It’s a quick and easy meal ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Panko Crusted Rockfish

panko crusted rockfish on a plate with spinach.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This rockfish is coated in panko breadcrumbs and baked until crispy and golden. The panko adds a satisfying crunch that complements the mild, flaky fish. Main ingredients include rockfish fillets, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a delicious seafood dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features pork cooked with garlic and herbs, served with roasted potatoes. The garlic and herbs infuse the pork with a rich flavor, while the potatoes are crispy and golden. Main ingredients are pork chops, garlic, rosemary, and potatoes. It’s a hearty meal ready in about 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken skillet combines tender chicken with a creamy balsamic sauce for a flavorful dish. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Main ingredients include chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, cream, and spinach. It’s a comforting meal that takes around 30 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This pot pie features a flaky crust filled with chicken and vegetables, topped with a tarragon-infused gravy. The tarragon adds a unique, aromatic flavor that enhances the savory filling. Key ingredients are chicken, carrots, peas, and tarragon. It’s a classic comfort food ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken is grilled to perfection and glazed with a maple mustard sauce, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. The glaze caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious crust. Main ingredients include chicken thighs, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. It’s a quick and tasty meal ready in 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This tri-tip is grilled and served with a fresh pineapple mango red pepper salsa. The salsa adds a sweet and spicy contrast to the smoky, tender beef. Main ingredients are tri-tip, pineapple, mango, and red pepper. It’s a flavorful dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce.
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This pasta features seared scallops tossed in a rich brown butter sauce. The brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that complements the tender scallops. Key ingredients include scallops, pasta, butter, and garlic. It’s an elegant dish ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This filet mignon is topped with a fresh peach mango cilantro sauce, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce enhances the rich, tender steak, creating a perfect balance. Main ingredients are filet mignon, peaches, mango, and cilantro. It’s a gourmet meal ready in 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Shrimp asparagus risotto in a dark bowl on a blue background with a napkin and glass of wine.
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This risotto features creamy Arborio rice cooked with shrimp and asparagus. The shrimp add a delicate seafood flavor, while the asparagus provides a fresh, green bite. Key ingredients include shrimp, asparagus, Arborio rice, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting dish that takes about 40 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Guinness Gravy

Mashed potatoes with gravy being poured on top.
Guinness Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This gravy is made with Guinness beer, adding a rich, deep flavor that pairs well with meats. It’s thick and savory, perfect for pouring over roast beef or pork. Main ingredients include Guinness beer, beef broth, and flour. It’s a delicious addition to your meal that takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Gravy

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish combines juicy chicken with cilantro lime rice for a fresh and zesty flavor. The cilantro and lime add a bright, tangy taste that complements the tender chicken. Main ingredients are chicken breasts, cilantro, lime, and rice. It’s a quick and easy meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salmon is seasoned with garam masala and cooked on a cedar plank for a smoky, spiced flavor. The garam masala adds a warm, aromatic taste that enhances the salmon. Key ingredients include salmon fillets, garam masala, and cedar planks. It’s a unique dish ready in about 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, then baked with marinara sauce. The ricotta adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the spinach. Main ingredients include jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, and spinach. It’s a comforting Italian dish ready in about 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Spinach Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These lasagna rolls are filled with a spinach and ricotta mixture, then baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The spinach adds a fresh, green flavor that balances the creamy ricotta. Key ingredients include lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and spinach. It’s a delicious vegetarian meal ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad features grilled chicken tossed with a tangy Carolina BBQ sauce, served over mixed greens. The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the fresh vegetables. Main ingredients are chicken breasts, mixed greens, and Carolina BBQ sauce. It’s a light and flavorful meal ready in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

California Steak Salad

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad combines grilled steak with avocado, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, hearty meal. The steak adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the creamy avocado. Key ingredients include steak, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens. It’s a satisfying salad ready in about 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are served with a homemade applesauce and fresh blackberries, creating a sweet and savory dish. The applesauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the juicy pork. Main ingredients include pork chops, apples, and blackberries. It’s a tasty meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia

Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features couscous mixed with summer vegetables, served with sauteed tilapia. The tilapia is light and flaky, while the couscous and veggies add a fresh, vibrant flavor. Main ingredients include couscous, zucchini, tomatoes, and tilapia. It’s a healthy meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Summer Veggie Couscous with Sauteed Tilapia

Roast Rack of Lamb

Roasted rack of lamb on a cutting board.
Roast Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This rack of lamb is roasted with a garlic fennel crust, giving it a savory, aromatic flavor. The crust adds a crunchy texture that complements the tender lamb. Main ingredients are rack of lamb, garlic, and fennel seeds. It’s a gourmet dish ready in about 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This plate features marinated chicken shawarma served with rice, salad, and a tangy yogurt sauce. The shawarma is flavorful and spiced, while the yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast. Key ingredients include chicken thighs, yogurt, and spices. It’s a delicious Middle Eastern meal ready in about 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

A lamb shepherd's pie served in a glass dish.
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This shepherd’s pie combines ground lamb with vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The lamb adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the tender vegetables and potatoes. Main ingredients are ground lamb, carrots, peas, and potatoes. It’s a comforting dish ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This turkey breast is coated in a crunchy hazelnut crust, adding a nutty flavor to the tender meat. The hazelnuts provide a unique texture that complements the juicy turkey. Main ingredients include turkey breast, hazelnuts, and Dijon mustard. It’s a delicious dish ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Roast beef with herbs and roasted potatoes in a blue enameled cast-iron dish.
Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This beef tenderloin is roasted and served with a variety of winter vegetables. The tenderloin is juicy and flavorful, while the vegetables add a hearty, seasonal touch. Main ingredients include beef tenderloin, carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. It’s a festive meal ready in about 1.5 hours.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features grilled pork chops paired with shrimp for a surf and turf experience. The pork chops are juicy and flavorful, while the shrimp add a light, seafood twist. Key ingredients are pork chops, shrimp, and garlic. It’s a satisfying meal ready in about 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

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