17 easy weeknight meals faster (and cheaper) than takeout

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On those evenings when time is tight and you’re tempted to dial for takeout, consider this: you could have a homemade meal ready even quicker. Our list of 17 weeknight recipes offers a variety of dishes that are both simple to make and easy on your wallet. They’re the perfect solution for anyone looking to feed their family well without the wait or the cost of restaurant food.

Bowl of chicken chop suey with fork.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks offer a rich blend of spices and a hint of citrus, ready in just 30 minutes. They’re marinated in a mix of garlic, cumin, and lime, creating a robust flavor profile. This dish is both satisfying and more budget-friendly than similar takeout options. Serve them up for a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Appetizer: Kebabs on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are a delightful meat-free option that takes a mere 25 minutes to prepare. Made with a hearty blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, they’re grilled to perfection and offer a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. They’re perfect for a quick, healthy meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, they’re packed with flavor that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Middle eastern tofu rice bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle eastern tofu rice bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Middle Eastern tofu rice bowl is a nutritious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It features spiced tofu atop a bed of aromatic rice, with fresh herbs and a lemony dressing. This dish is a great way to enjoy a protein-rich, vegan meal that’s both fast and affordable. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Middle eastern tofu rice bowl

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov

vegetarian rice plov on baking dish with spoon
The perfect rice pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov is a feast for the senses, ready in 35 minutes. It’s a colorful dish made with rice, dried fruits, and nuts, seasoned with warm spices. This meal is not only visually appealing but also offers a sweet and savory taste experience. It’s a cost-effective way to bring a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled vegetarian rice plov

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

One stuffed pepper on platewith pot in background.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a wholesome meal that can be on your table in 45 minutes. These peppers are filled with a savory mix of ground turkey, rice, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs. They’re a healthier, more affordable alternative to takeout, with a comforting taste. This dish is a surefire way to satisfy your hunger on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty dish that takes 30 minutes to make. It combines the nuttiness of wild rice with the sweetness of butternut squash, punctuated by cranberries and pecans. This meal is a great way to enjoy a nutritious, plant-based dinner that’s both quick and inexpensive. It’s a simple yet flavorful option for a cozy evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a vibrant dish ready in just 20 minutes. It pairs succulent salmon with a medley of vegetables, all seasoned with Moroccan spices. This one-pan meal is a breeze to prepare and clean up, offering a taste that’s both exotic and comforting. It’s a healthy, cost-effective alternative to seafood takeout.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Spicy Tofu Tacos

Side view of tacos on a plate, one with bite taken out.
Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Tofu Tacos are a fun and quick meal, taking only 15 minutes to assemble. They’re filled with crispy tofu tossed in a flavorful spice blend, topped with fresh veggies. These tacos are a great way to enjoy a plant-based twist on a classic, with a kick of heat. They’re a budget-friendly option for a speedy and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

Uzbek chicken plov

A pan of chicken biryani garnished with fresh cilantro.
Uzbek chicken plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Uzbek chicken plov is a traditional dish that’s ready in about an hour. It features tender chicken and rice, cooked with carrots and spices for a deeply satisfying flavor. This one-pot meal is a hearty alternative to takeout, offering comfort in each bite. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to enjoy a classic Central Asian dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek chicken plov

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

A plate of stir-fried chicken with bell peppers and onions, garnished with cilantro, next to a fork and a glass of drink on a table.
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It combines chicken with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices, all cooked quickly in an Instant Pot. This meal is perfect for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s easy on the wallet. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a homestyle meal ready in about an hour. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, then baked with potatoes for a complete meal. This dish offers a comforting taste with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to serve a satisfying dinner that beats takeout.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Ajiaco Recipe

Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup.
Ajiaco Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup that’s ready in under an hour. It’s a hearty blend of chicken, potatoes, and corn, flavored with a unique herb called guasca. This comforting soup has a creamy texture and a rich, savory taste. It’s a budget-friendly and nourishing option for a filling weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe

Chicken Chop Suey

Bowl of chicken chop suey with fork.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Chop Suey is a classic dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a stir-fry featuring chicken and a variety of vegetables, coated in a savory sauce. This meal is a quick and easy alternative to Chinese takeout, offering a balance of protein and veggies. It’s a straightforward dish that delivers on both taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Shrimp Yaki Udon

A white bowl of shrimp yaki udon with wooden chopsticks.
Shrimp Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Shrimp Yaki Udon is a Japanese-inspired noodle dish ready in 25 minutes. It combines plump shrimp with thick udon noodles and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. This meal is an excellent way to enjoy a quick, seafood-focused dinner that’s lighter on the wallet. The flavors are bold and satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight fix.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yaki Udon

Vegetable Yaki Udon

A bowl of vegetable yaki udon is shown with wooden chopsticks, a wok of yaki udon, and scallions in the background.
Vegetable Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Vegetable Yaki Udon is a quick and easy meal that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. It features thick udon noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables in a rich, umami sauce. This dish is a great vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. It’s an affordable and speedy alternative to traditional takeout.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Yaki Udon

Singapore Noodles

Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate.
Singapore Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Singapore Noodles is a flavorful dish that’s ready in about 20 minutes. It’s a stir-fried combination of thin rice noodles, veggies, and a curry seasoning. This meal is a great way to enjoy a spicy and aromatic dinner that’s both quick and less expensive than takeout. It’s a deliciously different option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Low Carb Taco Casserole

Taco casserole with fresh vegetables.
Low Carb Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Taco Casserole is a healthy meal that can be on your table in 35 minutes. It’s a layered dish with seasoned ground meat, cheese, and vegetables, baked to perfection. This casserole offers a tasty and satisfying experience without the carbs. It’s an affordable and quick way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a comforting form.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Casserole

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