Ditch the meal-kits: 17 recipes you can totally make at home!

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So, you’ve dabbled in those meal kits that land on your doorstep, right? They seem convenient, but, let’s be real, keeping up with those subscriptions can become a tad overwhelming and the novelty might be fading. Here’s a revelation – it’s time to ditch them!

We’ve gathered 17 awesome, straightforward recipes that are a breeze to make. And the kicker? You likely have the majority of the ingredients sitting in your kitchen already! From a spicy skillet lamb ragu to a quick and tasty ground beef and sweet potato skillet, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Time to embrace the ease and joy of cooking at home – no strings attached!

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Lamb ragu with cavatappi pasta in a white skillet.
Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This flavorful lamb ragu is not only simple but outshines any meal kit with its robust flavors of crushed tomatoes and harissa paste, all achieved in one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This straightforward, classic Italian dish, made with minimal ingredients, is a testament to the beauty of home-cooking, proving a gourmet taste can be easy and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This recipe’s blend of ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms in a delectable Asian-inspired sauce is a fuss-free alternative to complex meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With its flavorful combination of ground beef and sweet potato, this one-pan meal is a versatile and hassle-free option, making meal prepping a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Steak peppers and potato skillet with a metal serving spoon.
Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan dinner brings smoky steak, potatoes, and peppers together effortlessly, eliminating the need for tedious meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy tomato farfalle offers a wholesome twist on traditional cream sauce, allowing for an easy, filling, and comforting meal without the meal kit fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bursting with fresh basil flavor, this one-pan cashew chicken offers a quick savory sweet sauce, perfect over rice, saving you from sorting through numerous meal kit ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Spicy mango chicken skillet with jalapeños.
Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish combines spicy and sweet flavors to bring you a satisfying dinner in less than 30 minutes, freeing you from the constraints of subscription boxes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With its takeout-inspired sauce, this gochujang chicken dish is ready in 30 minutes, showing that delicious meals can be simple and don’t have to come from a box.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This flavorful Mexican ground beef recipe eliminates the need for complicated meal kits with its easy, one-pan approach and a burst of taco seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This easy 30-minute Greek shrimp skillet combines tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta to bring a splash of Mediterranean flavor to your table faster than any meal kit.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dish, combining ground beef and cabbage with aromatic spices, is a quick and easy alternative to intricate meal kits, perfect for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stir fry, featuring an assortment of fresh vegetables, provides a quicker, healthier, and tastier solution to anyone tired of the redundancy of meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The thinly sliced shaved beef in this quick stir-fry rivals any takeout or meal kit with its crave-worthy sauce and minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one pan, 20-minute dish is a practical and delicious alternative, combining garlic chicken bites with fresh veggies, bypassing the need for meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The flavorful lamb bolognese is a cozy and simple twist on a classic, proving that gourmet, home-cooked meals can be achieved without the complexity of a meal kit.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This hearty and easy vegetable bean skillet dispels the notion that you need a meal kit to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables in a satisfying, meatless meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

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