26 one-hour recipes to cure your overpriced takeout habit

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Why spend your hard-earned cash on soggy fries and lukewarm meals when you can create something great right in your kitchen? These one-hour recipes are your go-to solution so you can finally say goodbye to overpriced takeout. They’re quick and easy recipes that’ll make your evenings simple, so you can enjoy delicious meals without stress.

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Skip the takeout and make this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach in just 25 minutes. Cooked shrimp is mixed with fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes, with a touch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy. It is great for busy nights when you need a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a treat. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta to make it even more comforting. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner that’s easy on your time and wallet.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken brings a sweet and spicy kick to your dinner in 45 minutes. Marinate the chicken in a homemade hot honey sauce, grill it up, and you’ve got a flavorful dish. It’s faster than waiting for takeout and lets you adjust the spice. Perfect for days when you want something a little special without the wait. Pair it with a simple salad or veggies for a balanced meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make something so delicious at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a simple way to make dinner feel special. Ready in 30 minutes, it takes chicken thighs and covers them in a rich mushroom cream sauce with Italian herbs. It’s great for weeknights when you’re short on time but want a comforting meal. Serve it with rice or veggies to soak up the sauce. It is a nice change from takeout and a good way to save money while enjoying a delicious meal. You’ll feel good about making something so delicious with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are ready in 30 minutes and bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Ground turkey mixed with spices and cooked in a coconut curry sauce makes for a quick, hearty meal. It’s perfect for nights when you want something different but don’t have time to go out. Serve with cauliflower rice or noodles for a complete meal. This dish makes dinner interesting and easy, so you can skip the takeout and enjoy a great homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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 that comfort meal that takes almost no effort. Just grab frozen ravioli, drown it in marinara sauce, pile on the cheese, and let the oven work magic. In about an hour, you’ve got a bubbling, cheesy dish that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for when the idea of going out feels exhausting. You get that cozy, cheesy goodness without the restaurant bill. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone at the table without much prep. It is your go-to when you want a filling meal without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect when you need comfort in under an hour. It’s packed with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and a slight kick from red peppers. A bit of cream smooths out the flavors, making it great for a chilly evening. This soup is a time-saver that feels like a treat, giving you a break from overpriced takeout. Just pair it with some crusty bread, and you have a meal that hits the spot. There is no need to break the bank when you can whip this up at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a great choice when you want something filling and hearty without the wait. In just 45 minutes, you get a rich mix of mushrooms, sour cream, and a touch of spice that’s comforting any day. It’s like a hug in a bowl, especially when you need a quick dinner. Perfect for those nights when you’re looking for an easy solution to cure your takeout habit without skimping on flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s just as good to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is your go-to after something hearty and flavorful in under an hour. It combines hearty sausages, sweet potatoes, and a mix of veggies in a rich curry sauce, and it’s filling and packed with great taste. The best part is you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a flexible dish that adapts to your fridge’s contents. It saves you the money and time of ordering from that expensive curry place you love but can’t justify.
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 lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes. Chicken thighs are simmered in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Parmesan, giving it an extra special flavor. It’s great when you want a fancy meal, but it doesn’t involve waiting for a table. You get the comfort of dining out right at home without the markup. This dish is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag or a long wait time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole packs in a hearty mix of bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and plenty of cheese in 45 minutes. It’s like the perfect comfort meal that doesn’t require leaving your house. Perfect for a family dinner or having a great meal without the stress of reservations. The dish is a real time-saver and a budget-friendly alternative to pricey restaurant casseroles. Make it once, and you’ll see why staying in for dinner is the best plan.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is about making dinner simple without skimping on flavor. In just 25 minutes, chicken sausage is browned and tossed with tender cabbage and onions. The flavors are straightforward but great, with fresh herbs on top to finish things off. This dish works great for a quick dinner that doesn’t make you feel like you just settled for something boring. It’s hearty enough to keep you full but light enough not to weigh you down. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your answer to a fast and great meal that still feels fancy. In just 20 minutes, you get juicy chicken bites pan-fried and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s like a restaurant meal but without the wait or the cost. Perfect for pairing rice or veggies, this dish turns a busy evening into a little victory. It’s not just about the flavor — it’s about getting something delicious on the table without making a big mess in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake brings together chicken thighs, cream cheese, spinach, and gooey mozzarella in just 30 minutes. It’s a great choice when you want something comforting without much time or ingredients. The cream cheese adds a rich base, while the spinach makes you feel like you’re doing something right for your health. It’s a balanced meal all in one dish, and you can add a side if you think it. Great for nights when you want to avoid the back-and-forth of takeout orders.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana takes the classic soup and gives it a low-carb spin. Ready in just an hour, it’s filled with sausage, radish, and kale and topped with Parmesan for that little extra something. You get that comforting soup feeling without having to watch your carb intake. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something filling but don’t want to deal with the price or wait times of restaurant soups. Plus, it reheats well, so you’ve got lunch sorted for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is about bringing a great meal to your table without the extra effort. With crispy skin-on chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce, it’s ready in just 40 minutes. This dish gives you a full, hearty dinner that feels a bit fancy but is easy to pull off. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to avoid going out, waiting for a table, and paying extra for something you can make just as well at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan 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.

Say goodbye to overpriced takeout with this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s all about getting a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini tossed in garlic and smoked paprika onto your table in 30 minutes. The sausage adds a hearty flavor, making this meal super filling. It’s all cooked in one pan, so cleanup is quick and easy. You get a balanced meal without spending a lot of time or money. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something healthy and delicious without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great go-to for comfort food without the wait or cost of takeout. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a dish packed with steamed broccoli and cauliflower, smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy bacon. It’s like a cozy blanket in a dish that’s easy on your schedule and wallet. You get that rich, cheesy flavor without leaving home or breaking the bank. A comforting meal that leaves you happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is the perfect answer to those chilly nights when you need something hearty and quick. This soup comes together in under an hour, packed with tender chicken, fresh corn, and a creamy broth. It’s great when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to deal with overpriced takeout. You can whip this up with minimal effort, making it a great option for a last-minute dinner. Plus, it gives you all the comfort of a restaurant soup right in your kitchen without the added cost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn 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.

When you need a meal that’s both quick and delicious, the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is the way to go. In 30 minutes, you’ll have ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that saves you time on dishes and keeps your budget in check. Perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but can’t justify the cost of takeout. This dish gives you all the flavor and comfort without any restaurant drama.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is like bringing the restaurant to your kitchen without the hefty bill. Ready in 30 minutes, it features tender chicken cooked in a rich, tangy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It’s a great dish for when you’re craving something a bit fancy but want to keep things simple. You’ll love how easy it is to make while still feeling like a treat. Perfect for a quiet night, a meal that shows staying in is sometimes the best choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the takeout with this Fajita Baked Chicken that’s ready in 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken gets a boost from cream cheese and sweet peppers, then topped with melted mozzarella. It’s colorful, cheesy, and hearty. The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it a great dinner for busy nights. The best part is the oven handles most of the work. You get to kick back while it bakes. It’s perfect for when you want those fajita vibes without the extra cost or wait — quick, simple, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon covers you in 25 minutes when you’re tired of the same old salad routine. The crunch of cabbage and the richness of bacon come together to make something way more exciting. It works great as a side or light main when you’re not looking for anything too heavy. It’s also a clever way to sneak some veggies onto your plate without feeling like you’re eating rabbit food. Whip this up at home instead of spending on takeout, and you’ll get more flavor and greens in your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

This Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is what you need when you want something special without the restaurant bill. In about 30 minutes, chicken thighs and artichokes in a rich, creamy sauce. The lemony touch keeps it from being too heavy, adding a nice pop of freshness. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something that feels a little fancier but doesn’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. You get a great meal at home without all the stress or the wait for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This Creamy Garlic Chicken one’s got that restaurant feel without the price or the wait. In 30 minutes, you get tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and feels like a treat without you having to spend hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those nights when you need something that feels a little special. No reservations or tipping are required here, just a quick, great meal from your kitchen. And let’s be real; you already have most of the ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Comfort food doesn’t have to mean takeout. This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole brings everything together in under an hour. You get tender noodles, a creamy sauce, mild tuna, and peas, all baked into a practical dish for leftovers. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re not up for a big cooking session but still want something hearty. Plus, it’s great for meal prep. Make it once and enjoy it for a couple of days. It’s a simple, no-nonsense way to fill up without emptying your wallet on delivery fees.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a great choice when you’re looking for a hearty meal without a long prep time. It’s ready in 50 minutes, and features broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup topped with buttery crackers. You get that great crunch without needing to do anything fancy. This dish shows that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to get something delicious on the table. Save yourself the extra cost and effort by making this at home instead of reaching for the takeout menu.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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