17 budget-friendly dinners that beat takeout every time

Photo of author

| Published:

Why pay for overpriced takeout when you can whip up something just as delicious at home? These 17 budget-friendly dinner recipes are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or variety just to save a few bucks. If you’re craving something bold and spicy or comforting and hearty, these meals are not only easy to make but also light on the wallet. Next time you’re tempted by takeout, reach for one of these recipes instead—you’ll be amazed at how much better homemade can be.

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Keto Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

A plate of green bean mushroom casserole with fried onions.
Green Bean Mushroom Casserole. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This green bean mushroom casserole is a veggie-packed comfort dish that comes together effortlessly. It’s creamy, crunchy, and has the perfect combination of flavors, making it ideal as a side or even a small main. Why order takeout when you can whip this up in no time? After making this once, you’ll see why it’s better than any takeout option.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

A plate of seasoned and cooked chicken wings.
How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Craving chicken wings but don’t want to go through the trouble of ordering takeout? Air frying frozen chicken wings is the easiest and most satisfying way to get crispy, delicious wings at home. It’s super convenient, and you’ll have wings ready faster than any delivery could arrive. You’ll be reaching for your air fryer, not the takeout menu, every time!
Get the Recipe: How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of homemade chicken soup with dumplings.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade comfort with this chicken and dumplings recipe! It’s warm, hearty, and feels like a big hug in a bowl—perfect for those nights when you want a cozy meal without ordering out. The best part? You can whip it up in no time and it’s just as good, if not better, than anything you could get delivered. Once you make it yourself, takeout won’t even be a thought.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

A casserole of walking taco.
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Want a fun and easy dinner that’ll make you forget all about takeout? This walking taco casserole is where it’s at! It turns the flavors of a classic taco into a one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. I love how customizable it is—whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a couple of people, it’s a meal that’ll leave you completely satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole Recipe

Casserole with Brussel Sprouts

A casserole with brussel sprouts topped with cheese.
Casserole with Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This Brussels sprouts casserole is a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’ll have you forgetting takeout exists. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something cozy and homemade without the hassle of ordering in. The crispy top combined with the tender sprouts makes this dish irresistible. Whether as a side or a main, it’s so good you won’t even think about takeout.
Get the Recipe: Casserole with Brussel Sprouts

Pork Fillet Easy Recipe

A plate of pork fillet meal garnished with onions.
Pork Fillet Easy Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Pork fillet is a total win when you want a quick, flavorful meal without resorting to takeout. It’s tender, juicy, and cooks up in no time—perfect for small batches when you don’t want leftovers hanging around. This recipe is simple yet packs in so much flavor, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. After making this once, you’ll definitely keep it on repeat!
Get the Recipe: Pork Fillet Easy Recipe

Brussel Sprouts Cups

Brussles sprouts inside mini casseroles.
Brussel Sprouts Cups. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Brussel Sprouts Cups are a fun, fresh twist on your usual side dish or snack, and they’ll have you forgetting takeout exists. These little cups are packed with flavor and are perfect for a quick, easy meal that feels special. They’re great as a party appetizer or a cozy dinner at home. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever thought you needed takeout!
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Cups

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut on a cast iron plate.
Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut is the ultimate comfort dish that’ll make you forget takeout even exists. The combination of savory sausage and tangy sauerkraut is satisfying, hearty, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This is a simple, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and tastes like something you’d wait hours for from a restaurant. After one bite, you’ll be skipping takeout for this homemade favorite!
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Lasagna inside casserole.
Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef is the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna without missing takeout. Layers of beef and rich sauce make it so satisfying, you’ll forget takeout even exists. It’s hearty, delicious, and much fresher than anything you’d get from a delivery box. After trying this homemade version, you’ll be ditching takeout lasagna for good!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil is your new favorite takeout alternative. The combination of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil makes this dish light yet so satisfying, you’ll forget takeout exists. It’s simple, but the flavors are so bold and fresh that it feels like a special treat. Make it once, and you’ll be saying goodbye to takeout pizza and pasta nights!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles close up.
Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Stir-fry has never been easier with these Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles. They’re a total game-changer when you need something quick but loaded with flavor. Forget takeout – this stir fry is lighter, healthier, and you can whip it up faster than delivery can arrive. Once you try this at home, you’ll forget takeout exists and wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites on a plate with herbs.
Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites are the perfect snack or appetizer when you want something delicious and homemade. They’re small but packed with flavor, and you’ll forget takeout even exists after just one bite. Perfect for parties or a quick bite at home, these mini bites are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with delivery!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Ramen Chicken Noodles

Keto Ramen Chicken Noodles in a black bowl with various vegetables and boiled egg.
Ramen Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Forget takeout and make your own delicious Ramen Chicken Noodles at home. This recipe is packed with flavor and so satisfying, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to prepare. It’s the perfect comfort dish for those nights when you’re tempted to order in, but trust me, you’ll forget takeout exists once you try this. Plus, it’s way fresher and better than anything you’d get from a delivery box!
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles

Bunless Bacon Burger

Burger without a bun with green sauce.
Bunless Bacon Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Craving a burger but don’t want the hassle of takeout? This Bunless Bacon Burger has you covered! Juicy and loaded with bacon goodness, it’s everything you want from a burger without the bun – or the wait for delivery. You’ll forget takeout exists after one bite and realize how much better homemade burgers can be!
Get the Recipe: Bunless Bacon Burger

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re looking for a dish that feels gourmet but is easy to make, this Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback is it. It’s packed with flavor, and once you try it, you’ll forget takeout exists. The combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil stuffed into tender chicken makes it an instant favorite. It’s so good, you’ll be making it for dinner on repeat!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re craving burgers but don’t want the hassle of ordering takeout, these Burger Mini Bites are just the thing. They’re fun, quick, and have all the flavor of a big burger but in bite-sized form. Perfect for a family night in or a party, everyone will love munching on these, and you’ll forget takeout exists. It’s all about having the best of burger night, without the wait or delivery fees!
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

Low Carb Enchiladas with Chicken

Enchilada in a black casserole.
Low Carb Enchiladas with Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

These Low Carb Enchiladas with Chicken are so flavorful and satisfying, you’ll forget takeout even exists. The tender chicken wrapped in a rich, flavorful sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. It’s a homemade meal that’s simple to make and feels way more special than anything you’d get from a delivery service. After making these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe instead of the takeout menu!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Enchiladas with Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.