26 one-hour recipes that’ll make overpriced takeout quaking in their boots

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One-hour recipes can easily take on overpriced takeout, giving you a quicker, fresher, and more budget-friendly option at home. Instead of spending too much on meals that might arrive less than hot, these dishes bring great flavor right to your table in record time.

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.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish comes together fast enough to make overpriced takeout nervous — just 25 minutes for a great, flavorful meal. Shrimp, fresh spinach, and tomatoes bring it all in one pan, and a pinch of red pepper adds a little heat. Serve it with crusty bread or pasta for a bit more comfort. You can have something great, quick, and budget-friendly without ordering in.
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.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken hits that sweet-spicy spot in 45 minutes; no need to shell out for takeout. Marinate the chicken in a homemade hot honey sauce and grill it up for a dish that’s packed with flavor, which lets you pick your spice level. Pair it with a quick salad or roasted veggies for a meal that’s got it all. When you want something a little extra without the wait or the cost, this recipe is right there, bringing the great taste 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.

When you’re short on time and done with takeout prices, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce has you covered in 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs in a rich mushroom cream sauce, along with some Italian herbs, make this dish feel like a real treat. Pair it with rice or veggies to soak up the sauce, and you’re set. When you need comfort without the cost or hassle, this meal gives you that restaurant feel at home.
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 make overpriced takeout look pointless, ready in just 30 minutes with bold flavor. Ground turkey and spices come together in a creamy coconut curry sauce that feels hearty but not heavy. Serve it over cauliflower rice or noodles for a full, quick meal that’s easy on your wallet. It’s for those times when you want something different but still simple to throw together.
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 the comfort food you want when going out feels too much. In about an hour, you’ve got a bubbling dish that beats any takeout, and all you need is frozen ravioli, marinara, and cheese. Let the oven do the work, and soon, you’ll have a cheesy meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s made for a relaxed night at home without a big effort and no restaurant bill attached.
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 gives you a comforting meal in under an hour, saving you from overpriced takeout. This soup has the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with just a little kick from red peppers. A bit of cream adds smoothness, making it great for chilly evenings. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a filling meal that feels special without the takeout price tag. Simple to make, just what you need for a cozy night in.
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 steps in as a great alternative when takeout feels like a splurge. In 45 minutes, you’ll get a bowl packed with mushrooms, creamy sour cream, and a hint of spice for a delicious one-pot meal that feels like a cozy dinner any night. It’s just right for a quick, budget-friendly meal that skips the delivery wait without skipping flavor.
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 a go-to for a rich and hearty meal in under an hour that takes the edge off ordering expensive takeout. This creamy and flavorful curry is loaded with sausage, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, frozen peas, and spices. This dish is quick, easy on the wallet, and a smart way to use what’s in your fridge without missing out on a great meal.
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 brings a touch of restaurant flair to your kitchen in just 30 minutes, so takeout can wait. Simmered in a mix of cream, Dijon mustard, lemon, and Parmesan, these chicken thighs come out rich and flavorful without an expensive price tag. It’s a perfect choice for a night in when you’re craving something that feels special and indulgent without the high bill.
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 is your go-to comfort food that shows you don’t need takeout for a great meal. This flavorful one-pot dish transforms the classic stuffed bell peppers into an easy-to-make casserole made with ground meat, chopped bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, and rice, all seasoned with a mix of spices. In 45 minutes, you made dinner for the family or for yourself. This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and far easier on the budget than ordering out.
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 keeps things simple yet bold in just 25 minutes. It’s all about browning chicken sausage and tossing it with tender cabbage and onions, finished with fresh herbs for a quick bite. It’s the dish that answers the call when you need something fast that doesn’t leave you feeling like you settled. Say goodbye to pricey delivery with this filling, balanced meal.
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 turn dinner into a quick win with juicy pan-fried chicken bites tossed in a buttery garlic sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Done in 20 minutes, it’s like a restaurant meal you can make yourself without the long wait or high cost. Pair it with rice or veggies. When you want something easy and delicious without a big cleanup, these bites deliver.
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.

When overpriced takeout isn’t the vibe, this Spinach Chicken Bake comes through strong. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish has chicken thighs, cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, bringing comfort to the table fast. The cream cheese gives it a rich feel, and the spinach helps you sneak in some greens. It’s an all-in-one dinner that pairs well with anything, including a quick side — a solid option for skipping delivery without missing out.
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 is a great pick for a soup that beats out restaurant prices. This low-carb version is packed with sausage, radish, and kale, topped with Parmesan, and takes just an hour. It’s filling without going heavy on carbs, and it reheats like a dream, which is great if you have leftovers (which rarely happens). It’s for those nights when you’re craving a steaming bowl that doesn’t come with takeout fees or delivery time.
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 the answer to overpriced takeout. With crispy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce, it’s ready in 40 minutes and hits all the right notes for a weeknight dinner. It feels a bit fancier than usual, but it’s easy enough to make, even for beginner cooks. This chicken dish comes through for nights when you want something special without paying extra to eat out.
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.

If you’re looking to skip delivery, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner will do the job. Bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini get tossed in garlic and smoked paprika, then roasted with sausage for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s hearty, filling, and all done on one pan, so cleanup’s fast. Perfect for busy nights when you need something easy that doesn’t drain the wallet.
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 the go-to when comfort food’s calling, but takeout prices aren’t. In 30 minutes, you’ve got steamed broccoli and cauliflower smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with bacon for crunch. It’s the kind of dish that’s cozy, easy on a budget, and great for staying in — a great way to skip delivery without missing out on flavor.
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.

For nights when you want a soup that’s both quick and hearty, Chicken Corn Soup keeps things easy on your wallet. Ready in under an hour, this soup is packed with chicken, corn, and a creamy broth that brings the cozy factor right to your table. Just what you need when you’re after comfort food without the added cost of takeout. It’s a simple option to throw together with that homemade touch that eating out can’t match.
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.

Overpriced takeout, step aside — Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is here. In 30 minutes, you get ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s as easy on post-dinner cleanup as it is on your budget. This recipe is made for weeknights when you want a filling meal that brings comfort to the table without takeout prices.
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 makes expensive takeout look silly. In 30 minutes, you’ve got tender chicken in a rich, tangy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan — right at home. When you’re craving something a little special without the hassle, this chicken dish serves beyond expectations. It tastes and feels a bit more “restaurant” than usual, but without any of the added costs or wait.
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.

With Fajita Baked Chicken, you get that Tex-Mex vibe in 30 minutes without the delivery price tag. Seasoned chicken bakes with sweet peppers, cream cheese, and melted mozzarella for a hearty, colorful dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you’d rather let the oven handle things. The flavors are familiar and comforting, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness to keep everyone happy.
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.

Say goodbye to pricey salads and hello to Fried Cabbage with Bacon in 25 minutes. Crispy cabbage and rich bacon bring tons of flavor and work great as a side or light main. It’s an easy way to add some veggies to your meal without feeling like you’re eating the same old greens. Quick, flavorful, and less costly than another takeout run — this one checks all the boxes.
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 ready to beat takeout prices in just 30 minutes. Chicken thighs, artichokes, and a creamy sauce with a touch of lemon make it feel special yet easy. This recipe checks all the boxes when you want something a little fancier without over-complicating things. Get a great meal without the wait and save yourself the restaurant bill, too.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken gives you that restaurant feel without the restaurant price. In 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that feels like a treat. This dish is for when you need something quick but tastes indulgent. You’ve likely already got most of the ingredients for this recipe, so skip the takeout and keep things easy right at home.
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.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole pulls together comfort food in under an hour. Tender noodles combined with creamy sauce, canned tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese, all topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs, bake into a filling dish perfect for meal prep. This is the way to go when you’re looking for something hearty but simple. Skip the delivery fees and enjoy this classic at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is ready in 50 minutes, bringing all the comfort without the takeout bill. It’s loaded with broccoli, cheddar, and a creamy mushroom base, topped with buttery crackers for a bit of crunch. Perfect for when you want something that doesn’t need hours in the kitchen but still fills you up. Skip the overpriced options and enjoy a budget-friendly meal at home that makes broccoli the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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