29 one-hour recipes to make instead of ordering out

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These one-hour recipes are perfect for when takeout seems like the easiest option — except now you’ve got a faster solution. Instead of waiting for your food to show up lukewarm, you can whip up something great at home. These dishes will be ready in less time than it takes to scroll through your delivery app, and you’ll still have a little extra in your pocket when all’s said and done.

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. 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.

In 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish full of tender shrimp, juicy grape tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a perfect choice when you want something fresh and homemade without the hassle of takeout. Plus, using simple, wholesome ingredients makes it a healthier option. This recipe is great for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a comforting meal. It’s a win for busy evenings, quick to make, and easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Reuben Bowls are ready in 30 minutes and bring all the flavors of a classic sandwich without the high price. Start with browning deli corned beef, mix in coleslaw or shredded cabbage, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. It’s a great option for a quick dinner or make-ahead lunch. This recipe is easy on your budget; even better, the leftovers taste great the next day. It’s a simple, filling meal that saves you from another expensive takeout run.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is ready in under an hour and is all about comfort. In one pan, it combines shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty without the effort. If you’re in the mood, broil it at the end for an extra crispy cheese top. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, giving you that home-cooked feel without spending hours in the kitchen. Skip the takeout and enjoy a meal that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Sweet honey meets a bit of chili spice in this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken dish, ready in 45 minutes. It’s as simple as a quick marinade and grill, making it great for those evenings when you want something delicious but easy to prepare. The flavors are bold but not too intense, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a little excitement in their dinner. It reheats well, so you’ve got lunch ready for the next day. This recipe lets you enjoy a filling meal without the cost of waiting for takeout.
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.

In 30 minutes, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce brings juicy chicken thighs and a rich mushroom sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, onion powder, and paprika. It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. This recipe is perfect for turning a regular night into something more special without needing a restaurant reservation. It’s comforting and quick, giving you a great meal without cooking the whole evening — a simple, cozy option for when you need a little pick-me-up at the end of the day.
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.

In just 30 minutes, you can have these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs on your table, bringing a touch of something different to your weeknight dinner. The meatballs are mixed with eggs and spices and simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something a bit more exciting without the long cooking time or a stack of dirty dishes. A simple, comforting choice that beats waiting for takeout.
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 as straightforward as possible but still comforting and hearty. You layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, top it off with cheese, and then bake until bubbly and golden. Ready in about an hour, it’s great for busy nights when you want that lasagna comfort without all the work. This dish is perfect for bringing everyone to the table with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a cost-effective option that helps you skip the takeout menu without feeling missing out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great one-pan dish ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is rich and creamy, made with heavy cream, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. This dish feels like a treat without the hassle, making it perfect for those nights when takeout sounds too much like work. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean up with everything cooked in one pan. It’s a comforting choice that brings a lot of flavor to your table without demanding much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A hand holding a spoon serves a portion of fried rice mixed with beef, cabbage, and garnished with chopped herbs from a beige bowl.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This take on a classic cabbage roll recipe streamlines the process, so you can get everything you love about it without spending hours in the kitchen. In just about an hour, you’ll have a hearty, one-pot meal that’s ready to go—no need to reach for the takeout menu. Brown the ground beef and onions, add cabbage, rice, and seasonings, and let it all simmer. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all in one pot. Leftovers? They store well in the fridge or freezer for another easy meal later.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Four quesadilla slices on parchment paper, filled with melted cheese and tuna, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Melt Quesadillas. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re thinking about ordering out, these tuna melt quesadillas come together faster and easier. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a quick and satisfying dinner without the delivery wait. Mix the tuna filling, layer it with cheddar cheese on flour tortillas, and cook until crisp and golden. They also store well, making them great for prepping ahead for lunch or dinner the next day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is your go-to when you want a fun, flavorful meal without the price tag of a seafood restaurant. It’s packed with baby red potatoes, corn, andouille sausage, and shrimp, all seasoned with Old Bay. The best part? It all goes on one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for when you need a quick dinner that still feels like a special treat. Great for sharing with family or friends, bringing everyone together around the table without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

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 an easy way to bring comfort to your evening. Ready in an hour, it combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the fresh taste of red bell peppers and onions, with cumin and paprika adding a gentle warmth. Pair it with some crusty bread for a simple yet filling meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something nourishing but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. This soup is like a hug in a bowl that’s quicker than waiting for delivery.
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 cozy and ready in just 45 minutes. It’s packed with mushrooms, sour cream, milk, and onions, creating a rich soup that warms you up. This one-pot wonder is perfect for nights when you want something comforting without the extra effort. You get all the flavors with minimal cleanup, making it a great weeknight choice. Instead of ordering out, make this soup — it’s simple, comforting, and feels like a little bit of care in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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 a lifesaver when you need a hearty dinner on the table in 45 minutes. It combines bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese into a simple meal that’s perfect for those nights when you need something filling but don’t want to mess around with a lot of prep. It’s also great for meal prep since it reheats well, making your week a bit less hectic. This casserole brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but with less work.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry brings together hearty sausages with sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas in a rich curry sauce, ready in 45 minutes. The mix of veggies and sausage makes it a balanced choice that skips the need for a side dish. It is perfect for those nights when you need something comforting and easy without reaching for the takeout menu. It’s also a great dish for when you have friends over since it’s easy to make in a larger batch. You get to enjoy something a bit different without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a quick and hearty meal ready in just 25 minutes. It’s great when you’re hungry and in a rush, with chicken sausage, cabbage, onions, and a bit of butter all cooked together in one pan. This meal is great when you want something filling without spending too much time cooking. It’s also a smart way to get some veggies on your plate without making a separate dish. Knowing you whipped up something great at home, it’s the meal that makes you feel good about skipping the takeout menu.
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 a great go-to when you need dinner in 20 minutes. The chicken is pan-fried and tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with herbs, making it simple but flavorful. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something comforting that tastes like you put in more effort than you did. It’s a great way to skip the drive-thru and have something homemade in less time than it would take to order and wait for delivery.
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 makes dinner a breeze, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple layering of chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach, all topped with melty mozzarella. Perfect for those nights when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish gives you a rich, home-cooked feel without all the hassle. It’s quick, filling, and kind to your busy schedule. Plus, it’s a family favorite that even picky eaters can enjoy, saving you from making separate meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is about making dinner stress-free and ready in just 40 minutes. It brings together chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce full of flavor. Perfect for when you want to treat yourself or have friends over without spending too much time cooking. This dish feels special and is easy to assemble, letting you relax and enjoy a nice meal. It’s a great way to have something comforting on a weeknight without the rush of a restaurant trip.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan 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 is ready in under an hour, making it a quick alternative to ordering out. It’s packed with tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce, making it great for a comforting meal without too much work. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for those nights when you want something hearty. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit, and it’s also great for leftovers. This dish helps create a delicious meal while keeping things simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your go-to for a quick, no-stress meal, ready in 30 minutes. It features sausages, bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini roast with garlic, paprika, and thyme. It’s an easy, balanced meal that cooks in one pan, so you get dinner on the table fast with minimal cleanup. Perfect for those evenings when you need something nutritious but simple. You can enjoy a great meal and still have time to unwind without a pile of dishes waiting for you.
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.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a simple comfort food eaten in 30 minutes. It mixes broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon for a bit of crunch. Great for when you need a meal that feels like a treat but doesn’t require much effort. This casserole is perfect for family dinners or having leftovers for the next day, giving you more time to relax. You can skip the takeout and still have something delicious at home.
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.

Skip the takeout and make Chicken Corn Soup at home in under an hour. It’s filled with tender chicken and hearty veggies; a touch of cream makes it rich and comforting. Perfect for those nights when you need something cozy and quick. It’s great for busy evenings or when you’re not feeling your best and need something soothing. Plus, it’s simple to make with basic ingredients you likely have at home. It warms you up without keeping you in the kitchen all night. It’s just as good the next day for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Broccoli Casserole

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

Instead of ordering takeout, try this Broccoli Casserole that’s easy on both time and budget. In about 50 minutes, you’ve got a dish with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup, topped with a crunchy cracker layer. It’s comforting without being complicated, making it perfect for when you want something that fills you up without too much effort. It works well as a side or a main dish, helping you make dinner more fun and less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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.

The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s all done in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Ground beef, cheddar, cauliflower rice, and veggies come together in a creamy, hearty sauce without being heavy. Perfect for weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have hours to cook. You’ll appreciate how it brings dinner together quickly, leaving you more time to unwind.
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.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken feels fancy but takes just 30 minutes. Tender chicken in a creamy, tomato-packed sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan makes for a comforting meal that’s easy to put together. Great for those nights when you want something special without much work. The sun-dried tomatoes add flavor, making this dish stand out with minimal effort. Serve it with pasta or veggies, and you have a full meal that feels like a treat. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a bit of comfort at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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.

Skip the takeout tonight and go for these Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. In about 30 minutes, you get juicy chicken and tender artichokes in a light, creamy sauce. A bit of lemon brings a fresh touch without being too much. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting without the hassle. This recipe makes weeknight dinners feel special but simple, helping you unwind with a great meal. You can easily adjust the seasonings to match your taste, making it a reliable go-to option.
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.

Skip the delivery and whip up this Creamy Garlic Chicken in 30 minutes. Chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, giving you all the comfort without the wait. You only need a few ingredients to pull it together, so it’s a quick fix when you need it most. Serve it with some rice or pasta, and you’ve got a meal that’s easy to love and even easier to make. This recipe makes your busy days easier, giving you a homemade dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the takeout and make this easy tuna egg salad in just 25 minutes. Hard-boil the eggs, mash them, and mix in canned tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, pickles, and seasonings. It’s a protein-packed, no-fuss option that’s great for dinner or a make-ahead meal. Quick to prepare and perfect for when you want something homemade without waiting for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

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