19 dinner choices that’ll have you skipping the drive-thru

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Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious with these 19 incredible recipes! Ditch the drive-thru temptation and discover a world of flavor that’s ready in no time.

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs will tempt you to skip the drive-thru and head straight home. The drumsticks become so tender in the slow cooker, coated in a smoky sauce that’s perfect for a hands-on dinner. It’s an effortless way to bring a burst of flavor to your evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With the Instant Pot, this Olive Garden Minestrone Soup becomes a quick, hearty dinner option. Packed with veggies and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a nutritious choice that makes fast food seem uninviting.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Walking Taco Casserole is a fun, all-in-one dish that makes a drive-thru meal pale in comparison. With layers of beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos, it’s a festive dinner that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the takeout and create a citrusy delight with this Instant Pot Orange Chicken. In under an hour, you’ll serve up a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version, making it a great choice for a family dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the comfort of Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup in your slow cooker. This easy-to-make soup combines a creamy broth with chicken and veggies, making it a tempting reason to dine in.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A spoon lifting a cheesy portion of baked casserole with visible layers of meat and vegetables.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers into an uncomplicated casserole form. It’s a practical dinner solution for any night of the week, providing a delicious incentive to forgo fast food for a comforting homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With minimal effort, these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs become a tantalizing dinner. The ribs are tenderized in a blend of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce, creating a dish that’s a flavorful alternative to quick meals on the go.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings the comfort of the restaurant to your dining table. It’s an easy choice for a hearty dinner that will have you happily skipping the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Fish and fries on a metal tray with tartar sauce and lemon.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a British pub classic at home with Air Fryer Fish and Chips. It’s an easy and satisfying dinner that proves there’s no need to head to the drive-thru for a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chicken Tortilla Soup captures the essence of Chick-fil-A’s beloved recipe. Homemade and heartwarming, it’s a comforting choice that surpasses fast food options. Enjoy this soup and appreciate the simplicity and taste of a well-crafted home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Beef tips with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with gravy are perfect comfort food. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a dinner that’s far more tempting than any fast food.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish that combines all your favorite taco elements. Ready in moments, it’s a hearty and enjoyable meal that makes skipping the drive-thru an easy choice.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover the flavors of Italy with this slow cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. It’s a creamy, cheesy dish that’s simple to make and hard to resist. This meal is a convincing reason to stay in and savor a family dinner without the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is a quick and savory dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. In just 20 minutes, you’ll enjoy a meal that’s a crispy, saucy alternative to dining out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let these Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs show you the joys of a home-cooked meal. They turn simple ingredients into a comforting dinner that’s more appealing than any fast food.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a great dinner choice that will have you skipping the drive-thru for the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Pork Chops in a creamy mushroom sauce offer a comforting end to any day. Easy to prepare, they’re a delicious reason to bypass the drive-thru and enjoy a homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade version of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy and cheesy delight that makes skipping the restaurant line worth it. Enjoy this comforting bowl at home and relish in the ease of a well-made meal.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With this Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken, you’ll enjoy a crispy, flavorful dish that’s a healthier take on a Chinese classic. It’s a homemade meal that’s so good, you won’t miss the takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Asian Spare Ribs slow-cooked to perfection are a succulent dinner choice, making any fast food option seem unappealing. The aromatic blend of spices and sauces offers a flavor-packed meal that’s effortlessly prepared and eagerly anticipated.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

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