25 dinners that’ll make you skip your usual takeout order

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Dinners at home don’t have to feel like you’re settling for something less, especially with these great recipes. If you’re over the high prices and so-so results of takeout, these meals are going to make cooking at home feel like the better choice every time.

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.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick way to treat yourself to a taste of Italy in just 25 minutes. This dish features juicy shrimp in a rich garlic sauce paired with fresh grape tomatoes and bright spinach for a pop of color. It’s light yet filling, making it great for busy weeknights or a special dinner. The combination of seafood and veggies adds a variety of flavors that make each bite filling. Plus, you can skip the long wait for takeout and enjoy something fresh at home.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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 comforting and easy meal lasting 45 minutes. It combines mushrooms, sour cream, paprika, and dill to create a rich, earthy soup. It’s simple but flavorful, perfect when you need something hearty and homemade. You don’t need a lot of ingredients, and the result is far better than anything you’d order. This soup is a great reminder that homemade meals can be quick, kind to your wallet, and way more delicious than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect for those nights when you want something special without the hassle. Chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, ready in 40 minutes. It’s a lovely way to treat yourself without needing takeout. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you made something this delicious in less time than it takes to order delivery. Homemade dinners like this make staying in more fun and far easier than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is your ticket to a flavor-packed meal without the hassle of dining out. This dish is loaded with juicy sirloin, crispy bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all smothered in gooey provolone cheese, ready in under an hour. It’s filling, making it great when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever thought about ordering takeout when you can easily whip up this comforting meal!
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake combines comfort food favorites without much hassle. It features creamy spinach, tender chicken, a mix of cheeses, and a hint of garlic, ready in 30 minutes. The simplicity of this recipe makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, leaving you feeling accomplished. Serve it alongside a light salad or crusty bread to balance the meal. This recipe helps you avoid the temptation of takeout menus and shows that simple ingredients can create something great that everyone will enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 as easy as it gets for a filling meal. Toss tater tots, chicken, and corn into a dish, cover with creamy mushroom sauce, and top with cheese. This meal is comforting and perfect for nights when even deciding on dinner feels overwhelming. In about an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal that beats anything you’d get from takeout. This recipe shows that you can have great food without the effort, making it a winner for any weeknight!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With sausages, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots simmering in a flavorful curry sauce, this dish comes together in about 45 minutes. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when takeout seems tempting. It’s easy to make and tastes great. Cooking this at home shows how simple and rewarding homemade dinners can be, giving you a break from takeout without feeling like extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Baked Ravioli

A baked cheese dish with a spoon, garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is your go-to for a great dinner that skips the kitchen marathon. Just layer frozen ravioli, cover with marinara, and pile on cheese. Bake until bubbly, and about an hour later, dinner is ready. This dish is perfect for those hectic weeknights when even ordering takeout feels too much work. You can serve it with a simple salad for a balanced meal. This dish shows that great meals can be easy, making it a lifesaver when you need to dodge the takeout trap.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting bowl that’s ready in 40 minutes. With shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is great for busy nights. It’s easy to make and beats waiting for takeout. You’ll love how simple it is to put together, yet it feels like you’ve made something special. It is the kind of meal that helps you relax and enjoy the process of cooking. It’s an all-around great choice for a cozy night at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon gives you a simple, comforting meal with minimal effort. With a 30-minute prep, butternut squash, cauliflower, and crispy bacon come together perfectly. The sweetness of the squash pairs nicely with the cauliflower, and the bacon adds a little richness. This dish is light but filling, and it’s a great option when you don’t feel like waiting for takeout. It’s proof that making dinner at home can be easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

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 gives you a comforting, home-cooked meal without much effort. In 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken thighs cooked with earthy mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s great for busy nights when you want something hearty and flavorful but don’t have time for delivery. Plus, it’s all done in one pan, making cleanup much easier. This meal is perfect for anyone looking to skip takeout and still enjoy a dinner that feels special and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is a simple and hearty option when you’re looking to avoid takeout. It’s filled with carrots, celery, and white beans simmered in a garlic and onion broth that’s both light and comforting. The recipe takes around 40 minutes, making it a quick choice for weeknights when you need something wholesome. It’s also a great soup in batches since it reheats well and gives you easy meals later. If you aim to eat better without spending much time or money, this soup covers you.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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 brings together the potatoes’ natural sweetness with the brightness of roasted red peppers, giving you a bowl full of warmth and flavor. It takes about an hour, which is still faster than waiting for takeout, and it’s made with simple ingredients you can feel good about. This soup is perfect for a quiet evening or when you’re hosting guests and want to serve something comforting and different. It’s an affordable way to avoid the takeout trap and enjoy a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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 makes skipping takeout feel like an easy choice. This dish is packed with veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, mixed with sour cream, cream cheese, and bacon, and then baked with a crispy topping. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great option on a busy night. This casserole also makes a lot, so you’ll have leftovers that taste just as great the next day. It’s a comforting dish that helps you skip the delivery menu without missing out on a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken brings rich flavor to the table in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken is cooked in a creamy dijon sauce with fresh spinach and crispy bacon, making this a one-pan meal that’s both quick and flavorful. It’s great for weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t feel like dealing with takeout. Everything comes together easily, and the cleanup is simple, too. This dish is perfect when you need a quick, hearty meal that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a great way to skip takeout while still feeling like you’ve made something special. Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning come together in a rich and hearty soup that’s done in 30 minutes. The fact that it’s made in one pot keeps cleanup simple, so you can enjoy your meal without the kitchen mess. If you’re looking for something cozy, filling, and easy to make, this soup is perfect for a night in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is packed with everything you love in a baked potato — bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and potatoes — all baked until melted and golden. It’s simple to put together and works well as a main dish or a side, making it flexible for any meal. Plus, leftovers heat up great, so you’ll have another easy meal waiting for you. This casserole shows you don’t need takeout for something comforting and filling. Just bake it, and you have a great meal for your family or yourself.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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 low-carb version of the classic soup, using radishes instead of potatoes without losing that comforting texture. It’s full of garlic sausage, kale, and creamy broth, coming together in about an hour. If you’re sticking to a low-carb diet but don’t want to miss out on bold flavors, this soup is just what you need. It’s filling enough to make takeout seem unnecessary and a meal that’ll please everyone at the table. This recipe gives you something healthy and comforting without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s made with juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Italian seasoning. The creamy sauce ties everything together, making this meal feel like a treat without wasting too much time. It’s a great way to skip takeout when craving something homemade but don’t want to spend your whole evening in the kitchen. It is one of those dinners that shows you don’t need takeout to have a great meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato 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 a comforting, low-maintenance meal that combines ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rice, all topped with melted cheese. It takes about 45 minutes to bake, and it’s a great option when you need something easy but filling. This casserole is also perfect for leftovers, making it a great choice for meal planning. If you’re trying to cut back on takeout, this dish gives you a healthier, more budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is a great choice when you need something comforting that doesn’t take up your whole evening. With tender chicken, sweet corn, potatoes, and carrots all simmering in one pot, you get a delicious and easy meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a busy day when you still want to enjoy something home-cooked. There’s no need to reach for takeout menus when you have a soup that brings warmth to your table. It’s a simple way to feel good about what you’re eating while keeping dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a quick and easy meal that feels special. Juicy chicken thighs and tender artichoke hearts are cooked in a creamy sauce that comes together in 30 minutes. It’s great for nights when you want a home-cooked dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. This dish is a simple reminder that making something flavorful at home can be faster than ordering takeout. It’s a way to treat yourself to a little comfort without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 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 is an easy and comforting meal. Pan-seared chicken breasts are topped with a creamy garlic sauce that’s rich but not too heavy and pairs perfectly with pasta or veggies. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for when you want something home-cooked but don’t have the energy for anything complicated. Instead of reaching for takeout, you can make a meal that feels special without the extra effort. It’s a kind way to look after yourself on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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, wholesome meal for busy weeknights. The crisp cabbage, flavorful sausage, and sweet onions come together in just 25 minutes, giving you a dish that’s simple yet full of flavor. It is a perfect go-to when you want something delicious but don’t have time to cook anything complicated. It’s a gentle reminder that a home-cooked dinner doesn’t have to be a hassle, and you can enjoy something great without resorting to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is easy to bring bold flavors to your table. Chicken coated in fajita seasoning, mini peppers, and cheese are baked together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. It’s ready in 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. Instead of ordering takeout, this meal shows you can enjoy something great at home with minimal effort. It’s simple, and you won’t miss the hassle of a messy kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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