25 home-cooked recipes that make takeout feel unnecessary

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Forget scrolling through the same tired takeout apps — this is where your kitchen takes over. We’re talking about dishes so good, you’ll be wondering why you ever spent so much on delivery fees. At the end of the day, it’s not about fancy tricks or long grocery lists. These recipes get straight to the point and leave your takeout menus collecting dust in the drawer.

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Skip the wait for takeout and make Creamy Dijon Chicken in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken thighs cook up quickly in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with herbs and crispy bacon. This dish is a great option when you want something comforting that doesn’t take hours to make. It’s perfect for a busy night when you’re looking to save time and money, and it still feels special enough to impress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You don’t need takeout when you can make Lemon Garlic Scallops in just 30 minutes. Fresh scallops cooked in a simple lemon garlic sauce bring fresh flavors to the table. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and makes a great choice for a lighter meal. Whether it’s a weeknight or you’re treating yourself, it’s a perfect reminder that home-cooked meals can feel special without being difficult.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

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 great option when takeout doesn’t cut it. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s packed with tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh veggies, all in a rich broth. This soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for busy nights when you need something easy yet filling. It’s a great way to feed the family without the stress of ordering multiple dishes. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you made a wholesome meal without relying on delivery.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Sausage Curry

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

Instead of reaching for the takeout menu, make Sausage Curry in just 45 minutes. This one-pan dish is packed with flavor, thanks to juicy sausages and a bold curry sauce. It’s a simple recipe that feels hearty and filling without being complicated. When you’re tempted to order out, this curry shows that making something great at home doesn’t have to be hard. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make a delicious dinner without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

You don’t need takeout when you can make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in 30 minutes. Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes come together to make a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for any night. The creamy texture and simple ingredients make this meal filling. This soup is a great reminder that home-cooked meals can be easy, affordable, and full of flavor without needing takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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.

These Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts are perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and comforting. The chicken thighs are tender, and the artichoke hearts add just the right touch to balance the rich, creamy sauce. It’s all ready in 30 minutes, making it a great option when you’re tempted by takeout but want something homemade instead.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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 light, fresh meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. With simple ingredients like shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, and garlic, this dish is quick to prepare but still feels special. It’s a great way to get something fresh on the table without calling for takeout. Plus, it’s a good chance to use up any extra veggies you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are here for those days when you want something fast and delicious but don’t want to rely on takeout. The chicken cooks up tender with a simple garlic butter sauce that comes together in 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and much better than anything you’d wait for from delivery. This dish fits perfectly into a busy weeknight, giving you a hot, homemade meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken gives you all the rich flavors of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce — all in one pan. It’s ready in about 40 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner without the need to order in. You can serve it over pasta or with bread for a complete meal that’s comforting and filling. It’s a simple recipe that helps you make something special at home, even on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup takes everything you love about chicken pot pie and simplifies it into a comforting soup. It’s packed with chicken, potatoes, and carrots in a creamy broth, all ready in under an hour. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something filling without the hassle of a crust. With this meal, you can skip the takeout and still enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Zuppa Toscana can be ready in about an hour, and it’s perfect when you’re looking for something hearty without reaching for the takeout menu. It’s made with sausage, bacon, heavy cream, kale, and radishes instead of potatoes to keep it low-carb. The broth is rich and comforting, making it a great meal for busy nights. And the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day!
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is the perfect answer when you need something quick but filling. It’s ready in 40 minutes and brings together creamy white beans, carrots, and croutons — all in one pot. No cream is needed, making it light but still comforting. This soup also reheats well, so it’s also great for lunch the next day. When life gets busy, this soup keeps takeout from even being a thought.
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.

If you’re looking for a comforting and practical meal, this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great choice. It’s ready in about an hour and gives you a smooth, veggie-packed dish with just the right amount of flavor from the red peppers. Top it with a little sour cream and parsley to bring it all together. Plus, it’s easy to freeze, so you’ll have a backup for a busy night down the road. It’s a home-cooked meal that makes takeout more of a hassle than help.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe gives you the best of both worlds: comfort and convenience. Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy is a one-pot meal that brings together salmon, bok choy, and homemade curry paste with mustard seeds and curry powder. The coconut milk adds a gentle richness that balances the flavors. It’s fast, filling, and perfect for nights when you need something easy but still want to take care of yourself.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re tempted to order takeout, this Hungarian Mushroom Soup serves a kinder, home-cooked option. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s creamy and filled with mushrooms, making it perfect for dinner when you want something cozy. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a comforting meal that stores well for later, too. It’s a simple dish that’s easy to make, and it’ll help you realize that takeout isn’t always the easiest option.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

When you’re tired of scrolling through takeout menus, make Cabbage and Sausage. It’s a great, quick dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. You need cabbage, sausage, and a little apple cider vinegar to make this meal. Everything cooks in one pan, keeping things simple and easy to clean up. It’s a hearty, budget-friendly dish perfect for those nights when you want something home-cooked but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

Skip the takeout apps and try Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice instead. This dish comes together in one skillet, combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms for a filling, comforting meal. It’s done in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when cooking feels like a lot. You’ll save time, money, and the frustration of waiting for delivery; plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Don’t bother with takeout when Fried Cabbage with Bacon can be ready in just 25 minutes. It’s a simple dish made with crispy bacon, cabbage, and onions, but the flavors are perfect for a quick, filling meal. This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to cook, and shows that home-cooked meals don’t require much effort. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re craving something that feels like comfort food without the cost or wait of delivery.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you want a dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t take much effort, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a great choice. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a rich mushroom sauce, all in one pan, ready in about 30 minutes. This kind of meal makes staying in feel like a treat. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect reminder that home-cooked dinners can be simple and still taste amazing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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 is your go-to when you’re looking for something quick but still packed with flavor. Juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce all come together in one pan in just 30 minutes. This recipe feels more special than your usual weeknight dinner, but it’s easy enough to pull together without much hassle. You’ll feel good knowing you can make something this great without waiting for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple, comforting meal that feels like a break from takeout. Chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and cream come together in one pan, making it easy to cook and even easier to clean up. It’s ready in 30 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table without waiting around. This dish is perfect for nights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade rather than ordered.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic 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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is the perfect solution when you need dinner to be quick and good. Just toss zucchini, broccoli, mini peppers, and sausages onto a sheet pan, season them, and let the oven handle the rest. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a balanced meal with very little effort. No need to reach for takeout — this sheet pan dinner is here to save the day and make life easier.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms takes a classic comfort dish and lightens it up without losing flavor. Cauliflower replaces rice, and with the help of mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan, you still get a rich, creamy meal in just 30 minutes. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something quick and homemade but don’t want to feel weighed down. Takeout won’t stand a chance next to this, and it’s the kind of dish that helps you feel good about what you’re serving up.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is a great way to make something fresh and exciting from leftover chicken. With green chiles, jalapeños, onions, and a creamy sauce, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a quick meal that’s full of flavor and so easy to throw together. Whether you serve it over rice or stuff it into tacos, this kind of dinner will make takeout seem like a distant memory.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is the perfect go-to when you need something filling and comforting after a long day. Made with chicken, creamed corn, carrots, and potatoes, this soup is both hearty and easy to whip up in under an hour. It’s a great alternative to takeout when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s just as good the next day, making it a helpful recipe for when you need leftovers to get through a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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