19 meals that taste like takeout but cost a fraction of the price

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Craving takeout but looking for a way to cut back on spending? These meals bring the flavors you love without the extra cost. They’re easy to make at home, saving both time and money while still delivering the kind of meal you’d expect from a restaurant. No need to wait for delivery when you can have the same experience right from your own kitchen.

A baked dish with pasta, ground beef, melted cheese, and topped with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving a quick and flavorful meal? Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry brings the sizzle of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Whip this up in the comfort of your home, and enjoy a meal that rivals your local joint’s offering, both in taste and in your wallet’s well-being. Share this homemade stir fry with friends for a simple yet impressive dinner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Transform your morning with a heartwarming Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, a true nod to home-cooked tradition without the restaurant markup. This dish combines the homey feel of southern cooking with the convenience of a one-dish breakfast. Ideal for a laid-back brunch, this recipe serves up comfort by the spoonful. Gathering around this casserole promises a start to the day that’s as enjoyable as it is economical.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who knew you could recreate a fast-food favorite from scratch? Whip up a Crunchwrap Supreme and watch as it becomes the star of your at-home Mexican night. There’s no need for a drive-thru when you have this foolproof method for preparing a famously satisfying classic. Not only is it budget-friendly, but leftovers (if you have any!) are perfect for next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Breakfast Burritos

Close-up of a burrito cut in half, showing fillings of scrambled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs wrapped in a tortilla.
Breakfast Burritos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Start your day with a batch of homemade Breakfast Burritos to ensure a filling and pennywise morning meal. Easy to assemble and even easier to customize, they make for an ideal grab-and-go option. Plus, making these at home allows you to cater to individual tastes without compromising on freshness or flavor. Wrap up your creation, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast that suits both your schedule and your budget.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Burritos

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded barbecue chicken, sour cream, and chopped herbs on a white plate.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unlock the secret to a restaurant-worthy meal with BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes, a dish oozing with flavor and savings. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy a slow-cooked taste without the added expense of dining out. Ideal for a laid-back weekend dinner, these stuffed potatoes are as satisfying as they are simple to make. Plus, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a touch of gourmet at a fraction of the cost, Beef Bourguignon stands out as a clear winner. This classic French dish may sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly straightforward to recreate at home. Invite company over and impress them with your cooking prowess, all while knowing you’ve kept within your budget. Every forkful promises to be rich in flavor and light on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Baked Oatmeal

Baked berry oatmeal in an oval dish, topped with dollops of cream and sprinkled cinnamon, with a serving spoon lifting a portion.
Baked Oatmeal. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Embrace a wholesome start to your day with Baked Oatmeal, an easy and inexpensive way to enjoy a filling breakfast. The oven does most of the work, leaving you to relish the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Serve this up on a bright morning, and you’ve got yourself a nutritious meal that keeps both health and the economy in check. Its homemade charm is sure to win over anyone looking for a cozy breakfast option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal

Chicken Tempura

Plate of batter-fried fritters with a bowl of red dipping sauce on a white plate, viewed from above.
Chicken Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Have fun making Chicken Tempura at home and say goodbye to costly appetizer fees. This dish is a fan favorite because it offers the crunchy satisfaction of deep-fried bliss without the steep prices of a Japanese restaurant. You can gather everyone at the table to indulge in a light, crispy treat that proves simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. It’s a foolproof way to bring a dash of fancy to your dining without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a stress-free side that complements nearly any main, Baked Rice is your go-to option. Rather than spending on overpriced sides, treat yourself to this effortlessly delicious dish that requires minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal without the hassle. Pair it with your favorite protein, and you’ve got yourself a cost-effective feast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Experience the home-cooked goodness of a hearty Beef Chili that won’t stretch your budget. This one-pot wonder is both an economical and a crowd-pleasing solution to your dinner dilemmas. You can easily produce a generous batch, making it excellent for meal prep or for a family gathering. Everyone will appreciate the full flavors of this homemade chili that brings comfort without the pricey tab.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing says home like the aroma of fresh Banana Bread right out of the oven. This beloved treat makes for a sweet and sensible snack or a splendid addition to your morning coffee. By baking your own, you avoid the upcharges of coffee shop pastries and enjoy the satisfaction of a baked-from-scratch loaf. Gather loved ones for a slice over the conversation, and watch this simple pleasure become a recurring request.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy dish with melted cheese, beef, beans, and scattered cilantro leaves. Red onion slices are visible in the foreground.
Beef Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enjoy a lively fiesta of flavors with Beef Enchilada Casserole, a dish that brings the vibrant of Mexican cuisine to your table for less. This easy-to-make casserole fuses bold aromas and textures without the need for expensive ingredients or tabs. It’s ideal for a weeknight meal, promising to be a family hit that keeps your budget in check. As forks dip into this layered creation, the only thing missing will be the costly bill.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Best Zucchini Bread is your answer to utilizing homegrown produce or in-season bargains. This moist and flavorful bread is as easy on your wallet as it is on the palate, making it a great choice for casual get-togethers or a personal treat. Not only does it give you the satisfaction of baking something exquisite from scratch, but it also goes easy on your expenses.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

A close-up of a chicken and broccoli casserole featuring browned cheese, herbs, and green leafy garnish on top, displayed in a rectangular baking dish.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Unveil the comfort of a Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for dinner without enduring the strain on your pocketbook. This casserole offers a generous portion of coziness and flavor, perfect for those evenings when you need something both substantial and heartwarming. The simplicity of this dish means you can enjoy more time with your family rather than fussing over a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington sliced on a wooden board with a side salad in the background.
Beef Wellington. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Reimagine fine dining with an impressive yet inexpensive Beef Wellington. Despite its reputation as a high-end dish, it’s surprisingly doable at home, offering an air of sophistication to your dinner lineup. Invite friends to partake in this luxurious meal, ensuring them an evening of rich flavors without the upscale restaurant prices. It’s a sterling choice for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something exceptional.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of a baked breakfast casserole dish containing vegetables, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and garnished with a parsley leaf.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Kick off any morning with a Breakfast Casserole that packs both nourishment and thriftiness into every bite. This dish is a fantastic way to feed a group and prove that a flavorful, full breakfast doesn’t have to strain your budget. Preparing this casserole can even become a fun, collaborative kitchen activity. Serve it up with a smile, and allow the appreciation for a homemade, wallet-friendly breakfast to roll in.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Level up your pasta night with Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, a twist on the classic Italian dish that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Layer upon layer, this lasagna offers rich flavors that mimic those of your cherished Italian joint but at a portion of the price. It’s an indulgence without extravagance, perfect for when you long for savory sophistication on a budget. Expect this fulfilling dish to become a recurring request from your dinner guests.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chase away any dull mealtime routine with a bowl of Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. This soup provides a bounty of taste without the bistro price tag, heating up any at-home luncheon or dinner. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality soup ready to impress your family or guests. And the best part? It’s a sumptuous concoction that keeps your finances as healthy as your diet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Air Fryer Cheeseburger Casserole

A baked dish with pasta, ground beef, melted cheese, and topped with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rethink your burger night with an imaginative Air Fryer Cheeseburger Casserole that’s as economical as it is fun. This casserole melds all your favorite cheeseburger components into one dish that cooks up quickly in the air fryer. It’s perfect for the days when you crave the casual feel of a diner but desire home-cooked quality and value. Watch as this innovative meal becomes a regular in your rotation of fuss-free, thrifty favorites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburger Casserole

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