17 of My Best Recipes Kept Me From Ordering Takeout Again
Ordering out used to be the plan—until these 17 recipes made staying in way too easy. They’re quick, dependable, and weirdly good at replacing that delivery habit. Less waiting, more eating, and zero regret. Even the takeout app hasn’t seen much action lately.
Lamb Chops
Nothing beats the richness of Lamb Chops when you want something hearty for dinner. Perfectly cooked with a great balance of tenderness and flavor, they’re ideal for any craving. Skip takeout’s bland options and enjoy this instead. You’ll wonder why you ever thought delivery was better.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Craving something quick but full of flavor? A Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the answer, packed with juicy, smoky, and satisfying goodness. It feels way better than a greasy drive-thru burger. Great for lunch or an easy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Cattle Drive Casserole
When you need comfort food that’s actually filling, Cattle Drive Casserole checks every box. It combines plenty of hearty components to keep you going. This is the kind of homemade meal that makes takeout feel like a rip-off. You’ll love how much it feeds your appetite.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole
Dense Bean Salad
If you think salads are boring, think again—Dense Bean Salad changes the game. Packed with fiber and texture, it’s surprisingly hearty and satisfying. It doesn’t leave you feeling you need another meal after. Forget soggy takeout salads forever with this option.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Chicken Chow Mein
Ordering noodles again feels pointless once you try Chicken Chow Mein at home. The combination of tender chicken and the perfect noodle texture makes it irresistible. Skip paying extra for delivery when this is so simple to whip up. Once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein
Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Say goodbye to bland pasta dishes when Creamy Beef Stroganoff is on the table. It’s rich, hearty, and full of layers of comforting flavors. This is one of those meals that makes you forget takeout is even an option. Ideal for dinner any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff
French Onion Dip
Chips deserve more than grocery store dip, so make French Onion Dip the star. It’s a simple but flavorful addition to any snack lineup. Homemade dip easily beats anything a restaurant delivers. You’ll want to serve it at every gathering for its unbeatable taste.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Mac and Cheese
You haven’t had comfort food until you’ve tried this Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy and loaded with flavor, it’ll make you rethink ordering from chain restaurants. Easy to make and totally worth the few extra steps. A bowl of this beats processed versions any day.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Corn Casserole
Need a side dish that actually feels like a complete meal? Corn Casserole is that surprise winner. Slightly sweet, hearty, and delicious, it’s the homemade dish that fills both your table and your stomach. Who needs side dishes from greasy takeout when you have this?
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Chicken Alfredo
Lazy dinners get a whole new meaning with Chicken Alfredo in your recipe rotation. It’s creamy, hearty, and worth every ounce of effort. This beats random takeout pasta by miles. Your family will think you’ve become a pro chef overnight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo
Eggplant Casserole
Trying to eat something lighter without skimping on substance? Eggplant Casserole is a meal that strikes that perfect balance. With every layer, you forget why you ever bothered with takeout vegetables. It’s comfort food without unnecessary extras.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Cacio e Pepe
For pasta that’s both simple and satisfying, Cacio e Pepe is hard to top. It hits all the right notes without requiring a long ingredient list. You might even impress yourself with how much better it is than any delivery option. A restaurant favorite made simpler at home.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Let’s talk comfort food with a twist: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. It’s a dish that feels indulgent while being sneakily veggie-packed. Perfect for a crowd or just to treat yourself on a weeknight. You’ll never look at casseroles the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Pork Belly
Think takeout has the best meat dishes? Wait until you try Pork Belly at home. It’s tender, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of juiciness and crispiness. Who needs greasy delivery options with something this good right from your kitchen?
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly
Shrimp Scampi
Quick meals don’t have to be boring—Shrimp Scampi proves that. This recipe feels incredibly fresh and light, but totally filling. There’s no reason to spend extra on overpriced restaurant seafood ever again. Perfect for a dinner that feels fancy but is easy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
Sweet and Sour Pork
Takeout lovers know all about this dish, but Sweet and Sour Pork at home gives a whole new meaning to fresh flavor. It’s crispy yet tender, and the combination of tangy and savory flavors is balanced perfectly. No more soggy deliveries—this is the real deal. Once you try it, you’ll make it again.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork
Beef Stew
When you need warmth in a bowl, Beef Stew is the answer. It’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with layers of flavor. Skip watery soups from delivery and enjoy something more robust. Perfect for colder days or whenever you need something filling.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
