Ditch the takeout for these 21 ridiculously easy homemade meals that promise to save you time, money, and the hassle of waiting for your food to arrive. We live in a fast-paced world where convenience often takes precedence, but sometimes, the most straightforward option is in your kitchen. With minimal prep time and simple cooking methods, these recipes are designed to make home cooking an attractive and simple choice for those nights when you’re tempted to order out.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In 30 minutes, you can prepare this one-pan dish featuring chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce. The quick cooking time and simple preparation steps make it an excellent alternative to waiting for takeout. It’s also a good starting point for those new to the kitchen. The dish is a complete meal when paired with rice or vegetables. Protein and a flavorful sauce make it a balanced option for a home-cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole effortlessly blends broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, home-cooked dish that outshines the appeal of ordering takeout. The recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it a perfect starting point for those new to the kitchen. It’s a versatile option that fits seamlessly into your meal rotation. Including hearty ingredients ensures a balanced meal, while the quick cooking time adds a layer of convenience. It’s a reliable choice for anyone seeking a quick, easy homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This is a one-pan dish featuring cabbage and sausage, prepared in under 30 minutes. It provides a simple cooking experience, ideal for those who are new to cooking. The meal is hearty, providing both protein and fiber. The quick cooking time and minimal ingredient list make it a more convenient option than takeout. You’ll find that it makes for a filling dinner with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Italian Sausage Soup
This soup combines Italian sausage, heavy cream, and canned tomatoes and is ready in 30 minutes. Its quick cooking time and single-pot design make it a convenient homemade option. The recipe is especially well-suited for those new to cooking. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for cold days or when you need a quick meal. The ease of preparation makes it a reliable alternative to ordering soup from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
These patties use canned chicken for a meal ready in just 20 minutes. With such a short prep and cooking time, they’re a quick and practical solution for dinner. Even those new to cooking will find this recipe manageable. Serve them as a main dish or use them in sandwiches for versatility. They’re a time-saving option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Dijon Chicken
This Creamy Dijon Chicken offers a one-pan solution for a home-cooked meal in half an hour. You’ll cook chicken seasoned to perfection and then complement it with a smooth Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. The ease of preparation makes it a great choice for those relatively new to cooking. Not only does it require minimal cooking skills, but it also saves you the time you’d spend waiting for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one-pan dish features ground beef and cauliflower rice, all ready in 30 minutes. The minimal cooking time and simple ingredients make it a solid alternative to takeout. It’s a perfect option for those who are new to cooking. The dish is high in protein and can be a complete meal on its own. It combines practicality and flavor in a simple format.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This sheet pan dinner includes roasted sausage and vegetables and is ready in 30 minutes. The preparation is straightforward, making it easy for even cooking novices to tackle. It’s an excellent choice for a quick weeknight meal. This dish offers a balanced meal with protein and vegetables. The quick cooking time and one-pan design make it a practical alternative to ordering food.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This is a one-pan dish featuring chicken in a creamy garlic sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Its quick prep time and simple steps make it a favorable choice over ordering takeout. The dish pairs well with a variety of sides like rice or vegetables. It’s an ideal recipe for those new to cooking and looking for a full, balanced meal. The straightforward cooking process ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This chicken salad offers a unique twist and is easy to prepare. The quick preparation time and basic ingredients list makes it a viable option instead of takeout. This dish is a solid choice for people starting their cooking journey. It provides a balanced meal of protein and greens. Its straightforward assembly makes it a practical choice for a quick home-cooked lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This one-pan dish features marinated chicken, cheese, and spinach. It’s easy to assemble and bake, making it a convenient option for home cooking. Even beginner cooks will find this recipe manageable and rewarding. The dish serves as a balanced meal with a blend of protein and vegetables. Its simplicity and quick cooking time make it a practical alternative to ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This slow-cooker soup requires just 20 minutes of prep time. With ground beef and pantry staples, it’s a beginner-friendly meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you more free time. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, covering both protein and vegetables. The convenience and minimal hands-on time make it a better option than waiting for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ready in 25 minutes, this dish features fried cabbage and bacon. The recipe is simple, making it perfect for those new to the kitchen. The minimal ingredients and quick cooking time provide a practical home-cooked meal. It’s a hearty dish that serves well as either a main course or a side. With both vegetables and protein, it’s a balanced option that bypasses the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
This refreshing salad can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy recipe, ideal for those who are new to cooking. The quick preparation makes it a practical alternative to store-bought salads or takeout. It serves well as a light dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s an easy way to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This casserole combines seasoned chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. The simple steps make it a great introductory dish for new cooks. It’s a fun and memorable dinner option that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills. The dish serves well as a complete meal, offering protein and flavor. With its straightforward preparation, it’s a practical and impressive alternative to ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This one-skillet dish pairs chicken thighs with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and is ready in just 30 minutes. Its quick cooking time and simple preparation make it a more personal and timely alternative to takeout. This dish is perfect for those new to cooking and looking for something straightforward yet flavorful. It offers a balanced meal of protein and a rich sauce. The one-pan design ensures easier cleanup and less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
This salad is like having a classic burger without the bun and is ready in no time. It’s easy to assemble, making it a practical option for beginner chefs. The dish is a complete meal with both protein and greens. The quick preparation and simple ingredients make it a quick home-cooked choice. It’s an uncomplicated but flavorful alternative to ordering a burger from a fast-food joint.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This baked chicken dish incorporates cream cheese and sweet peppers. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe, particularly useful for those new to cooking. The preparation is straightforward, and the dish comes together in just half an hour, making it a reliable alternative to takeout. This dish is a complete meal, covering both protein and vegetables. The recipe’s simplicity ensures you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Featuring shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a garlic sauce, this dish is ready in 30 minutes. The quick cooking time and simple steps make it an attractive home-cooked option. Even if you’re new to cooking, this dish is easy to master. It offers a balanced meal of protein and vegetables. With its restaurant-worthy flavors, it’s a more fulfilling choice than ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Shawarma Kebabs
These oven-baked kebabs offer a simple way to enjoy a protein-rich dish. They’re a straightforward recipe, making them a good starting point for those new to cooking. The kebabs cook quickly in the oven, offering a speedy home-cooked meal. They provide a different and flavorful way to enjoy meat. With their easy preparation, they’re a practical alternative to getting kebabs from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These poppers make for an easy and entertaining finger food option. The preparation is simple, and the cooking time is short, making them a quick alternative to ordering appetizers. They’re great for a fun family dinner or entertaining guests. Even those new to the kitchen will find these easy to make. With protein from the chicken and flavor from the bacon and ranch, they offer a complete meal on their own or with ranch dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers