Tired of ordering the same takeout over and over? These 37 simple and delicious from-scratch dinner recipes show how easy it is to make meals at home that taste just as good, if not better, than anything on your delivery app. The recipes use everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, making it simple to put a satisfying dinner on the table without stress.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork, beans, and spices simmer slowly until the flavors are rich, bold, and comforting, filling the kitchen with a warm aroma. The slow cooker handles most of the work, but the taste feels like it took hours of careful cooking to develop. This from-scratch dinner shows how easy it is to make a hearty meal at home without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pizza Rolls
Soft dough wraps chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce, baking into golden, gooey rolls that are both fun and satisfying to eat. The flavors feel playful while staying simple to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand. Make these from-scratch rolls when you want a creative dinner that beats any delivery option.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Asian Glazed Salmon
Salmon is coated in a sweet and savory glaze that seeps into the fish, giving every bite a rich and balanced flavor. It cooks quickly yet tastes like a dish you would expect from a restaurant, made with care at home. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a fast, flavorful meal that skips the app entirely.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Tomato Lime Chicken
Juicy chicken is paired with bright tomato and tangy lime, creating a bold, fresh flavor that feels lively on the plate. The recipe comes together quickly and works in tacos, over rice, or tossed into a salad for flexibility at mealtime. This from-scratch dinner proves that a flavorful homemade meal can be easy to make without ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken soaks in fresh lemon and herbs before cooking, juicy and tender, giving the meat a bright, savory taste that feels thoughtful. The preparation is simple enough to finish in minutes, but the flavors feel layered and satisfying. Make this from-scratch dish when you want a dinner that tastes like it came from a favorite takeout spot without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Creamy Pea Pasta
Pasta is coated in a light, creamy sauce with sweet peas, making a meal that feels fresh, comforting, and filling all at once. It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, but tastes like it took care and attention to create. This from-scratch recipe is perfect for a simple, satisfying dinner that skips the app entirely.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Honey Habanero Tacos
Ground beef cooks with honey and habanero to create tacos with a bold mix of sweet heat that hits the right flavor notes. The recipe is quick to prepare, yet the taste feels vibrant and memorable, far beyond a typical taco night. Try this from-scratch dinner for a meal that brings excitement to the table without delivery.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Kefta Kebabs
Ground meat is mixed with spices, formed into skewers, and grilled until smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. The process is straightforward but produces a dish that feels thoughtful and satisfying in every bite. Make this from-scratch meal when you want a simple dinner that competes with any takeout option.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory seasoning cook together in one pan, giving a hearty and flavorful meal in minutes. It captures all the taste of an egg roll without frying or rolling, keeping preparation simple and cleanup easy. This from-scratch recipe is perfect when you want a fast, delicious dinner without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Carnitas
Pork simmers until tender enough to shred and soak up rich, savory seasonings that bring depth to tacos, bowls, or sandwiches. The method is simple, but the flavor feels complex, giving the meat a restaurant-quality taste made at home. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a satisfying meal without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, noodles, and broth cook together quickly in the Instant Pot, yet the flavor feels rich, layered, and comforting. Every spoonful carries warmth and depth that make it taste homemade and satisfying. This from-scratch dinner proves that even simple soup can replace takeout with ease and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken is coated in a sticky honey glaze that turns sweet, savory, and caramelized as it cooks, giving bold flavor to every bite. The recipe comes together quickly while tasting thoughtful and carefully made. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a comforting meal that beats ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Tomato Basil Bisque
Smooth tomato blends with fresh basil to create a bisque that’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor without extra fuss. It cooks in a short time but tastes like it simmered slowly to develop depth. Make this from-scratch dish when you want a warm, satisfying dinner that skips the app entirely.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken is coated in a sticky orange sauce that balances sweet and tangy notes for a lively, flavorful meal. It looks like a takeout favorite, but it’s made easily at home in less time. This from-scratch dinner shows that flavorful meals can be fast, fun, and completely homemade.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Italian Meatball Soup
Hearty meatballs swim in a savory broth that is rich, comforting, and packed with Italian flavor. The recipe comes together with simple steps, yet the results taste like a dish slow-cooked with care. Try this from-scratch soup when you want a satisfying dinner that beats delivery without effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken simmers in a paprika sauce until tender, coated in a creamy, rich base that brings deep flavor to the plate. Everything comes together in one pot, keeping preparation simple while tasting carefully made. This from-scratch recipe proves that comfort dinners can be easy, satisfying, and fully homemade.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs cook in a rich tomato sauce that is hearty, bold, and satisfying in every bite. The dish comes together faster than expected but tastes like it simmered slowly to develop full flavor. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a classic, comforting meal without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Pasta is tossed with juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta for a dish that feels fresh, filling, and thoughtfully made. It takes just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes to create. This from-scratch recipe is perfect when you want a simple, delicious dinner without the app.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Arborio rice cooks creamy, while peas add sweetness, and lemon brings brightness for a dish that tastes special without complexity. It comes together with simple steps, yet the flavor feels rich and thoughtful in every bite. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a restaurant-worthy meal made easily at home.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
A crisp pizza crust holds asparagus, creamy goat cheese, and just enough toppings for a fresh and satisfying meal. The preparation is simple, skipping heavy sauces while still giving rich flavor. This from-scratch recipe shows that homemade pizza can taste better than takeout every time.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Lemon Butter Pasta
Pasta is coated in a sauce made from butter and lemon that tastes rich, fresh, and balanced in every bite. It uses only a few ingredients but delivers a flavor that feels thoughtful. This from-scratch dinner shows that simple ingredients can create a meal better than anything from an app.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Pizza Dough
Flour, yeast, and water come together to form soft, chewy pizza dough that is easy to shape and bake with your favorite toppings. Making the dough at home keeps the process fun while giving more flavor than store-bought alternatives. Try this from-scratch recipe when you want a homemade pizza night that beats delivery.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon cooks in a sauce of cream, Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes for bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. It comes together in under 30 minutes while still tasting like a carefully made dish. This from-scratch dinner proves that restaurant-quality meals can be made quickly at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Chicken Curry
Chicken simmers in coconut milk and spices until tender, coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that fills the plate with comfort. The steps are simple, but the taste is layered and flavorful. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a filling and flavorful meal that skips the app.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Beer Cheese Soup
Melted cheese and beer combine into a creamy, comforting soup that tastes rich and indulgent without extra work. The recipe is fast but still has the depth of a dish made from scratch. Try this from-scratch dinner for a warm, satisfying meal any night.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta, butter, and cheese melt together with black pepper to create a dish that is simple, bold, and full of flavor. It takes minutes to make but tastes thoughtful and satisfying. This from-scratch recipe proves that easy dinners can feel like a treat without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Asian Marinated Steak
Steak soaks in a mix of soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until juicy and full of savory flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables. It cooks quickly while tasting rich and carefully made. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a bold, satisfying meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken, beans, corn, and broth come together for a soup that is hearty, filling, and full of flavor. Toppings like tortilla strips and lime add crunch and brightness without extra work. This from-scratch recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that skips takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken cooks with garlic and lemon until tender, juicy, and packed with fresh, bright flavor. The Instant Pot makes it fast, but the taste feels like a carefully made meal. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want simple steps and satisfying results.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon gently cooks in orange juice for a bright, clean flavor while staying moist and tender. The recipe is fast and simple, yet it tastes like a special, homemade dish. This from-scratch dinner shows that easy steps can still deliver bold, impressive flavor.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Pulled Pork
Pork cooks until tender enough to shred, soaking up smoky flavor that is rich and satisfying. The process is simple, but the taste feels like it took careful attention and time. This from-scratch dinner proves that comforting, flavorful meals are possible without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken and vegetables simmer into a creamy, hearty stew that gets topped with soft, warm biscuits. The combination feels filling and homemade while staying easy to make. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a meal that tastes comforting and complete.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tamale Pot Pies
Shredded chicken, corn, and spices are nestled in a masa crust for individual pot pies that are flavorful and filling. The recipe brings the taste of homemade tamales into a simple, approachable format. This from-scratch dinner shows how easy it is to make something special without delivery.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Tomato Soup
Ripe tomatoes cook down into a smooth, rich, and flavorful soup that tastes homemade with minimal effort. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it satisfying and comforting. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a classic meal that feels full of care.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini cooks with chicken and vegetables in a savory broth for a hearty and filling meal. The recipe comes together quickly while keeping the taste of homemade care. This from-scratch dinner proves simple ingredients can make a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Rice, beef, and melted cheese bake into a hearty dish that is filling and packed with flavor. The process is straightforward, but the result tastes rich and good. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want comfort food made easily at home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken cooks until tender and is coated in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce that tastes bold and satisfying. It works for sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes without extra effort. This from-scratch dinner shows how simple steps can bring big flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken