Tired of relying on takeout for dinner? These 27 from-scratch recipes make it easy to cook meals at home without a lot of fuss. They are simple, full of flavor, and show that cooking from scratch can be fast, satisfying, and worth slowing down for. These dishes bring comfort and taste to the table while keeping the process straightforward and manageable.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken, beans, corn, and broth cook into a hearty, filling, and flavorful soup that comes together easily at home. Toppings like tortilla strips and lime add brightness and texture without extra work. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a meal that skips the app but delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Rice, beef, and melted cheese bake into a rich, hearty dish that fills the plate and satisfies hunger. The preparation is simple, yet the flavors taste homemade and comforting. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a cozy, filling meal without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork, beans, and spices simmer slowly until the flavors are bold, rich, and layered, filling the kitchen with an inviting aroma. The slow cooker handles the work while the taste feels like it was cooked with care. Cook this from-scratch dinner when you want a satisfying meal without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta, butter, and cheese blend with black pepper for a simple, bold dish that delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. It comes together in minutes but tastes thoughtful and homemade. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a classic pasta that beats ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken cooks with garlic and lemon until juicy, tender, and packed with bright, fresh flavor. Using the Instant Pot keeps it fast while keeping the taste homemade and satisfying. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want simple steps and a flavorful result.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Curry
Chicken simmers in coconut milk and spices until tender and coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce that fills the plate. The recipe is easy to follow, yet the flavor tastes layered and made from scratch. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a filling and satisfying meal without the app.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Pizza Dough
Flour, yeast, and water come together to form soft, chewy dough that is easy to shape and bake with your favorite toppings. Making it at home keeps the process fun while giving more flavor than store-bought dough. This from-scratch recipe makes a homemade pizza night that beats anything from delivery.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough
Beer Cheese Soup
Melted cheese and beer combine into a creamy, comforting soup with rich flavor that feels indulgent without extra work. The recipe comes together quickly, yet it tastes thoughtful and homemade. Enjoy this from-scratch dinner for a warm, satisfying meal without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon cooks gently in fresh orange juice for a bright, clean flavor while staying moist and tender. The recipe is simple and fast, yet the flavor feels like a carefully made dish from scratch. This from-scratch dinner delivers bold flavor without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini cooks with tender chicken and vegetables in a savory broth that is hearty and filling. The steps are quick while the taste stays rich and homemade. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a complete meal that skips the app entirely.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Lemon Butter Pasta
Pasta gets coated in a buttery, lemony sauce that feels rich, fresh, and balanced in every bite. It uses only a few ingredients but tastes thoughtful and homemade. This from-scratch dinner serves a simple, flavorful meal that beats anything from an app.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken strips are coated in a cornflake crust that gives crunch on the outside while keeping the meat juicy inside. The process is straightforward but delivers a restaurant-style taste at home. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want comfort food that is quick, fun, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken simmers in a paprika-infused creamy sauce until tender, creating deep, comforting flavor with minimal effort. The one-pot recipe keeps cooking simple while tasting like it took hours. This from-scratch dinner turns simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal that beats anything from delivery.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tender chicken and vegetables cook into a creamy, hearty stew that is warm and filling, topped with soft, golden biscuits. The steps stay simple, but the flavor feels fully homemade and satisfying. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a meal that feels complete and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken soaks in bright lemon and fresh herbs before cooking to juicy perfection with bold, fresh flavor. The recipe comes together quickly, but the taste feels like it was made with care. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a vibrant, satisfying meal that beats ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Juicy chicken mixes with tender orzo, herbs, and creamy feta to make a dish that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The preparation is straightforward, while the result feels thoughtfully homemade. Serve this from-scratch dinner and savor the rich flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Creamy Pea Pasta
Pasta gets tossed in a light, creamy sauce with sweet peas for a dish that feels fresh, filling, and comforting. It comes together quickly but tastes like it was made with attention and care. Whip up this from-scratch dinner for a simple, satisfying meal that beats ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta coat tender pasta for a dish that tastes fresh, filling, and homemade. The recipe only uses a few ingredients and comes together fast, yet every bite feels thoughtful. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a quick, flavorful meal better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken is coated in a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes into a sweet, savory, and rich flavor as it cooks. The steps are simple, but the taste feels carefully made and satisfying. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a comforting meal that delivers bold flavor at home.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Kefta Kebabs
Ground meat is mixed with spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled until smoky, juicy, and packed with bold flavor. The process is easy while producing a dish that tastes far more special than takeout. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a simple, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Tomato Lime Chicken
Juicy chicken is cooked with bright tomato and tangy lime for bold, fresh flavor that wakes up the plate. The recipe comes together quickly while still tasting thoughtful and homemade. Bring this from-scratch dinner to the table and turn a simple meal into something exciting and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Carnitas
Pork cooks slowly until it can be shredded and soaks up rich, savory seasonings that taste deep and satisfying. The steps are simple, but the flavor feels like it took hours to develop at home. Serve this from-scratch dinner tonight and turn tacos, bowls, or sandwiches into a flavorful homemade feast.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Italian Meatball Soup
Hearty meatballs swim in a savory broth that is rich, comforting, and full of Italian flavor in every spoonful. The preparation is straightforward, but the taste feels layered and homemade. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a warming, filling meal that beats takeout.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Potato Gnocchi
Soft potato gnocchi cook into tender dumplings that soak up sauce and flavor beautifully. The recipe is simple to follow, yet the result tastes thoughtful and special. Try this from-scratch dinner when you want a comforting meal that feels elevated without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Miso Glazed Salmon
Salmon is brushed with a miso glaze that caramelizes into a slightly sweet, savory finish while keeping the fish tender and juicy. The dish is fast and easy, yet it tastes like it took careful attention. Bring this from-scratch dinner to the table and savor a meal that feels special with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous mixes with fresh vegetables and herbs to make a bright, flavorful, and filling salad that works on its own or alongside a main dish. The recipe comes together quickly and tastes thoughtful without extra steps. Serve this from-scratch dinner and enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmer in a rich tomato sauce that tastes bold, hearty, and fully homemade. The recipe is faster than expected, yet the flavor feels like it developed slowly and carefully. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a classic meal that fills the kitchen with comfort.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce