We all have those nights when ordering takeout feels like the easiest option. But what if you could make something quicker, cheaper, and just as tasty at home? These 21 easy weeknight dinners are simple, budget-friendly, and more satisfying than your usual takeout order. With recipes this good, you’ll wonder why you ever picked up the phone.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Honey Habanero Tacos
Honey habanero tacos blend sweet and spicy flavors, creating a meal that feels special and exciting. With the option to customize toppings, everyone can create their favorite taco, making it a fun experience. These easy-to-make tacos showcase that cooking at home can deliver delicious meals that are far better than ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Puff pastry beef empanadas are filled with savory beef and wrapped in flaky dough, making them a delightful handheld meal. They are simple to prepare, satisfying cravings for something delicious while also being perfect for any occasion. This recipe demonstrates that making dinner at home can be both enjoyable and rewarding, proving that homemade meals can shine just as brightly as those from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy stuffed shells are filled with rich cheese, offering a comforting dish that’s great for busy nights when time is limited. Each shell delivers gooey goodness, ensuring a satisfying meal that everyone will love. This easy recipe proves that homemade options can impress, making it clear that cooking at home can create memorable dining experiences without needing takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Slow cooker garlic roast pork yields tender meat infused with rich garlic flavor, creating a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen. Setting this dish up is a breeze, and it results in a delicious homemade meal that everyone will enjoy. This recipe showcases how slow cooking can deliver comforting flavors with little effort, showing that preparing a delightful dinner can be effortless and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a simple way to turn leftovers into a colorful meal that feels special and satisfying. Packed with veggies and savory flavors, this dish is a wonderful homemade option that everyone will love, making it easy to enjoy together. It proves that cooking at home can lead to meals that not only nourish but also delight, eliminating the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Shortcut chicken salad is a quick meal that uses canned chicken for a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed anytime. This easy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner, providing a delicious homemade option without extra cooking, allowing for a satisfying meal in no time. It shows that tasty flavors can be enjoyed quickly and effortlessly, proving that convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice quality.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato lime chicken is a versatile dish that works well in tacos, salads, or rice bowls, making it a great choice for busy nights when options are needed. This easy recipe creates a flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for the whole family. Cooking at home guarantees a delicious dinner that brings everyone together, demonstrating that homemade meals can outshine takeout in every way.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta combine quick preparation with satisfying flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Everyone can pitch in to help, turning meal prep into a fun family activity that leads to a delicious reward. Cooking at home proves that enjoyable meals can be created easily, showing that a home-cooked dinner can be as delightful as any restaurant dish.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken egg roll in a bowl captures all the comforting flavors of an egg roll in one easy-to-make dish that everyone can enjoy. With tender chicken and crisp veggies, this meal is a tasty option for busy nights when time is short. Cooking this meal at home means savoring something delicious that rivals takeout, proving that homemade dinners can be both satisfying and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey glazed chicken features a sweet and sticky glaze, making every bite enjoyable and satisfying. Preparing this meal at home allows for a delicious dinner without the hassle of ordering in, ensuring a comforting experience for everyone. Pairing it with favorite sides makes it a well-rounded meal that highlights how home-cooked dishes can be a delightful alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is a simple yet comforting pasta dish that can be made in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days when hunger strikes. The cheesy and peppery flavors combine to create a delightful meal that is quick to whip up, satisfying cravings without a lot of effort. This recipe highlights how homemade options can be both quick and rewarding, showing that a delicious dinner is always within reach.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Asian inspired turkey burgers offer a unique twist on a classic meal, packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy. They are quick to prepare at home, providing a delicious alternative to typical burgers while being a healthier option. Cooking these at home makes it easy to create something exciting and satisfying, proving that homemade meals can be just as delightful as those from restaurants.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian meatball soup is hearty and filled with savory meatballs and delicious broth, offering a comforting way to enjoy a classic dish at home. This meal provides a delicious option without the need for takeout, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a warm and satisfying dinner. Each spoonful is full of flavor and warmth, proving that homemade soups can be just as comforting as any restaurant offering.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy pea pasta comes together quickly, creating a comforting meal that is perfect for busy nights when time is tight. The rich sauce and fresh peas make this dish both satisfying and delicious, showcasing how easy recipes can be enjoyable. It’s a great option for anyone looking to replace takeout with a homemade dinner that feels just as special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Simple Salmon Patties
Simple salmon patties use canned salmon for a tasty meal that can be prepared in no time. This easy recipe is ideal for busy evenings, providing a delicious homemade alternative that everyone will love. It demonstrates that cooking at home can be just as satisfying as dining out, making it clear that homemade meals can shine brightly on any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy beef and rice casserole combine seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice and melted cheese for a tasty one-pot meal. This quick dish offers a delicious dinner ready in no time that the whole family will enjoy, making meal prep a breeze. Making this at home shows that comfort food can be both easy and satisfying, proving that homemade meals can outdo takeout every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup features tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a flavorful broth, creating a comforting dish that feels satisfying. This easy recipe provides a warm and enjoyable meal that feels just as comforting as takeout, ensuring that everyone feels at home. Enjoying this soup at home guarantees a delicious dinner that not only nourishes but also brings everyone together at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Hot ham salad sandwiches combine crispy ham with a savory sauce, making them quick and easy to prepare. This comforting meal provides a satisfying dinner that everyone can enjoy, turning simple ingredients into something special. Each bite brings warmth and flavor, proving that homemade meals can be just as enjoyable as ordering in while offering a personal touch.
Get the Recipe: Hot Ham Salad Sandwiches
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings combine tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, creating a classic dish that feels truly comforting. This simple recipe is easy to make at home, providing warmth and satisfaction that rivals takeout any day. Cooking this dish allows for a homemade experience that not only satisfies hunger but also brings everyone together at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Weeknight lasagna roll-ups offer layers of cheesy goodness without the hassle of traditional lasagna, making dinner prep easier. They are perfect for busy evenings, allowing for a hearty meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Cooking these at home proves that satisfying meals can be quick and enjoyable, showcasing the delight of home-cooked favorites.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a comforting meal that’s both quick and delicious. They are simple to prepare, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Choosing to make these at home means enjoying a flavorful meal that shows how effortless cooking can be without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas