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31 Affordable Recipes That’ll Make You Forget About Takeout Forever

With 31 affordable recipes that’ll make you forget about takeout forever, your kitchen becomes the place where flavor and savings meet. Say goodbye to soggy takeout and hello to meals that cost a fraction of what you’d spend on delivery. From quick weeknight dinners to satisfying comfort food, these recipes hit the spot without hitting your budget. It’s time to prove that home-cooked meals are the real MVP—no Uber Eats necessary.

A plate of spaghetti topped with two meatballs, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and basil garnish.
Classic Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This soup combines all the right textures and flavors, making it feel like a meal in itself. Pasta e Fagioli Soup delivers a rich, savory base with plenty of hearty pasta. It’s a perfect dish when you’re craving something warm and comforting without the need for takeout. It’s simple but satisfying, offering great value for the effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A satisfying meal that comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Chicken Fried Rice offers that comforting takeout experience without the delivery fee. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. This dish will quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Easy Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice with a slice of lime on a black bowl.
Easy Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A side dish that’s quick, flavorful, and will complement just about anything you make. Easy Mexican Rice takes the usual rice to another level with just a few extra ingredients, making it a great choice to serve alongside your favorite protein. It’s a staple in Mexican cuisine that can be put together with little effort. This dish will make you forget all about store-bought sides.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice

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Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

A close-up of Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole with a serving spoon in the dish.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This comforting casserole takes mashed potatoes to a new level. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and filling dish that’s perfect for family meals. It’s simple to put together but has that nostalgic feel that makes it irresistible. If you’re looking for a dish that satisfies without the takeout, this is the one you need.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A pineapple upside-down cake with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in a cast iron skillet.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A dessert that’s both simple and fun, perfect for any occasion. Pineapple Upside Down Cake brings a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, all while being easy to prepare. It’s an affordable option that will definitely impress anyone you serve it to. The best part is, you get a delicious cake without spending a lot.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A bowl of creamy goodness that’s both rich and filling. Cream of Onion Soup brings out the sweet and savory flavors of onions without being overpowering. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home, and the best part? It won’t break the bank. This is one of those dishes that’ll have you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A rich, creamy pasta dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home. With Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka, you can have a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty bill. It’s an ideal option for a cozy dinner when you want something special but don’t want to wait for a reservation. This dish proves that comfort food can be luxurious without the cost.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

A plate of breakfast casserole on a black plate.
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels hearty and satisfying, this is the one. Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage gives you all the savory breakfast flavors without the eggs, making it a great option for various dietary needs. It’s a simple, filling way to start your day right, without relying on takeout. Whether it’s for a weekend or a weekday breakfast, this dish is always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Full of deep, rich flavor, this traditional Mexican dish brings the heat without being too spicy. Birria de Res is perfect for those who love slow-cooked meats that melt in your mouth. It’s a satisfying choice for a filling meal, and you can easily make it at home, saving you money while enjoying restaurant-style flavors. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Beef and Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A hearty soup that fills you up without costing much. Beef and Barley Soup combines the savory richness of beef with the texture of barley for a satisfying meal. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up and leaves you feeling full, all while staying affordable. Perfect for a budget-friendly dinner, this soup will make you forget about store-bought options.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A light, refreshing salad that brings together wholesome grains and savory protein. Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is filling without being heavy, and it can easily replace your typical salad with something more exciting. It’s a healthy, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Forget takeout when you’ve got something this simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A flavorful, no-fuss side dish that pairs well with almost anything. Baked Spanish Rice is an easy way to bring some excitement to your meal without extra effort. This dish adds a little kick and loads of flavor, but it’s simple enough for any night of the week. You’ll love how it turns a regular meal into something a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Corned Beef Hash

Canned corned beef hash on a plate with a fried egg.
Corned Beef Hash. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, this is the dish. Corned Beef Hash is a great way to turn a few basic ingredients into a filling meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s both satisfying and affordable, without feeling like you’re skimping on flavor. Once you try it, you’ll forget all about ordering takeout for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving a sandwich that’s full of flavor but still easy to make at home, this is it. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich lets you enjoy a classic diner-style sandwich without leaving the house. It’s a budget-friendly meal that satisfies hunger and brings back memories of old-fashioned comfort food. This will quickly become your go-to sandwich when you want something quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is perfect for anyone who loves potatoes in all their forms. Ukrainian Potatoes bring a different spin on this humble ingredient, making it both hearty and flavorful. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that doesn’t take much to prepare but delivers big on taste. If you want something that feels homemade and satisfying, this dish hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

These crispy, cheesy tots make the perfect snack or side dish. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots give you the same great flavor as the ones from the restaurant but without the wait. They’re simple to make at home, meaning you can enjoy them anytime the craving hits. This is one of those meals that feels like a treat but doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A piece of cornbread on a plate next to a few potatoes.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This cornbread has just the right amount of sweetness to make it a standout side dish. Sweet Potato Cornbread brings together flavors that are both comforting and unique, offering something a little different from the usual. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and it’s easy to make for a crowd. You won’t miss the takeout when you have this comforting bread on your table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A bowl of creamy, comforting soup that’s easy to make at home. Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup has that rich flavor you expect from a restaurant dish, but it’s budget-friendly. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl and can easily replace a takeout meal. This one will quickly become your favorite cozy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Texas BLT

Two Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A sandwich that brings together all the best parts of a classic BLT, but with a Texan twist. Texas BLT is simple to make, and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something flavorful but easy. It’s a great option for those days when you want something filling and satisfying without spending too much. This sandwich will quickly make you forget about fast food.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A bowl of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad with chopped vegetables and herbs, is set on a black plate, and a spoon rests in it.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A fresh take on classic deviled eggs, served in a pasta salad format. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a casual meal when you want something a little different. It’s hearty, creamy, and brings the flavor of deviled eggs without all the hassle. This dish is affordable and will make you forget all about store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A flavorful and easy-to-make dish that works with so many sides. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a great way to enjoy a filling meal without overspending. It’s quick to prepare, and it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even just serving over rice. This dish is an affordable, delicious choice for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is a savory and sweet combination that’s perfect as a side or main. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon takes the usual flavors and gives them a unique twist. It’s a simple, hearty dish that works well with a variety of proteins. You’ll be surprised by how easily you can create a flavorful meal that leaves you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Pizza Pasta Salad

Close-up of a fork holding a colorful bite of Pizza Pasta Salad, served on a black plate.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This fun twist on pasta salad combines all your favorite pizza flavors. Pizza Pasta Salad is a great way to enjoy pizza-inspired ingredients in a new, easy-to-eat format. It’s a meal that feels light but still fills you up, and it’s perfect for any casual dinner. This is an easy way to get the comfort of pizza without the extra expense.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Beef & Broccoli

Beef and broccoli stir-fry with sesame seeds served on a white plate with chopsticks.
Beef & Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A simple yet satisfying dish that combines savory beef with fresh broccoli. Beef & Broccoli is a quick and affordable way to bring a little flavor into your weeknight meals. This is the perfect meal when you want something filling and nutritious without the extra cost. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you feeling good and not reaching for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that’s light yet filling. Greek Spaghetti combines the flavors of Greece with a simple pasta base for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s perfect when you want something light but full of flavor, and it’s easy to whip up in no time. Skip the takeout and enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This creamy, comforting orzo is full of flavors that make it a standout side dish. Creamy Spinach Orzo is both satisfying and light, making it the perfect balance for any meal. It’s easy to make and won’t take much time, but it delivers big on flavor. This dish will have you skipping the takeout in favor of homemade comfort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A quick and easy meal that turns leftovers into something special. Ham Fried Rice takes simple ingredients and turns them into a dish that’s savory and filling. It’s a great option for when you need something fast and satisfying but don’t want to spend much. This meal will quickly become your go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This dish is a great way to get your veggies in while still enjoying a savory, satisfying meal. Ground Beef and Broccoli combines tender beef with fresh broccoli for a meal that’s hearty and nutritious. It’s quick to make and perfect for those busy nights when you don’t want to wait for delivery. This is the kind of meal that makes home cooking feel easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A rich, flavorful soup that’s inspired by one of the most popular street foods. Mexican Street Corn Soup brings the flavors of grilled corn with a creamy base that will fill you up. It’s the perfect choice when you want something different and comforting but without the extra cost. This soup makes you forget about takeout with its simple, satisfying flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A light yet hearty pasta dish that brings the comfort of Italian cuisine to your home. Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is simple but full of flavor, making it a great choice when you want something fresh and satisfying. It’s easy to make and won’t break the bank, making it perfect for any night of the week. If you’re craving pasta but want to skip the takeout, this dish is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Classic Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti topped with two meatballs, marinara sauce, grated cheese, and basil garnish.
Classic Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Meatballs are always a win, especially when they’re easy to make. Classic Meatballs are perfect for a meal that’s both comforting and filling. They’re great for any occasion and work well with a variety of sides. This dish is the kind of simple, satisfying meal that makes you forget about ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs

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