Skip the takeout line and make these 19 easy weeknight dinners that taste just like your favorite delivery dishes. These recipes save you time, money, and the hassle of ordering in. With all the flavors you love, you’ll feel like you’re eating out, but for a fraction of the price. They’re fast, affordable, and perfect for those nights when you need something delicious without the delivery fee.
Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice
There’s one that brings nostalgia and comfort straight to your dinner table without breaking the bank. Imagine using bits of steak mixed into a home-cooked rice dish that’s not just filling but also quick to whip up on any given weeknight. Unlike your regular takeout, Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about recreating those cherished family meals.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Steak Fried Rice
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients combined just right can create a meal that feels like a feast. A dish that takes humble veggies and turns them into the star of the show, with a bit of smoky goodness, is what you’ll find here. It’s not your average dinner; Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon is a testament to how affordability doesn’t compromise taste. For those looking to keep both their wallets and bellies full, here’s a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
The Backyard Table
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Buy Now!Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Who said you have to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy sophisticated flavors? Bringing gourmet into your kitchen with ingredients that don’t demand a splurge is entirely possible. Grandma’s Salmon Cakes offer a delectable adventure into a world where simplicity reigns supreme. These cakes are not just easy on the pockets but also serve as a versatile meal suitable for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style
Let’s talk about turning the ordinary into extraordinary without needing a chef’s hat. When steak gets a flavorful makeover, you know you’re in for a treat that’s easy, quick, and above all, light on your finances. Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style marries the richness of garlic butter with the succulence of steak, creating a dish that’s bound to be a hit. This meal challenges the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Who doesn’t love a good fusion of flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden exterior? There’s something about the combination of tender chicken with a tang that makes for a thrilling eat. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are not just easy to prepare; they’re a crowd-pleaser that won’t have you fretting over your food budget. It’s all about enjoying international flavors from the joy of your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
If you’re yearning for that chargrilled taste that reminds you of fun barbecues but want something that fits a tighter budget, look no further. This meal takes a less expensive cut and transforms it with a sauce that’s vibrant and packed with flavor. Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri is a reminder that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the richness of grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Forget about the store-bought sauces and let’s get back to basics with something fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious. There’s magic in turning a handful of simple ingredients into a dish that speaks volumes. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce leans into the beauty of minimalism, showcasing how a few components can come together to form a meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
There’s an art to marrying the essence of fun with the tenderness of chicken, creating a meal that’s both light and nourishing. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something that’s quick to make but still feels like a treat. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is your ticket to a meal that brings brightness and flavor in every bite. Who knew that a dish so simple could evoke the essence of alfresco dining?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Corned Beef Hash Casserole
Waking up to a dish that’s both hearty and heartwarming can set the right tone for the day. It’s like embracing comfort food that doesn’t take much from your wallet. Corned Beef Hash Casserole takes basic pantry staples and upgrades them into a dinner that feels both indulgent and responsible. This casserole acts as a bridge between economical eating and the desire for rich, comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Imagine if you could combine the ultimate comfort food with a twist that’s both ingenious and budget-friendly. Enter a dish that takes the cherished grilled cheese sandwich and infuses it with something unexpectedly delicious. Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is not your everyday sandwich; it’s an experience. By blending the tasty pull of pork, this meal provides a novel take on two beloved foods.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
California Eggs Benedict
Ending your day with a dish that feels like a weekend luxury but is simple enough for a weekday is truly something special. Injecting a bit of West Coast flair into your daily routine doesn’t have to cost much. California Eggs Benedict stands out as a lovely blend of simplicity and taste in a meal that’s both nourishing and inventive. It turns an ordinary dinner into a delicious affair.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Who can resist the allure of perfectly grilled pork chop topped with something sweet, tangy, and utterly refreshing? This dish is all about brightening up your dinner game without the need for a splurge. Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa is the epitome of eating, inviting a bit of tropical flair to your table. It emphasizes that with a bit of creativity, everyday dinners can feel like a mini-getaway.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Never let it be said that leftovers are just second-day disappointments. With the right idea, they can turn into something that feels entirely new and exciting. Leftover Steak Quesadilla breathes new life into yesterday’s steak, transforming it into a crispy, cheesy delight. It’s a smart way to ensure no good steak goes to waste while keeping your meals cost-effective.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
When lunch rolls around and you’re in the mood for something that’s both light and packed with flavor, there’s a sandwich that hits all the right notes. Imagine tender grilled chicken paired with fresh, bright elements all enclosed in a soft bun. Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich offers a taste of Italy without the need for a plane ticket, transforming a simple sandwich into something spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Dining out at Italian restaurants has its charm, but what if you could replicate a dish from one of your favorite spots at home? It’s all about bringing a beloved dish into your kitchen without the accompanying restaurant tab. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka enables you to satisfy those Italian cuisine cravings with a rendition that’s surprisingly straightforward and light on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Blackstone Smash Burger
The quest for the perfect burger can often lead to pricey eateries, but what if the best burger you’ve ever had could come from your own grill? This recipe is all about achieving that dream-worthy burger with a crispy edge and juicy center without emptying your wallet. Blackstone Smash Burger is a testament to the fact that ultimate burger bliss doesn’t require a fancy establishment, just the right technique and a bit of love.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger
Chinese Chicken Salad
Finding a balance between refreshing and filling when it comes to salads can sometimes seem like a challenge, but it’s definitely achievable. Here’s a salad that packs in the flavors without packing on the cost. Chinese Chicken Salad is bright, crunchy, and noodle-tossed, turning the idea of a salad on its head. It’s a vibrant answer to lunchtime or dinnertime doldrums, showing that salads can be the main event.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
Day meals don’t always have to consist of the usual suspects. When you’re looking to end your day on a tasty note, there’s a dish that combines hearty flavors with the joy of dinner. Montreal Smoked Meat Hash is a true homage, infusing your evening with a bit of culinary adventure. It’s a delicious way to repurpose smoked meat into something that’s both gratifying and easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Who says you need a ton of kitchen gadgets to make something utterly delicious? Not us. With just an air fryer and a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s both delectable and light on the wallet. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs strike the perfect balance between sweet and garlicky flavors, ensuring each bite is as enjoyable as the last. This recipe is all about making the most out of simple cooking tools and ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs