Home » Trending » Make Every Meal Feel Special With 31 Old-Fashioned Favorites Worth Trading Takeout Menus For

Make Every Meal Feel Special With 31 Old-Fashioned Favorites Worth Trading Takeout Menus For

Takeout is great until you’re holding a soggy bag wondering why you paid for lukewarm fries. With these 31 old-fashioned favorites, you can skip the regret and go straight for the good stuff. Packed with timeless recipes that deliver all the comfort and flavor you’re craving, it’s proof that the old ways still work. And hey, they’re probably quicker than waiting for delivery, too—just no tipping required.

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

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Two cast iron skillets contain shrimp scampi garnished with lemon wedges.
Classic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re tired of delivery that never quite hits the spot, Classic Shrimp Scampi will change your mind. Quick to cook and loaded with flavor, it brings the taste of the coast to your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s everything you want without the wait. One bite, and you’ll be ditching takeout for good.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Looking for a side dish that stands out? Greek Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful option that never disappoints. It’s that perfect balance of savory with just enough zing. Add it to any dinner, and suddenly, you’ve got something that feels like a celebration. Who needs takeout when meals like this are this easy?
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sometimes, the best meals come in one pan. Shipwreck Casserole brings together all the comfort you need in one bite. Packed with flavor and filling enough to satisfy, it’s perfect for those nights when you want hearty without the hassle. Skip the delivery and dig into this family favorite instead.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Want a side that’s anything but boring? Mexican Rice brings the heat with flavors that mix up any meal. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the more you enjoy it. Whether it’s paired with tacos or grilled chicken, this rice holds its own. Trading in takeout for this dish will make you wonder why you ever bothered with delivery.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board.
Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Who says you need to be in Greece to enjoy great food? Classic Pork Souvlaki brings a grilled punch of flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Forget the frozen dinners; this is the real deal when it comes to flavor and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sometimes the simplest meals are the best. Horiatiki Salad is proof that fresh ingredients do the talking. A Mediterranean classic that pairs well with almost anything, it’s an easy way to add something special to your meals. It’s quick, light, and leaves you feeling full without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Blueberry Shortcake

Blueberry Cheesecake on a plate.
Blueberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s no reason dessert can’t be a special occasion. Blueberry Shortcake is the kind of sweet treat that’ll make everyone forget about store-bought options. Fresh, indulgent, and just the right amount of sweet, this dessert will have you skipping the delivery menu. After all, why order when you can make this instead?
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake

Pastitsio

A serving of pastitsio in a black dish is placed in front of a baking tray with more pasta.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Looking for a meal that’s both filling and flavorful? Pastitsio takes classic comfort food to a whole new level. A perfect balance of flavors, it’s like lasagna’s Greek cousin, bringing something a little different to the table. Skip the delivery and enjoy this hearty dish instead.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top-down shot of Tuna Noodle Casserole on a dish with a small portion on a black plate.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

No need for takeout when you’ve got this casserole ready to go. Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is a throwback to simpler times, but with flavors that hold up. It’s easy to make, and it feels like home. Hearty, cheesy, and filling, this dish brings comfort without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sunshine Salad

Sunshine salad with slices of oranges in the center served on a white plate.
Sunshine Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you need something refreshing, Sunshine Salad has you covered. It’s a burst of brightness that’s perfect for lunch or a light side dish. With a balance of flavors, it feels like a little bit of sunshine on your plate. Forget takeout when you’ve got something this satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Three slices of Blueberry Cheesecake Bars on a rectangular black slate.
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You won’t want to wait for dessert delivery again after trying these. Blueberry Cheesecake Bars are an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle. These bars combine a creamy texture with a fresh burst of blueberry in every bite. Perfect for dessert or as a snack, they’re the kind of treat that’ll make you forget about delivery.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

A bowl of Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with a spoon and a bread plate.
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Sometimes a bowl of soup is all you need to make the day better. Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup brings warmth and flavor, perfect for cozy nights in. You’ll get that fresh, homemade taste without the wait or the delivery fees. Forget store-bought versions—this one hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Lemon Lush

Four pieces of lemon lush on a white plate.
Lemon Lush. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A little tart, a little sweet—Lemon Lush brings it all together in one delicious dessert. It’s got the kind of flavor that makes you forget about takeout and order something homemade. Light and refreshing, it’s a treat that feels like a break from the usual. If you’ve got a craving for something sweet, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lush

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Craving comfort? Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese delivers the goods, and it’s so much better than anything you’ll find in a takeout box. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this dish turns any night into something a little more special. Forget about those frozen options and dive into the real deal. This dish is a classic that’ll leave you full and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Looking for a meal that’s both simple and satisfying? John Wayne Casserole packs all the comfort you want into one dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and filling. Skip the takeout and dig into this hearty, delicious casserole that brings the flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Classic Meatballs

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

Comfort food doesn’t have to come from a delivery box when you’ve got these. Classic Meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that make any meal feel special. Simple, flavorful, and hearty, they’re perfect on their own or paired with pasta. Skip the frozen options and make these from scratch—you’ll wonder why you ever did takeout.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs

Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Two small Bundt Grandma's Buttermilk Cake with a smooth white glaze sit on a rectangular white plate.
Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something special about a homemade cake, and Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake is a perfect example. Simple yet rich in flavor, this cake takes you back to the basics of delicious baking. Forget about fancy desserts when this cake is all you need. It’s comforting, satisfying, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Want something different but still comforting? Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings a savory combination that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of side that surprises you with its richness and depth of flavor. It’s perfect for a meal that feels homemade without being too complicated. Skip the takeout and go for something that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand holds a fork with Italian Pot Roast Pasta in a white bowl, topped with grated cheese and herbs.
Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Say goodbye to takeout and hello to this hearty, comforting dish. Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta is perfect for a busy day when you want something hearty without the hassle. The slow cooker does all the work, and you get a flavorful meal with little effort. Packed with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast Pasta

No-Bake Molly Bars

A rectangular baking pan filled with molly bars and melted chocolate drizzle.
No-Bake Molly Bars. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sometimes you need a dessert that’s simple but still hits the mark. No-Bake Molly Bars are easy to make and bring that perfect balance of sweet and salty. No oven required means you can whip them up in no time. After one bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t ditch the store-bought stuff sooner.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Molly Bars

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand lifting a fork with a bite of Italian Pot Roast Pasta on a bowl.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

One serving, and you’ll be hooked. Italian Pot Roast Pasta is the kind of meal that’s easy to make but feels like a special occasion. Tender pot roast and pasta come together in a comforting dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Forget takeout, this one’s a meal that you can make without the wait or the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Three pieces of Dutch Apple Pie Squares on a black slate plate.
Dutch Apple Pie Squares. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You’ll never look at apple pie the same way again after trying Dutch Apple Pie Squares. A twist on the classic, these squares are perfect for when you want something sweet without the wait. Flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of apple goodness, they’re a dessert you’ll crave. Forget about delivery—this is a dessert that delivers satisfaction every time.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie Squares

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl.
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You won’t be reaching for that takeout menu again after trying this. Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice brings the flavors of a takeout favorite right into your kitchen. With just the right balance of savory and satisfying, it’s the perfect dish when you want something quick. Skip the delivery service and make this instead—it’s easy, tasty, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Chicken Bog

A black plate with a serving of Chicken Bog.
Chicken Bog. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Once you try it, you’ll never go back to delivery again. Chicken Bog is the kind of comfort food that makes any meal feel special. Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Forget takeout, because this dish has all the flavors you want without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bog

Old Fashioned Tomato Soup

A white cup filled with tomato soup garnished with herbs sits on a matching saucer with a slice of bread.
Old Fashioned Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sometimes nothing beats a classic. Old Fashioned Tomato Soup is the kind of comfort food that takes you back. It’s warm, soothing, and the perfect dish for any chilly night. Why settle for canned soup when you can make this homemade version that’s better than anything you’ll get in a delivery box?
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tomato Soup

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After one bite, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again. Turkey à la King is a comforting dish that brings a little something extra to your meals. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something special. Skip the takeout and dig into a meal that feels homemade, without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore on a serving platter.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, Chicken Cacciatore has you covered. Full of rich flavors, this dish brings the kind of comfort you expect from homemade meals. Forget delivery and enjoy a meal that’s got the depth and warmth to make you forget about the usual takeout. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Oven Baked Ribs

Oven-baked ribs with onion and garlic on top served on a white rectangular plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you want ribs that are perfectly cooked every time, Oven Baked Ribs is the recipe to try. Forget the takeout barbecue and make your own tender, flavorful ribs right at home. With just a few steps, you can have a meal that’s as satisfying as anything you’d get at a restaurant. Once you taste these, delivery will be a thing of the past.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake

Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake dusted with powdered sugar topped with raspberries and blackberries on a black plate.
Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You’ll forget all about takeout once you taste this. Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake is the kind of dessert that brings back memories of simpler times. Soft, light, and a perfect ending to any meal, it’s one you can count on to satisfy without feeling heavy. Skip the store-bought options and go for a cake that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Whipped Cream Cake

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato with a spoon and napkin lie nearby.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup is here to hit the spot. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, this soup brings the taste of a restaurant classic right into your kitchen. Skip the drive-through and enjoy a meal that’s homemade and filling. One bowl, and you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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

It’s the kind of treat that feels like a celebration. Pineapple Upside Down Cake takes dessert to another level with a fun twist on a classic. Moist, sweet, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of cake that makes everyone at the table happy. Forget buying something from the bakery when you can whip this up yourself.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

By

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.