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21 Quick Dinners That Are Faster Than Takeout and Actually Taste Better

Ordering delivery is great—until it takes forever to arrive. Quick dinners that cook in minutes mean no more waiting and no more wondering if the food will be cold. Whether it’s a skillet dish, a grilled favorite, or something packed with bold flavors, homemade beats takeout every time. With 21 easy meals, dinner is done before delivery would even leave the restaurant.

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

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A tender, flavorful cut of beef can turn any meal into something special. Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri bring a smoky char with a bold, herb-packed sauce that adds freshness to every bite. The combination of grilled meat and tangy, vibrant flavors makes it a go-to for a quick but impressive dinner. A great way to enjoy restaurant-quality steak without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Three pieces of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white rectangular plate.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy skin and juicy meat make for a perfect chicken dish. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs cook up fast, locking in flavor while delivering a sweet and tangy balance. The air fryer keeps things simple, making this meal quick without sacrificing texture or taste. A great way to get a crispy, flavorful chicken dinner on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, warm, and full of Mediterranean flavors, this meal is fast and filling. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches bring together juicy, seasoned meatballs tucked into soft pita bread with fresh toppings. They’re easy to assemble and packed with bold flavors, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. A simple way to enjoy a complete, flavorful meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon on a white rectangular plate.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cooking fish at home shouldn’t feel complicated or time-consuming. Mediterranean Salmon delivers flaky, flavorful bites with a well-balanced seasoning blend that enhances the natural richness of the fish. The outside gets just the right amount of crisp, while the inside stays tender and juicy. A reliable way to enjoy a fresh, light meal without the hassle of takeout or long prep work.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crunchy, fresh, and packed with flavor, this dish is made for fast and easy dinners. Baja Fish Tacos bring lightly crisped fish, cool toppings, and a squeeze of citrus to balance every bite. The mix of textures makes them just as good, if not better, than any takeout taco. A quick and flavorful way to enjoy a seafood meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Everything great about a cheeseburger, but in a dish that’s easier to make. Cheeseburger Casserole layers all the best flavors of a classic burger into a simple, one-pan meal. It’s cheesy, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd without spending extra time in the kitchen. A great way to get the flavors of a burger without standing over the grill.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Weeknight pasta should be flavorful without requiring a long prep time. Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta balances bold, well-seasoned sausage with tender pasta and a slight bitterness from the greens. The contrast keeps things interesting while making it feel like a complete meal. A fast, one-pan dish that’s just as easy as boiling water.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

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.

A Midwestern favorite made simple for busy nights. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich brings seasoned ground beef served up in a soft bun, delivering all the flavors of a classic diner meal. It’s quick to prepare and has that familiar, comforting taste with minimal effort. A great choice for when a sandwich craving hits but takeout isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Quesadillas turn leftovers into something exciting with almost no effort. Leftover Steak Quesadilla makes use of last night’s dinner by layering tender steak with melty cheese inside a crispy tortilla. The combination of crunchy on the outside and warm, flavorful filling inside keeps every bite interesting. A quick sear and a simple press, and dinner is ready without the hassle of a full meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala

A plate of chicken marsala with chopped green onions.
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Classic comfort food gets a faster, low-carb twist. Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala keeps the traditional flavors alive with a smooth, velvety sauce that coats tender chicken perfectly. The balance of deep, rich flavors and a lighter approach makes it a good option for any night. A quick cook time and simple ingredients make this a go-to meal when something cozy and flavorful is needed fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A fast-cooking cut of beef that brings rich flavor in minutes. Grilled Beef Finger Meat is tender, juicy, and perfect for quick grilling, making it a great choice for busy nights. The smoky char and bold seasoning make every bite taste like a backyard cookout. No more takeout regrets when you have such a fulfilling and quick option at your fingertips.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pizza night doesn’t have to mean sticking to the same toppings every time. Ham & Asparagus Pizza brings a fresh twist with salty, smoky ham and crisp asparagus on a perfectly baked crust. The contrast of flavors makes every bite balanced, while the crispy base holds everything together. A quick bake, and it’s ready before a delivery order would even be placed.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich served with a creamy pasta salad on side.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A sandwich that feels like a full meal without any extra work is always a win. Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken with fresh, crisp toppings that add just the right amount of texture. The balance of warm, grilled meat with cool, refreshing ingredients makes it a go-to for any quick meal. A simple yet flavorful option that keeps dinner stress-free and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, crunchy, and loaded with bold flavors, this salad makes a great meal on its own. Mediterranean Chopped Salad brings together a mix of textures and a bright, tangy dressing that keeps things interesting. It’s quick to toss together and works well as a side or a light dinner. A perfect choice for when a fresh, no-cook meal is the best option.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, alongside cherry tomatoes and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple pasta dishes can be just as rich in flavor as slow-simmered meals. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce delivers bright, well-balanced flavors with a smooth, rich texture that coats every bite. The sauce cooks fast while keeping all the freshness intact, creating a dish that tastes like it took hours. A quick, easy way to enjoy homemade pasta without the long wait or extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bacon and chicken are a combination that never gets old. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts take the best of both by locking in moisture with a crispy, smoky outer layer. The contrast between the juicy chicken and crunchy bacon makes every bite packed with texture and flavor. A quick grill brings everything together for a meal that feels special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi with a slice of lemon on a black dish.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A seafood dish that’s full of flavor but quick to prepare. Shrimp Scampi cooks up in minutes while bringing bold, rich flavors with a simple sauce that coats every bite. The shrimp stay tender, soaking up just the right amount of flavor without getting overpowered. A fast, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready before takeout could even arrive.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A dish that’s fresh, creamy, and full of bold flavors. Coronation Chicken Salad brings tender chicken together with a mix of seasonings for a meal that’s both quick and versatile. It’s easy to serve on its own, in a sandwich, or with a simple side. A great way to enjoy a filling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Ham Fried Rice

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

A quick and flavorful way to use up leftovers. Ham Fried Rice comes together fast, combining smoky ham with perfectly cooked rice and bold seasonings. Every bite has a great mix of texture and deep flavor, making it a go-to meal when time is short. A simple way to enjoy a homemade take on a takeout favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A one-pan meal that’s rich, filling, and quick to make. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe balances bold sausage with pillowy gnocchi and slightly bitter greens. The sauce coats every bite, bringing everything together in minutes. A great way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Texas BLT

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

Classic sandwiches get a bold upgrade with a few simple twists. Texas BLT keeps the familiar combination of crispy bacon, fresh toppings, and soft bread but adds a little extra kick. The contrast of flavors makes every bite feel fresh and filling. Swap out that predictable takeout for this vibrant, home-prepared marvel that’s ready in moments.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

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