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Say No To Fast Food: 17 Easy And Tastier Than Take-Out Dishes

Fast food is tempting because it’s quick and easy, but there’s a better option. Making your meals at home can be just as simple and even more delicious. With 17 dishes that are tastier than anything you’d pick up at a drive-thru, you’ll find yourself enjoying both the cooking and the eating more. Home-cooked meals are not only healthier, they’re also a way to add a personal touch to what you eat. So, say no to fast food with these easy and tastier than take-out dishes.

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Feel like bringing a touch of the steakhouse into your kitchen? This chili does just that, offering a robust and hearty meal that’s perfect for cosy evenings. It’s a warm, welcoming dish that goes great with bread, topping off a baked potato, or all on its own. This Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe is all about bringing comfort food to a whole new level. Get ready for a chili that’s loaded with flavor and sure to become a part of your regular meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s time to level up your chicken salad game with this recipe. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a little adventure. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a sandwich filling, ensuring you’ll never get bored. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is the perfect solution for a light yet satisfying meal, and making it is a breeze. This is how you turn simple into spectacular, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine biting into a sandwich that’s packed with flavors so good, they instantly transport you to your favorite deli. That’s what you get with this, a combination that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, this Pastrami Reuben Sandwich is sure to impress. It’s a classic for a reason, and making it at home allows you to customize it just the way you like. This is genuine comfort food, ready to make any meal special.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something light yet fulfilling, this salad is the answer. It captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a refreshing meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy something different, proving that salads can be exciting and flavorful. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is both easy to assemble and a joy to eat. This is one recipe that shows how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Gone are the days of complicated recipes for gourmet food. This dish brings elegance to your dinner table without all the hassle. It uses the air fryer to achieve a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and delicious. With this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, you get a meal that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make. This recipe shows that you don’t need to be a professional chef to create meals that taste like they’re from a high-end restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a hearty meal that combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary? Look no further. This dish brings together gnocchi, sausage, and broccoli rabe for a flavor-packed experience. It’s easy to make, ensuring that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a testament to the power of combining just the right ingredients. Get ready for a dish that’s bound to become a comfort food staple in your home.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget about greasy fast food and say hello to the crispy, crunchy perfection of these chicken fries. Made in the air fryer, they offer all the satisfaction without the guilt, making them a perfect snack or meal accompaniment. They’re incredibly easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, especially with your favorite dips on the side. Air Fryer Chicken Fries are the answer to your cravings, turning snack time into a highlight of your day. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says salads have to be boring? This dish throws that idea out the window, combining tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh greens for a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating while still satisfying those hunger pangs. Steak & Pasta Salad is a standout option that brings a burst of flavor and texture with every forkful. Get ready to have your salad expectations shattered in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Sometimes, all you need is a taste of the coast to bring some brightness to your day. These give you just that, wrapped up in a soft tortilla that perfectly complements the tender fish inside. They’re a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making them a great choice for anytime. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or something in between, Baja Fish Tacos prove that simple can be absolutely stunning. Before you know it, these will become your go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something that feels upscale without spending hours at the stove, this is your go-to. It offers a burst of flavor in every bite, making it a hit for any meal. It’s a simple way to add a touch of class to your dinner repertoire. Chicken Piccata is both delicious and easy to prepare. This dish proves that you don’t need a long list of complex ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you have leftover brisket, this dish is the ultimate way to bring it back to life. It combines the comfort of fried rice with the deep, savory flavors of brisket, creating something truly special. It’s proof that leftovers can be transformed into a dish that could easily become the star of the meal. Brisket Fried Rice is a fantastic journey from simple ingredients to a mouthwatering finish. You’ll be looking forward to leftovers just so you have an excuse to make this again.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone loves a good quesadilla, but when you add the bold flavors of al pastor, it’s a game-changer. These quesadillas are cheesy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant taste of street food right at home. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are not just a meal; they’re an experience, one that you’ll want to relive over and over. After one bite, you’ll see why these are in a class of their own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Breakfast will never be the same once you introduce this dish into your routine. It combines creamy, crispy, and runny into one incredible bite, starting your day off on a high note. It’s a simple yet luxurious way to enjoy the most important meal of the day. This Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg offers a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a busy weekday, this recipe has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to make everything feel right, and this one has it all. Packed with tender tortellini, hearty kale, and chicken, it’s a full meal in every spoonful. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth. Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is your shortcut to a homemade meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. You’ll be coming back to this recipe time and time again, especially when the weather cools down.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take the classic flavors of a Cuban sandwich and turn them into something you can share with the whole family. This casserole is an easy, delicious way to enjoy a familiar taste in a new form. It’s all the goodness of a Cuban sandwich baked into a dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal. This Cuban Sandwich Casserole is a creative twist on tradition, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience. It’s a unique take that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after a meal that’s both delicious and easy to clean up, you’ve found it. The aromatic pairing of lemon and rosemary turns ordinary chicken into a dish bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that looks impressive without requiring a lot of effort, making it perfect for busy nights. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to enjoy a feast. This will quickly become a favorite, showing that simplicity can be incredibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said you need to go out to enjoy crispy, golden tacos? With this version, you get to enjoy all the crunch and flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen. Each bite is a journey to satisfaction, and the best part is you can fill them with pretty much anything you love. From a quiet dinner at home to a full-blown fiesta, these Tacos Dorados are the perfect centerpiece. Once you try making these at home, you’ll wonder why you ever opted for fast food.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

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