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15 Weeknight Wonders That’ll Make You Forget About Takeout

Drop those takeout menus because these dinners are proof that “quick” and “homemade” belong in the same breath. Every recipe here is so refreshingly easy that it makes cooking feel more like a smart hack than a chore, making your weeknight routine suddenly feel way more manageable. Why hit “order now” when dinner practically cooks itself?

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chicken Fried Rice

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

Forget about those takeout boxes piling up because Chicken Fried Rice hits all the right notes of a weeknight meal. It’s quick, filling, and feels like something you grabbed from your favorite restaurant—minus the wait. Every bite brings you that comforting balance of hearty and flavorful that only fried rice can pull off. Plus, the best part is you control the portion size, so no more sharing if you don’t want to!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Craving a slice without the delivery drama? Pizza Casserole serves up those classic flavors in a warm, layered dish that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s all the goodness of a pizza but even cozier, ready to scoop up by the spoonful. With this on the table, your pizza night might just become casserole night!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

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.

You know that “fresh and filling” feeling you crave? Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts has that covered with a rewarding mix of textures that’ll make you think twice about ordering out. It’s hearty yet light enough to keep you from feeling weighed down. It’s a win for busy nights when you want something quick and delicious without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For those days when you want to skip the takeout but keep the flavors, Ground Beef Fried Rice steps in perfectly. It’s hearty, quick, and a serious crowd-pleaser that’ll make everyone forget about delivery. Every forkful combines the best parts of fried rice with a bit of beefy goodness that’s super rewarding. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular weeknight go-to.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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.

If cozy comfort had a weeknight version, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken would be it. This bowl brings everything you love about a rich soup without the long cooking time, making it perfect for quick dinners. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with tender bites that are as filling as they are delicious. Say goodbye to takeout soup and hello to homemade warmth.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

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.

Skip the phone call to your favorite takeout and reach for Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole instead. This dish brings that comforting nostalgia with every bite, and it’s a weeknight gem that won’t leave you hanging. It’s creamy, hearty, and has that “just like home” taste that makes you forget all about grabbing something pre-made. Definitely worth keeping in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Shrimp & Asparagus Alfredo on a black plate.
Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Craving something fancy without the restaurant fuss? Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus brings elegance to your weeknight in the easiest way possible. It’s creamy, rich, and just the right amount of indulgence without stepping out. Treat yourself to this takeout-worthy meal from your own kitchen—it’s a little luxury you’ll want every week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who needs the deli when you’ve got Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich at home? This sandwich brings you that rewarding dunking experience with a side of hearty flavor that’s perfect for a quick, filling meal. It’s everything you love about a French dip, with none of the line-up hassle. Bring on the dipping sauce—you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Some nights need a lighter twist, and Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes delivers just that. It’s fresh, filling, and packed with that “just picked” taste that feels so much better than anything from a takeout box. The variety in this salad keeps it interesting without being heavy. You’ll love every crunchy, crisp bite, no delivery fees required.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Shipwreck Casserole

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

When the week’s chaos calls for a simple fix, Shipwreck Casserole comes to the rescue with easy comfort. This dish is all about layers of flavor that make it feel like you’ve been cooking all day without the effort. Every bite is packed with hearty goodness that hits the spot for any busy night. One try, and your takeout menu might just collect some dust.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a meal that feels like brunch and dinner combined, Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche is the go-to you didn’t know you needed. It’s fulfilling, light, and has that perfect balance that feels restaurant-level but is so easy to make at home. With each slice, you get a blend of flavors that just works, making it a no-brainer for weeknights. Say goodbye to picking up pastries and enjoy this homemade delight instead.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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, crisp, and full of life, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a great way to shake up your weeknight routine. It’s refreshing yet filling enough to be a main, bringing in all those flavors you crave from takeout with a homemade twist. This salad’s got all the elements you love, minus the delivery time. Grab a bowl, and you’ve got a weeknight wonder ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If Taco Tuesday had a cozy twist, Taco Casserole would be it, packed with flavor and perfect for weeknights. It’s all the joy of tacos without the mess, baked into a dish that’s easy to serve and even easier to love. One bite, and you’ll be ditching those takeout menus in favor of this new favorite. Make this part of your weeknight lineup—you won’t regret it!
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

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

No need to wait in line at the deli when you’ve got Pastrami Reuben Sandwich ready to go at home. This sandwich brings the classic flavors with a side of convenience, making it ideal for those nights when you want something hearty without the hassle. Each bite has that rewarding mix that makes Reubens famous, but without the wait. Keep this recipe handy; it’s like having the deli in your own kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Got a craving for something hearty? Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips delivers with a rich, fulfilling taste that’ll make you think twice about takeout. It’s got everything you love about beef tips, served right from your own kitchen without the restaurant bill. Make this your go-to when you want something comforting and crowd-pleasing on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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