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19 Weeknight Meals That Won’t Make You Want to Cry into Your Takeout Menu

Cooking dinner on weeknights shouldn’t be a drag. Look for meals that are quick to make and easy to clean up. Choose ingredients that you can use in various dishes, so you don’t end up with boring leftovers. With these 19-weeknight meals, you can forget about reaching for that takeout menu when you’re tired!

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Want something fancy without a ton of work? These Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu pieces are your answer. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and they won’t have you spending your whole evening in the kitchen. Enjoy a fancy meal any night of the week!
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.

Enjoy hearty flavors without the massive cleanup with this Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. It’s a complete meal in a pan that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. No need to worry about a long kitchen stay. This dish proves that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated or require a call to the local takeout place.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Piccata

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

In the mood for a delicious dinner option? This Chicken Piccata could be your new favorite weeknight pick. With its tangy lemon caper sauce, it brings a burst of flavor to the table without a lot of fuss. Don’t worry about takeout, this will hit the spot!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Tacos Dorados

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

Crispy and golden, these Tacos Dorados are a game changer for weeknight dinners. They’re the perfect mix of convenience and taste, bringing a little bit of crunch to your meal. Say goodbye to boring dinners with this easy recipe. Plus, you won’t be tempted to call for takeout with these on your table.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

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.

Refresh your dinner options with these Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. It’s light, nutritious, and comes together in a snap, making your weekday meals a breeze. The mix of sweet and crunchy adds excitement to your meal without the hassle. Who says quick meals can’t be fun and delicious?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Transform your leftover brisket into something extraordinary with this Brisket Fried Rice. It’s a smart and tasty way to reuse leftovers for a meal that screams weeknight comfort. The flavors blend so well that you’ll forget all about that takeout menu. This simple dish is a perfect example of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

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.

Who knew that making your own crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fries could be so simple? With less oil and mess, these chicken fries are a weeknight win. There’s no looking back at fast food once you’ve tried this recipe. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a crispy treat without leaving your kitchen.
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.

Fresh pasta tossed with tender slices of steak—these Steak & Pasta Salad make for a fulfilling weeknight meal. It’s a thrilling way to upgrade leftovers that don’t take all evening to prepare. Forget about the usual, boring salad; this dish is anything but. Plus, you’ll be too pleased to even think about ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

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.

Warm up your evenings with this comforting Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s hearty and delicious, perfect for those chillier nights. This soup makes cooking and cleanup easy, leaving you more time to relax. Say goodbye to takeout with this warm, inviting option.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

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

Bring the flavors of your favorite deli home with these Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. They pack all the classic tastes into a sandwich that’s both gourmet and easy to make. There’s no need to go out when you can enjoy this deliciousness from the comfort of your kitchen. This sandwich is a surefire way to upgrade your weeknight meals without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a hearty meal that’s a bit different? This Beefy John Wayne Casserole is rich, tasty, and filling. It’s just the thing to serve up when you need something comforting. Forget about your takeout menu; this casserole has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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.

Fresh, light, and bursting with flavor, these Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp are a breeze to whip up. They’re perfect for a quick and wonderful weeknight meal, without the heavy feeling. Enjoy the simplicity of this dish that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Who needs takeout when you’ve got recipes like this?
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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.

Use up that leftover turkey in the best way possible with these Turkey à la King. It’s creamy and comforting and makes a fantastic meal out of simple ingredients. This dish turns the last bits of your holiday turkey into a delicious weeknight feast. You’ll wonder why takeout was ever an option with meals like this.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cozy up with a bowl of this smooth Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. It’s the perfect blend of flavors to make any evening feel special. This soup is not only delicious but also super easy to make, keeping your weeknights stress-free. Forget the takeout; this soup will warm you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

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.

Get a taste of your favorite restaurant chili at home with these Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat recipes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up on any given weeknight. Enjoy all the bold flavors without having to leave the comfort of your home. There’s no doubt this dish will make you forget about ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

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

Experience the joy of a classic Cuban sandwich in a fun new way with these Cuban Sandwich Casserole. It’s all the flavors you love, deconstructed and baked into a weeknight dish that’s sure to please. This casserole is an ingenious way to make dinner exciting again. Say adios to your stack of takeout menus with this delicious option.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the beloved flavors of Mexican street food in a comforting bowl with this Mexican Street Corn Soup. It’s an easy, fuss-free dinner option that brings a unique twist to your table. The taste is so authentic that you’ll forget about the hassle of dining out. It turns any weeknight into a special occasion without the drama.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Tired of the same old leftovers? Why not spice things up a bit with these Leftover Steak Quesadillas? They’re quick and easy to make, turning your ordinary steak into a delicious weeknight meal that won’t have you looking at takeout menus. Enjoy a fun and stress-free dinner in no time.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Want a light but flavorful option for dinner? These Baja Fish Tacos are super simple and absolutely delicious. They bring a fresh twist to your table, making weeknights feel a little more special without the fuss. It’s exactly what you need when you’re tired of the same old meals.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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