Takeout might be fast, but it adds up quickly. These 21 recipes prove you don’t have to spend big to eat well. Whether you’re craving soup, stir-fry, or something baked and cheesy, each dish costs less to make than most restaurant orders. They’re easy, filling, and full of flavor that beats the bill.
Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant Shakshuka takes about 35 minutes and brings together eggplant, tomatoes, eggs, and spices in one pan. The dish has a rich, savory flavor with a smoky edge from the cooked vegetables. It’s satisfying and hearty without needing meat. You’ll get bold, layered taste for way less than any brunch order.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Shakshuka
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht is ready in around 45 minutes and uses beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions. The flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with vinegar for a little tang. It’s a colorful and warming bowl that costs very little to make. Just one pot gives you several meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel takes about an hour and features pasta, mushrooms, leeks, and eggs baked into a golden casserole. It’s creamy, savory, and has a mild onion flavor from the leeks. The texture is soft inside with crispy edges. This dish fills up a crowd for a low cost.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Instant Pot Fish Soup takes 30 minutes and features white fish, potatoes, carrots, and dill. The flavor is light, clean, and slightly herby. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that’s not too heavy but still filling. You’ll get a full pot of soup for less than most seafood takeout options.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Fish Soup From the Heart
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad is ready in about 25 minutes and pairs fresh zucchini with crab, cream cheese, and herbs. It’s creamy, crisp, and has a fresh seafood flavor. It works well as an appetizer or light main. You’ll save a lot compared to ordering a seafood roll out.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad
Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and uses chicken, corn, potatoes, and herbs in a thick, comforting soup. The flavor is herby, mildly salty, and loaded with starchy goodness. It’s a one-bowl meal that keeps you full. This recipe stretches simple ingredients into something that tastes restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe
Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Barley, Kale, and Romano Beans Soup takes 50 minutes and includes barley, kale, beans, and tomatoes in a thick broth. The taste is wholesome, slightly nutty, and very filling. It’s great for batch cooking or freezing leftovers. You’ll get multiple healthy meals for less than a single takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup
Matzo Brei Pizza
Matzo Brei Pizza comes together in about 20 minutes and uses matzo, eggs, cheese, and vegetables. It tastes like a crispy breakfast-for-dinner mashup with savory and cheesy notes. It’s quick, affordable, and surprisingly satisfying. You don’t need to spend much to get this flavorful spin on pizza.
Get the Recipe: Matzo Brei Pizza
Mujadara
Mujadara is ready in around 45 minutes with lentils, rice, onions, and a few spices. It’s earthy, warm, and topped with crispy onions for contrast. The ingredients are cheap and pantry-friendly, but the flavor feels comforting and complete. One pot goes a long way and tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Spaghetti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce takes about 30 minutes and uses pasta, mushrooms, tomatoes, and garlic. It’s rich, savory, and meat-free without missing anything. It satisfies like a classic red sauce dish with a deeper umami flavor. You can make a big batch for the same price as one entrée.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti With Mushroom Marinara Sauce
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad takes 35 minutes and combines squash, greens, seeds, and a tangy dressing. The flavors are sweet, slightly nutty, and balanced with acid. It’s light but satisfying with texture from roasted and raw ingredients. You’ll spend less than a salad bar and get more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Quinoa with Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas takes 40 minutes and features quinoa, roasted squash, chickpeas, and herby tahini sauce. The taste is nutty, creamy, and fresh with lots of plant-based protein. It’s an easy way to eat well without spending much. One bowl gives you everything you need for less.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Kabocha Squash And Chickpeas In Green Tahini Sauce
Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Borlotti Beans in Tomato Sauce with Eggs is ready in 35 minutes and uses canned beans, tomatoes, spices, and eggs. It’s hearty, tangy, and has a satisfying bite with runny yolk. It works for any meal of the day. You won’t find a better deal for something this flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Borlotti Beans In Tomato Sauce With Eggs
Belgian Endive Soup
Belgian Endive Soup takes 45 minutes and combines endive, potatoes, onions, and broth into a smooth puree. The taste is mild, slightly bitter, and creamy from the blended vegetables. It’s an easy starter or light lunch. Making this at home beats any pre-made soup in price and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Belgian Endive Soup
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls take about 35 minutes and include tofu, rice paper, veggies, and dipping sauce. They taste fresh, crunchy, and savory with a light sweetness from the sauce. It’s a great low-cost option that feels like takeout. You can make a whole tray for less than one roll to-go.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tofu Spring Rolls
Chicken Sancocho
Chicken Sancocho takes about 1 hour and uses chicken, root vegetables, corn, and herbs. It’s rich, savory, and packed with hearty ingredients in every spoonful. It feeds a crowd or makes plenty of leftovers. For what it costs to make one pot, you’d barely get one bowl out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Stuffed Potato Patties with Mushroom Filling take about 50 minutes and use mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and onions. They’re crispy outside, soft inside, and filled with savory mushrooms. It’s a budget-friendly way to make something that feels special. You’ll get a full tray for less than a single appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices take 35 minutes and include sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and spices. They taste sweet, caramelized, and slightly crispy at the edges. It’s a great side that works with almost anything. You can make several servings for the price of one fast-food order.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Beef & Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli is done in about 25 minutes and uses beef strips, broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce. The flavor is savory, a little sweet, and packed with umami. It’s quick, protein-rich, and better than most takeout versions. You’ll get more food for less and control what goes in it.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole takes around 45 minutes and combines ground beef, green beans, cheese, and a creamy base. It’s hearty, cheesy, and filling enough to stand on its own. One pan feeds the whole table without a big grocery bill. It’s the kind of dinner that leaves no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla takes just 10 minutes and uses tortillas, cheese, and optional extras like salsa or beans. The flavor is melty, slightly crisp, and super snackable. It’s perfect for quick lunches or late-night bites. You’ll spend way less than you would at a taco joint.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla
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