27 Fast Recipes That Helped Me Avoid Another Night Of Takeout
Takeout almost won again, but these 27 quick fixes pulled through like dependable backup dancers. Each one came together faster than deciding what to order. There was no menu scrolling, just actual food on the table. They kept things moving without turning the kitchen into a full-blown production.
French Bread Pizza
Skip the hassle by using French bread as the crust for this pizza. It’s easy to assemble, super quick to cook, and lets you customize toppings however you want. French Bread Pizza is a smart way to get everyone fed without much effort. Perfect for when you’re craving pizza but can’t deal with making dough.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
A warm bowl of Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup makes you forget about ordering fast food. It’s filling and rich, with broccoli blending into a silky texture. This recipe saves time without sacrificing comfort, making the wait for delivery a distant memory. It’s quick, simple, and no one will believe how low-tech it is.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Easy Burrito
Wrapped in seconds and ready in minutes, Easy Burrito is the go-to when you’re in a time crunch. It’s packed with your choice of flavorful fillings without needing a full kitchen setup. Versatile and low-fuss, this meal works for any rushed night. Great for grabbing and eating on the move if you’re on a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito
Black Bean Burger
Making Black Bean Burger at home is quicker than waiting for delivery, with barely any cooking required. A simple way to create something hearty and enjoyable for any burger fan. Its texture is satisfying without being too heavy. Keeps you away from store-bought patties in under half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger
Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Slap some corn on the stovetop or grill, and you’ve got Grilled Corn on the Cobb ready in no time. No need for complicated prep or sides; it works all by itself as the perfect snack or side dish. It’s simple to make but tastes like a lot of thought went into it. No more settling for plain microwave meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Spaghetti Marinara
Cooking it up saves you from ordering overpriced pasta. The sauce pulls everything together super quickly, and the dish feels homemade without the effort. Spaghetti Marinara works every time you need a stomach-filling option fast. Perfect for those who want something classic on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Waldorf Salad
Toss together fresh ingredients, and Waldorf Salad is on your table in record time. It’s colorful, easy, and strikes a balance between light yet filling. Works as a side or quick main without needing to turn on the oven. If you’re tired of the same takeout greens, this one’s a lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Marry Me Butter Beans
A quick way to shake up dinner is making Marry Me Butter Beans in under 30 minutes. Packed with a creamy element, it’s almost guaranteed not to last long on your plate. This dish pairs perfectly with a ton of add-ons or just served alone. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to skip takeout using this.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans
Penne Alla Vodka
When you want something pasta-centric but efficient, Penne Alla Vodka checks every box. This has a sauce that tastes like you spent hours on it when you didn’t. It’s perfect for busy nights when effort feels like the last thing you want to bother with. Restaurant-level quality in a third of the time.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Neapolitan Pizza
If homemade pizza sounds too much work, Neapolitan Pizza is your solution. It’s fast, hands-on, and tastes fresh without being complicated. You only need a quick prep session, and dinner’s ready. The minimalist style will impress anyone while saving you time you’d otherwise spend waiting.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Zucchini Fritters
Crispy but easy to make, Zucchini Fritters give you a reason to skip greasy fast food. Great for a quick snack or light dinner, they’re ready in no time and simple to handle. They work as a standalone dish or alongside other meals. It’s a solid one to whip up when you don’t feel inspired but need a meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters
Pasta Primavera
Fresh and quick, Pasta Primavera throws together everything you might have lying around. The vegetables make it a balanced meal while still feeling like comfort food. Great for vegetarians but anyone can enjoy it even if there’s meat somewhere else in the plan. It’s simple, quick, and avoids late-night takeout.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Hash Browns
Making this from scratch hits that comfort zone but doesn’t take ages to pull off. They can stand solo as a snack or pair with eggs or veggies for a quick plate. You’ll wonder why you ever wasted money on frozen ones. Hash Browns take such little preparation, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Pizza Salad
Want something fresh but with a pizza twist? Pizza Salad turns your greens into something exciting without much prep involved. It’s the speedy way to make salad the main event. Great for when you want pizza toppings without dough or grease. Toss, mix, and you’re done faster than calling in an order.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)
Whisk, fry, and Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow) comes together before you can even think about delivery. It’s flavorful, filling, and minimal in prep. Works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner any day of the week. You won’t regret skipping ordering in when this is fast and simple.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)
Margherita Pizza
Simple to prepare, Margherita Pizza is the kind of quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Its balance of toppings lets you throw it together in minutes and bake without babysitting. This one is ideal for pizza night at home, minus all the fuss. Beats takeaway prices and cooks just as fast as delivery arrives.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza
Chickpea Nuggets
Handy for rushed nights, Chickpea Nuggets are bite-sized and done in no time. They’re good for dipping or as-is, and make a meat-free option even non-vegetarians will like. Everything comes together faster than heating store-bought ones. You’ll want this for your quickest snack or last-minute dinner fix.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets
Tortilla Pizza
Perfect when you’ve got leftover wrap bread, Tortilla Pizza doesn’t take longer than 10 minutes to prep. Thin, crispy, and versatile, it’s a speedy way to give everyone their favorite flavors. Great for quick meals or as an option for kid-friendly dinners. A fast alternative that satisfies pizza cravings.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Cheese Quesadilla
A quick stovetop recipe like Cheese Quesadilla makes you forget how often you used to order in. It’s as simple as fold, heat, and serve without much planning required. Melted fillings hit the spot and make it an easy pick for everyone. Versatile, efficient, and no extra cleanup to worry about afterward.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla
Refried Beans
Warmed and ready in no time, Refried Beans can serve as a dip, a side, or a filler for wraps if you’re in a rush. They’re quick, comforting, and take barely any prep. Great for lunches that demand speed but don’t give up on home-cooked vibes. You’ll be glad to skip messy all-day cooking sessions for this.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Easy Flatbread Pizza
Thin-crusted and super-fast, Easy Flatbread Pizza is a shortcut to homemade dinners. Everything cooks quickly even with toppings that you’d think take ages. It’s another great way to ditch frozen pizza or greasy delivery meals. This recipe gets to the table before guests start wondering where dinner is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a quick side dish when you’re short on time. It has just enough punch to make everything else on the table better. You’ll spend less time waiting to eat and more time actually eating. Perfect for those nights that call for light but full-flavored options.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Vegetable Stir Fry
Fast with versatile add-ons, Vegetable Stir Fry is always a win when takeout feels tempting. Everything cooks in one pan without taking too long. Great for clearing out your fridge without feeling like you’re repeating meals. Efficient and tasty, it’s a solution for nights when time isn’t on your side.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Egg Bites
Bite-sized and ready fast, Egg Bites are the catch-all recipe for breakfast or dinner needs. They work for meal prepping or quick meals on a rushed day. Perfect for grabbing on the go, but also great for serving in small portions. Super simple to make and tastes like way more effort went into them.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Tzatziki
Cool but ready with minimal effort, Tzatziki is great for dipping, dressing, or topping meals when you’re avoiding takeout. It’s a no-cook option to spice up what’s already on your plate. Everything about it screams fast, fresh solution without any hassle. A little goes a long way no matter the meal.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki
Grilled Eggplant
Throw eggplant on the grill or stovetop, and Grilled Eggplant is ready for your table in minutes. It’s a simple and healthy option when you’re done with greasy alternatives. Pairs surprisingly well with lots of add-ons. Your quickest way to add variety without waiting for orders to show up at your doorstep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant
Cacio e Pepe
Minimal ingredients, maximum reward, Cacio e Pepe is as simple as it gets in pasta recipes. Done in under 20 minutes, and you’ll have something that tastes way beyond the effort you put in. Great for late-night cravings when nothing else sounds appealing. It’s classy without taking forever to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
