25 Recipes You Can Cook Up Quicker Than Waiting For The Takeout Guy

Who needs takeout when you can whip up a delicious meal in less time? These 25 recipes make home cooking a swift and satisfying option. Each one is designed to get you from prep to plate faster than the delivery guy can reach your door. So, next time you’re tempted to dial up a takeout, consider these speedy recipes that taste every bit as good – if not better.

Vegetable Stir Fry

If you thought takeout was the only quick path to vibrant veggies, this Vegetable Stir Fry will change your mind. Toss your favorite greens (and reds and yellows) into a hot pan for a sizzling dish that’s ready before you can track the delivery guy on the app. It’s the ultimate fast-track to a nutritious, flavor-packed meal that’ll make you forget all about those menus in the drawer.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Capture the essence of Chipotle’s Corn Salsa in your kitchen without the wait. This recipe nails that fresh, zesty flavor with just a handful of ingredients and minimal time. It’s a game-changer for taco nights and a surefire way to bring a bit of gourmet into your quick and easy meal repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Best Lemon Pasta

When life gives you lemons, whip up this Lemon Pasta and see how dinner dilemmas vanish. It’s a dish that pairs the bright zest of lemon with the comfort of pasta for a meal that feels indulgent yet is ready in a flash. Say goodbye to the wait for takeout and hello to a zesty, comforting dish that’s as quick as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Ditch the delivery and dive into a Black Bean Burger that’s hearty, homemade, and ready in 25 minutes. It’s the answer to your burger cravings on those nights when even fast food isn’t fast enough. This plant-based patty is packed with flavor and can be dressed up or down, making Monday feel like the weekend.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Bring the taste of Chipotle home with these Black Beans, a side so good and so quick, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line. They’re the perfect complement to any Mexican dish, offering that beloved smoky flavor with a fraction of the fuss. It’s your new go-to for adding a protein punch to weeknight dinners without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Penne Alla Vodka

Upgrade your dining table into a fine Italian restaurant with Penne Alla Vodka, a deceptively simple dish and lightning-fast to prepare. This creamy, tomato-based pasta has a slight kick that elevates it beyond the ordinary, proving gourmet doesn’t have to mean slow. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your weeknights, no reservation required.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

7 Layer Salad

This 7 Layer Salad is a masterpiece of textures and flavors, layering crisp veggies, creamy dressings, and a variety of toppings for a dish that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. It’s a potluck favorite that comes together quicker than setting the table, proving that impressive dishes don’t have to keep you in the kitchen all day. Dive in and discover how speedy a stunning salad can be.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Hash Browns

Starting your day or complementing your meal with Hash Browns doesn’t require a drive-thru; it’s a crispy, golden delight you can whip up in no time. This breakfast classic turns potatoes into a dish with a crunch that’s as satisfying as it is quick. It’s the secret to bringing brunch home, minus the wait.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Lemon Cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Lemon Cookies that bring a burst of citrus sunshine into your home faster than you can preheat the oven. These little bites of happiness are not only easy to make but also irresistibly tangy and sweet. They’re the perfect quick treat to brighten any day or dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

If you’re looking for a snack or a quick dinner, an Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla is your crispy, cheesy solution. This gadget turns a simple quesadilla into a golden, gooey masterpiece in minutes, making it a weeknight hero. It’s a no-fuss, satisfying meal that’ll have you wondering why you ever waited for food to arrive at your door.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Whip up your own Thai Sweet Chili Sauce and instantly elevate any meal with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s so quick and delicious, you’ll find excuses to drizzle it on everything from grilled chicken to veggies. This homemade sauce adds a gourmet touch to your dishes, no takeout menu required.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Spaghetti Marinara

This Spaghetti Marinara is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, bringing together ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a dish that’s quick enough for any day of the week. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like an Italian chef, minus the wait for a table. Dive into a plate of this pasta and rediscover the joy of homemade meals that are faster than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Air Fryer Asparagus

Who knew that achieving perfectly tender, slightly crispy Asparagus could be so quick and easy? The air fryer is the secret weapon that turns this healthy veggie into a delicious side dish in minutes. It’s a straightforward, foolproof way to add some green to your plate without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Mashed Potato Fritters

Turn last night’s leftovers into today’s delight with Mashed Potato Fritters, a recipe that’s as ingenious as it is delicious. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fritters make the most of your mashed potatoes, proving that quick, creative solutions are often right at your fingertips. It’s comfort food made easy, perfect for those days when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Easy Burrito

This Easy Burrito is here to rescue your mealtime with a versatile, filling option that’s ready in a snap. Wrap up your favorite ingredients in a warm tortilla for a handheld feast that beats waiting for any delivery. It’s a customizable, satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, proving that quick doesn’t mean compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Grape Salad

For a quick, refreshing side or dessert, Grape Salad comes to the rescue with its creamy dressing and crunchy nuts. This unexpectedly delightful dish is a breeze to put together, offering a mix of sweet and tangy flavors that can brighten any meal. It’s a simple yet sophisticated salad that’s ready in no time, making it a favorite for last-minute gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Fried Banana

Indulge in the sweet simplicity of Fried Bananas, a dessert that comes together so quickly, it’ll become your go-to for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings. This dish turns ordinary bananas into a caramelized treat that pairs perfectly with ice cream or stands brilliantly on its own. It’s a quick, easy way to end any meal on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Refried Beans

Forget the can and prepare your own Refried Beans in less time than it takes for your side dish cravings to kick in. This staple complements any Mexican dish with its creamy texture and rich flavor, making every bite a reminder of why homemade is always worth it. It’s a quick, satisfying way to bring authentic flavor to your table, no takeout required.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Easy Flatbread Pizza

With Easy Flatbread Pizza, you’re just minutes away from a custom pizza experience that’s as quick as it is tasty. Choose your toppings, pop it in the oven, and voilà – a crispy, flavorful pizza that puts delivery to shame. It’s the perfect solution for pizza cravings when time is tight but expectations are high.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Crispy Shallots

Elevate any dish with Crispy Shallots, adding a gourmet touch in a fraction of the time it takes to decide on a restaurant. These little gems are the perfect blend of crunchy and savory, making them an ideal topping for soups, salads, or steaks. It’s a quick, easy way to add depth and crunch to your meals, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t have to be slow.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Waffles

Transform your morning or any mealtime with Waffles that come together faster than you can say “breakfast”. This breakfast classic is customizable and always a hit, whether you’re going for sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. It’s the ultimate way to start the day on a high note, proving that the best mornings don’t involve waiting for brunch.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Jalapeno Poppers

Spice up your snack game with Jalapeno Poppers, a fiery favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. These bite-sized treats pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for when you need a quick appetizer or a bold snack. It’s a fast, flavorful way to kick off any meal or party, leaving you wondering why you ever opted for the pre-made version.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers

Avocado Salad

Brighten up your meal with an Avocado Salad, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is quick to prepare. This salad combines creamy avocado with a mix of fresh ingredients for a light yet satisfying dish. It’s a straightforward, delicious way to add some freshness to your meals, proving that healthy can also be quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

A quick, refreshing way to enjoy a different mix of fruits. The sweet honey and zesty lime dressing enhance the natural flavors, making it a perfect side or dessert. This Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing is an effortless way to bring freshness to any meal, showcasing that quick can still mean incredibly flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This dish brings the rich flavors of garlic and olive oil to the forefront. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic pasta that’s uncomplicated, quick, and utterly satisfying. This meal is a reminder that sometimes the best flavors come from just a few ingredients, and quick preparation doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio