Ditch The Takeout Menus: 13 Homemade Meals That Are Easier Than You Think

Forget takeout; making delicious meals at home is simpler than untangling your headphones. With 13 easy recipes, you’ll be whipping up favorites faster than you can argue over who’s calling for delivery. These dishes prove that homemade doesn’t have to mean spending your entire evening in the kitchen.

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 Heather.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, especially when it’s made in your kitchen. This recipe brings you the warmth and comfort of a restaurant-style soup without the need to step foot outside your door. It’s a fulfilling meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a lot easier to make than you might think.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who knew something as simple as Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots could bring so much joy to a meal? This recipe is all about turning basic ingredients into something impressive. It’s a great side dish that brings a touch of comfort to any meal, proving that you don’t need to dine out to enjoy your favorite flavors. So, get ready to upgrade your side dish game with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta E Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think about sitting down to a bowl of Pasta E Fagioli Soup, just like the kind you’d order at your favorite restaurant. Now think about making it with minimal fuss. This recipe offers a flavorful bowl of soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality dining into your home, proving that some dishes are not as complicated as they seem.
Get the Recipe: Pasta E Fagioli Soup

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Forget about waiting for a table at the steakhouse. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips bring that hearty, comforting essence of dining out right into your kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, offering a meal that feels both indulgent and home-cooked. Share it with family or friends, and watch it become a requested favorite at your table without the need of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup in a white round bowl with small handles.
Zuppa Toscana Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you think of cozy meals, Zuppa Toscana Soup should definitely be on your list. This recipe allows you to recreate a restaurant favorite right in your kitchen, no reservation required. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make and delivers a bowlful of comforting flavors. This soup could easily become a weeknight staple, offering the perfect blend of ease and taste.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

There’s no need to wait for a table at Olive Garden when you can make Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo right at home. This recipe combines the taste of shrimp with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a pasta dish. It’s simpler than it sounds to prepare, offering a delicious way to satisfy your Italian cuisine cravings. Whip this up for a special occasion, or just because, and watch how quickly it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who like a little kick with their snacks, Creamy Jalapeno Dip is the way to go. It’s surprisingly easy to make and packs a punch of flavor that’s far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Ideal for parties or as a solo treat, it pairs well with almost any dipping food you can think of. Say goodbye to boring, store-bought dips and hello to homemade goodness with this one.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who says you can’t enjoy your fast-food flavors at home? With Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots, you’re essentially inviting a party to your taste plate, minus the waiting for delivery. It blends the comfort of tots with the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Trust that, once you try it, those takeout menus will start collecting dust.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

An open-face NY Steamer sub copycat on a plate with Italian dressing.
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving something satisfying, making a Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich at home is the answer. This sandwich is packed with flavors that blend together perfectly, offering a homemade alternative to your usual order. It’s a filling option for lunch or dinner, proving that you don’t need to go out to enjoy something delicious. This recipe might just become your go-to for those sandwich cravings.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For all the pasta lovers out there, making Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce at home is a game-changer. It offers rich flavors you’d expect from an Italian restaurant, all from the comfort of your kitchen. This sauce can transform a dish into an indulgent meal, proving that great flavors are achievable at home. Now, you can enjoy your favorite dish anytime, without the restaurant price tag.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Whipping up Diner Style Salisbury Steak at home might just make you forget about your local diner. This recipe brings all the comforting flavors and juiciness you’d expect, without any complicated steps. It’s the kind of meal that makes a regular day feel special. Plus, it demonstrates that making a delicious dinner can be straightforward and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 Heather.

Making Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich at home is easier than you might think, and it beats waiting for takeout. It combines tender meat with a flavorful dip that transforms a sandwich into a gourmet. Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, it’s a way to enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving your house. And it’s so good, you might just forget about the original.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

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

Ditch the takeout menus and give this a go; you won’t regret it. Cooking Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup is like taking a shortcut to flavor town without leaving your kitchen. This soup combines the smoky flavors of street corn with a creamy soup. It’s easier than you think to whip up, and it’s sure to impress anyone longing for a taste of summer.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

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