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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Homemade Meals That Satisfy Takeout Cravings

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated May 6, 2026 · Published May 12, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Craving your favorite takeout but want to stay in? These 22 simple recipes will help you whip up delicious meals right at home. From comforting tacos to flavorful stir-fries, you can satisfy those cravings without the delivery fee.

    Pad See Ewf

    Pad See Ew.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Pad See Ew is a tasty Thai stir-fry made with wide rice noodles and a flavorful brown sauce. This homemade dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout.

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    Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

    Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This dish features tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory ginger sauce. It's perfect when served with rice and steamed broccoli for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Salmon Curry

    A bowl of thai salmon curry with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai Salmon Curry features a rich coconut milk sauce that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

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    Cashew Chicken

    Sticky Cashew Chicken.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This dish combines tender chicken and crunchy cashews in a tasty sauce, making it a great choice for a fast and satisfying meal. It's an easy way to enjoy a takeout favorite right at home.

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    Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

    Panera chicken noodle soup.
    Photo credit: Bowl Me Over.

    This homemade chicken noodle soup is quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes, perfect for using up leftover chicken and fresh vegetables. It's a warm and satisfying dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Orange Chicken

    Air fryer orange chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a healthier and budget-friendly version of orange chicken at home in less than 30 minutes. Enjoy crispy air-fried chicken smothered in a flavorful orange sauce that's simple to prepare.

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    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken enchiladas with green sauce require only 10 minutes of prep and make the perfect comfort food any night of the week. This flavor-packed dish features garlic-infused chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with melted cheese and the best green chile sauce. Make it all from scratch, or start halfway - your choice!

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    Kung Pao Chicken

    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dish is full of great flavors and is really easy to prepare, making it a healthier option than your usual takeout. It combines salty and sweet elements, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in.

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    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo cauliflower tacos bring together all the classic buffalo flavors in a tasty and satisfying way. Topped with avocado, blue cheese sauce, and cilantro, these tacos are sure to please and can be whipped up in about 40 minutes using the oven or air fryer.

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    Red Curry Tofu Stir Fry

    Red curry tofu stir-fry in a pan.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Make a tasty curry at home that can easily take the place of your regular takeout. It's a simple way to enjoy a comforting meal without having to leave the house.

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    Easy Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casseorle is loaded with all the good stuff: well-seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream and melted cheese on top. It's a great dinner any night of the week, and it comes together in under 30 minutes!

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    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a simple dashi broth and combine it with flavorful mushrooms for a satisfying dish. This combination brings a comforting taste that can easily satisfy your cravings for takeout.

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    Crispy Potato Tacos

    Crispy Potato Tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy Potato Tacos make for an easy and delicious dinner that everyone will love, even more than fast food tacos. Diced potatoes are seasoned and baked until crispy, ready to be wrapped in flour tortillas with all your favorite toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai Curry Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes, featuring real Thai flavors like fish sauce, curry paste, cashews, lime, and cilantro. For an extra kick, toss in some Sriracha sauce to make it even more satisfying than your usual takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetable Korma

    A bowl of vegetable korma.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This korma is loaded with chickpeas, carrots, green peas, potatoes, green beans, and mushrooms. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy!

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    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon is seasoned and pan-fried for a quick and easy meal. Serve it with a simple Ginger Avocado Salsa to make delicious Salmon Tacos in no time!

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    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai curry spaghetti is a delicious dish that you'll want to make again and again. It's a simple way to enjoy the flavors of takeout right at home.

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    Instant Pot Beef Stir Fry

    A serving of beef stir fry.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This beef and broccoli dish brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. It's easy to prepare and delivers that classic taste you love.

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    Taco Pasta

    Taco pasta topped with shredded cheese and cilantro on a grey plate.

    This Taco Pasta is perfect to make for dinner on the busiest of weeknights. With ground beef and store bought taco sauce and garlic herb cream cheese this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. All the flavors of tacos but in pasta form - less mess, and less stress.

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    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This easy shrimp curry is perfect for anyone who loves flavorful dishes. Made with Thai red curry paste and creamy coconut milk, it comes together in just 20 minutes for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is easy to make and can be prepared with either store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce. It's a straightforward recipe you'll love to make.

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    Ham Fried Rice

    Ham Fried Rice.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This Ham Fried Rice is a quick and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's perfect for using up leftover ham!

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Crockpot chicken and noodles.
      29 Easy Slow Cooker Meals You Can Just Dump and Forget
    • Cottage pie.
      25 Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Dinners for Hectic Nights
    • Pasta with pancetta and peas.
      19 20-Minute Pasta Recipes You'll Crave Every Week
    • A broccoli casserole.
      14 Veggie-Loaded Dump-and-Cook Dishes for Tired Nights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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