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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 DIY Takeout Recipes for When You’re Craving Comfort

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 10, 2025 · Published December 23, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 20 DIY takeout recipes are quick and easy to make, perfect for when you're craving your favorite comfort foods at home. From savory stir-fries and curries to tacos and fajitas, you can whip up these meals in no time. Enjoy the flavors you love without the need to order in.

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Massaman Chicken Curry is a delicious dish that comes together in about 45 minutes using ready-made curry paste. This creamy and subtly sweet meal features chicken, potatoes, and peanuts simmered in coconut milk, all cooked in a single pot. It's a comforting option that satisfies cravings without requiring too much effort.

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    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian tacos packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese are a satisfying choice. Topped with fresh pico de gallo, these tacos offer a burst of flavor in every bite. This is a meal you'll find yourself wanting to make over and over.

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    Smoked Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Pizza

    A smoked mozzarella chicken pizza.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    BBQ chicken pizza is simple to make at home, and using smoked mozzarella cheese adds a special touch. Adding cilantro and your favorite barbecue sauce really boosts the flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in when you're craving something comforting.

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    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

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

    Thai Curry Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It features authentic Thai ingredients like fish sauce, curry paste, cashews, lime, and cilantro, bringing a burst of flavor to your meal. A little Sriracha adds a nice kick, making this a delicious homemade alternative to takeout.

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    Pad See Ew

    Pad See Ew.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Pad See Ew is a delicious Thai stir-fry that uses wide rice noodles tossed in a savory brown sauce. Making it at home is a fantastic way to enjoy this comforting dish without having to order takeout. It's perfect for satisfying those cravings for something hearty and flavorful.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    Cooking chicken breasts straight from the freezer is a real time-saver. In just 30 minutes, you can have a tasty dinner on the table without having to thaw them out first. This method is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and satisfying without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    Middle Eastern arayes are delicious pita pockets filled with well-seasoned meat. They're great for grilling during the summer, but you can also whip them up indoors whenever you want a comforting meal. These crispy treats are satisfying and easy to enjoy any time of the year.

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    Instant Pot Beef Stir Fry

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

    This homemade beef and broccoli dish captures the flavors of your favorite takeout right in your own kitchen. It's simple to make and provides a filling meal without the need to order in. Perfect for when you're craving something comforting and delicious.

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    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

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

    This dish combines the rich flavors of Thai curry with spaghetti, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for any night. It's a satisfying option that you'll find yourself wanting to make regularly.

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    Ground Beef Flautas

    Ground beef flautas.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy flautas filled with ground beef and melted cheese are a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Pair them with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce for a delicious and comforting dish. Perfect for when you're craving something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    This Chinese-style flank steak is full of flavor thanks to garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It's a delicious homemade dish that stands up to your favorite takeout meals. Perfect for when you're craving something comforting and satisfying.

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    Vegetable Korma

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

    This korma is packed with chickpeas, carrots, green peas, potatoes, green beans, and mushrooms. It's a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy and likely come back for more.

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    Shrimp Curry

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

    Shrimp Curry is full of flavor and really simple to prepare. Using Thai red curry paste and coconut milk, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

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    Orange Chicken

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

    This recipe offers a healthier and budget-friendly take on orange chicken that you can easily whip up at home. It features crispy chicken cooked in an air fryer and coated in a delicious orange sauce. You can have this satisfying meal ready in less than 30 minutes.

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    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions all cooked together with a flavorful seasoning. It's a satisfying meal that's great for busy nights when you want something comforting without putting in a lot of effort. Just let it cook, and you'll have a tasty dinner ready to enjoy.

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    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Beef Chow Fun is a fantastic choice for a quick dinner that you can prepare in about 20 minutes. This dish features rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and flank steak, making it a hearty meal that hits the spot. It's perfect for when you're craving something comforting and delicious.

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    Thai Salmon Curry

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

    Thai Salmon Curry combines a creamy coconut milk sauce with deliciously seared salmon. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that you can prepare in just half an hour.

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    Miso Mushroom Ramen

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

    A basic dashi broth mixed with tasty mushrooms results in a comforting homemade meal that beats takeout. This dish is ideal for when you're in the mood for something filling and flavorful without putting in too much work.

    Get the recipe

    Kung Pao Spaghetti

    Kung Pao Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    Kung Pao Spaghetti is a satisfying homemade twist on your favorite Chinese takeout. This easy dish brings together pasta, chicken, and vegetables in a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce, all topped with peanuts and spring onions. It's a great option for a quick family dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes.

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    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

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

    This ginger chicken stir-fry is all about tender chicken tossed in a delicious ginger garlic sauce. It's a straightforward one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. If you love the warm, zesty flavor of ginger, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Miso ramen with eggs.
      14 Easy Ramen Recipes You Can Totally Master at Home
    • Chicken bacon pasta.
      15 Lazy-Day Bacon Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves
    • Creamy tuna pasta bake.
      22 Delicious Dinners That Are Easy to Make and Easy on Your Wallet
    • Cheeseburger soup.
      18 Cozy Dinners You Can Make in Just 25 Minutes

    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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