Skip Takeout and Cook These Restaurant-Worthy Meals at Home

We round up our favorite take-out recipes that are almost as simple as picking up your phone and a lot more delicious. We have curries, fried rice, pizza, and more.

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel began testing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2018. She started her food blog in 2017 and taught children's baking classes around Seattle.
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Published September 27, 2021
Rachel Knecht
5 Meal that are Better Than Takeout

We have a family tradition of ordering takeout every Friday night. It’s the one night of the week that we kick off our shoes and let someone else make dinner. 

Our favorite dishes are usually nachos, pizza, fried rice, and butter chicken. It all sounds good right now, so why wait for Friday? 

This week I’m rounding up our favorite takeout dishes that can easily be made at home. Who knows? Maybe we’ll start a new tradition of cooking our favorite take-out meals on Fridays (at least some of the time).

  • Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry

    Coconut Shrimp Curry
    Elise Bauer

    I order curry every chance I get, and this easy shrimp curry is the satisfying, creamy dish I crave. Plus, with only eight ingredients, I can make it any night I please. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw it while you make the sauce and dinner will be on the table in no time. Serve it over rice.

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  • Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos

    Pulling a loaded chip away from a sheet pan of nachos
    Alison Conklin

    When we do Mexican takeout, nachos loaded with meat, cheese, sour cream, and salsa are always on the order. We can’t resist it! Feel free to customize the meat in these crispy loaded nachos by using carnitas, chicken, or skipping it all together for a vegetarian option.

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  • Indian Butter Chicken

    Indian Butter Chicken
    Prerna Singh

    Butter chicken is our family’s favorite. We’re always sure to order two so that there’s leftovers for lunch the next day. Made with pantry staples, I can double this recipe and freeze a batch for later. Make sure to let the chicken marinate and the nuts soak overnight. Serve it with naan and basmati rice.

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  • Easy Pork Fried Rice

    A black skillet with prepared pork fried rice recipe inside. Steam is coming up from the dish and a spatula is resting in the rice on the left side.
    Nick Evans | Art Banner Credit: Andy Christensen

    Fried rice is a go-to for quick dinners and a family favorite for takeout. This is another recipe made with pantry staples and can use up whatever vegetables you have on hand or lean on frozen ones. For crispy golden bits of rice, pork, and vegetables, keep the pan hot as your stir fry. Serve it with Air Fryer Chinese Egg Rolls.

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    Continue to 5 of 6 below.

  • Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage

    Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
    Sally Vargas

    Deep dish pizza is always a hit. The signature buttery crust and sauce-topped pie satisfies every pizza craving. Plus, no special pans are needed for this recipe! Make the dough, press it into a 9-inch cake pan, and layer the toppings. Feel free to use store-bought pizza sauce and serve it with this classic Caesar Salad.

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  • Weekend Baking: Apple Cider Glazed Donut Holes

    Apple Cider Glazed Donut Holes
    Cindy Rahe

    Occasionally we grab donuts at a local bakery, but a freshly fried homemade donut can’t be beat! Use a cookie scoop for easy dough scooping and for gently dropping the dough in hot oil. Once fried, dip them in an apple cider glaze and revel in the fall flavors. It’s ready in 40 minutes!

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