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    Home » Roundups

    11 Dinners That Cost Less Than Takeout (and Taste Better Too)

    Published: Jul 20, 2025 by bobbieblue

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    With prices on the rise even a trip to your favorite fast food joint can get expensive when feeding the entire family. With this collection of recipes you can make some of your favorite takeout inspired recipes for a fraction of the price in your own kitchen.

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    Try a Taco Bell Pizza, Olive Garden Alfredo or a copycat of Panda Express's orange chicken. These recipes are quick and easy to make and use simple ingredients that make these recipes much more cost effective than that drip through the drive-thru!

    Taco Bell Pizza

    Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

    This Taco Bell Pizza recipe tastes just like your favorite fast food menu item but is made healthier because it’s made at home using fresh ingredients and in just 15 minutes. Simple and delicious you can't go wrong.

    Get the recipe: Taco Bell Pizza Recipe

    Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice

    Photo Credit: Healthy Fitness Meals

    You will not miss the takeout with chicken cauliflower fried rice, a veggie twist on fried rice packed with flavors from healthy ingredients. It's high in protein and low in guilt, which comes in one pan. It's indulging and might be your next favorite fried rice variation!

    Get the Recipe: Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice

    Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

    Photo Credit: Dear Crissy

    Craving for McDonald's Big Mac but trying to save up? Try making this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole. It's a lovely dish that you can serve at family dinners and holiday events. It can feed a crowd!

    Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

    Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce

    Photo Credit: Copy Kat

    This Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce recipe is made up of a creamy, rich sauce that is not only delicious but easy to make. It takes only 30 minutes! 

    Get the recipe: Olive Garden Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Sauce

    Instant Pot Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe

    Instant Pot Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe
    Photo Credit: Eating In An Instant

    You can also prepare this wonderful Wendy's Chili copycat recipe at home in a few minutes and with simple pantry ingredients. Ground beef, celery, onions, kidney beans, ground cumin, garlic, and chili powder are the ingredients you need to prepare this delicacy.

    Get the recipe: Instant Pot Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe

    Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

    Photo Credit: A Full Living

    Warm your soul with this spicy chicken noodle soup. It's a chilly yet tasty and addictive dish, perfect for winter or colder weather. Get cozy at home and enjoy the cold weather with this spicy chicken noodle soup.

    Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

    Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe (Copycat)

    Photo Credit: Masala Herb

    Minimize takeout by making a healthier version of Panda Express's famous orange chicken. This recipe will satisfy your cravings with oriental flavors! You can make it for family dinners or gatherings and wow everyone.

    Get the Recipe: Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe (Copycat)

    PF Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Photo Credit: Evolving Table

    You won't fear missing out if you try this copycat version of PF Chang's chicken lettuce wrap. It is high in protein, low in carbs, and so good. It is addictively flavorful, making you want to have a bite after another.

    Get the Recipe: PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Chili's Copycat Monterey Chicken

    Photo Credit: The Slow Roasted Italian

    Monterey Chicken is a fabulous 30-minute meal idea! This skillet dinner recipe will save you time on busy nights, and it’s kid-approved too! Chicken recipes like this are perfect for the whole family to enjoy! This tasty recipe always gets rave reviews! 

    Get the recipe: Chili’s Copycat Monterey Chicken

    Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Copycat)

    Photo Credit: The Fresh Cooky

    These Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets are a great option to make for everyone. Super simple to prep and ideal for the whole family, these tender chicken nuggets are always a favorite!

    Get the recipe: Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Copycat)

    Easy Copycat PF Chang Mongolian Beef Recipe

    A serving of Mongolian beef with rice.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic

    We all love our Asian take-outs—they're the ultimate comfort food. But did you know you can make a delicious stir-fry at home that will guarantee satisfaction in every bite? This recipe features budget-friendly beef flanks stir-fried in a savory, sweet sauce. With simple ingredients, extraordinary taste, it's a guaranteed home-cooked perfection!

    Get the Recipe: Easy Copycat PF Chang Mongolian Beef Recipe

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    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self-taught cook that loves to cook wholesome meals while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

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