31 Low-Cost Meals That’ll Have You Questioning Why Anyone Spends $20 on Takeout

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Let’s be honest: most takeout meals are overpriced, and with a bit of planning, you can make something just as good, if not better, in your own kitchen. These meals won’t break the bank but will still give you that “I can’t believe I made this” feeling. No need to wait for your food delivery driver—just grab what’s in your pantry, and you’re all set. Get ready to save money without sacrificing taste.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A unique twist on a traditional pasta salad, this version brings in an unexpected element with eggs. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines the creamy texture of eggs with pasta to create a rich and filling meal. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or meal prep, offering something hearty without breaking the bank. The balance between pasta and eggs makes it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with other sides.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Beef Stroganoff Soup

If you’re craving something warm and hearty, this soup is a great option. Beef Stroganoff Soup gives you that familiar beefy, creamy taste with every spoonful, all in a bowl. It’s perfect for a chilly day, providing you with a meal that sticks with you. The meat is tender, soaking up the flavors of the broth, which makes each bite comforting. Best of all, it’s a dish you can prepare without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff Soup

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A simple dessert that never fails to impress, this cake is just the right amount of sweetness. Pineapple Upside Down Cake features caramelized pineapple and cake that’s moist and light. The fruit on top adds a rich, sweet layer, while the cake itself is soft and easy to eat. It’s an affordable way to treat yourself to a homemade dessert without a complicated recipe. The cake itself is a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Cream Of Onion Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup, this one hits the mark with its smooth and creamy texture. Cream Of Onion Soup allows the natural sweetness of the onions to shine through in each spoonful. With its thick and creamy broth, it’s perfect for warming up when the weather turns cold. This simple soup is easy to prepare and great for any level of cook. An inexpensive option that doesn’t compromise taste.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Onion Soup

Cabbage and Bean Soup

For a filling meal that doesn’t cost much, this soup is a great choice. Cabbage and Bean Soup combines hearty beans with mild cabbage for a simple yet hearty option. It’s a great way to stretch your ingredients while still having a full meal. The best part is that it only gets better over time, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers. This is a solid, budget-friendly dish that can easily feed a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Bean Soup

Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Want an easy meal that practically cooks itself? Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers gives you tender sausage and peppers that are slow-cooked to perfection. The longer it cooks, the better it gets, with all the flavors melding together. You can serve it over rice or with bread for an extra hearty meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is great for anyone who’s short on time.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Classic Meatballs

These meatballs are a classic comfort food that’s hard to resist. Classic Meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, whether you serve them with pasta, on a sandwich, or by themselves. It’s an easy dish to make that satisfies everyone, and they can be prepped in large batches for leftovers. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or steps—just simple cooking for a great meal. It’s a dependable recipe for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

For a meal that’s both simple and full of flavor, this recipe does the trick. Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs combines a rich, tangy sauce with tender meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making it a great meal for busy days. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. This brings comfort food to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

Beef and Barley Soup

If you’re looking for something hearty, this soup is an excellent choice. Beef and Barley Soup brings together tender beef with chewy barley, making each spoonful feel like a full meal. The combination of beef and barley is both filling and simple, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. It’s also easy to make in large batches, so you can have leftovers for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Baked Spanish Rice

Need a side dish that’s quick and easy to make? Baked Spanish Rice is the perfect option. It’s a flavorful and hearty addition to any meal, and it pairs well with just about anything. This rice dish is filling, with a bit of spice and warmth, offering more than your typical side. It bakes in the oven, making it a low-maintenance option for busy evenings. Plus, it’s a great way to add a little extra flavor with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Egg Bites with Spinach & Cheese

Looking for an easy breakfast or snack? Egg Bites with Spinach & Cheese offers a great way to pack some protein into your day. These bites are a great option for meal prep, as they’re simple to make and easy to store. They’re packed with spinach, making them a nice, healthy choice. The cheese adds just the right amount of richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites with Spinach & Cheese

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

When you want something quick, this dish is a winner. Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes gives you a light yet hearty meal without much fuss. The creamy ricotta mixes well with fresh tomatoes to create a flavorful sauce. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple but always hits the spot, whether you’re cooking for one or a group. You can whip it up in no time, making it a solid option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

For those looking to skip eggs but still want a hearty breakfast, this casserole is perfect. Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage replaces eggs with other ingredients while still giving you that comforting, filling texture. The sausage brings a flavorful element, and the rest of the casserole blends together to create a comforting base. You can easily make it ahead for a hassle-free breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

If you enjoy rich, tender meat that falls apart, this recipe is for you. Slow Cooker German Pot Roast lets the slow cooker do all the work, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth roast. The long cooking time brings out the flavors, making it a perfect meal for a busy day. This roast is ideal for feeding a group, and the leftovers can be used in sandwiches or stews. Great way to stretch a budget while still having a filling, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Corned Beef Fritters

For a fun and different way to enjoy corned beef, these fritters are worth trying. Corned Beef Fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a unique snack or meal. They’re a great way to use up leftover corned beef, and they’re quick to prepare. These fritters can be served with a variety of dips or as part of a larger meal. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a simple but flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

If you’re looking for a unique combination of flavors, this dish delivers. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon balances the tangy sauerkraut with the sweetness of apples and the richness of bacon. It’s a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of meats, especially pork. The flavors come together slowly, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. It’s affordable and easy to make while still feeling like something special.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

White Bean Salad

For a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any season, this salad is a great pick. White Bean Salad combines tender beans with crisp vegetables for a nutritious, easy-to-make option. It’s simple, but the mix of ingredients makes it a versatile dish you can enjoy on its own or as a side. Whether you need a quick lunch or something to take to a gathering, it’s an affordable and tasty choice.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

This is a great way to use up leftover rice and turn it into a meal. Chicken Fried Rice brings together tender chicken, vegetables, and rice, all tossed together for a simple yet hearty dish. It’s quick to make, especially when you have the ingredients on hand. You can adjust it based on what you have in your fridge, making it customizable to your taste. It’s an excellent option for a weeknight meal when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Looking for something filling but light? Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes mixes chewy wheat berries with fresh vegetables and tuna, creating a nutritious dish that’s easy to make. It’s a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch, as it’s simple but packs a lot of flavor. The tuna adds protein, while the wheat berries give it a hearty texture that makes it feel like a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

When you want something that’s both filling and healthy, this soup is a great option. Pasta e Fagioli Soup combines pasta and beans in a hearty broth, making it a comforting and affordable meal. The pasta adds a nice texture while the beans give it substance. It’s a soup that keeps you full and satisfied, without being heavy. Plus, it’s easy to make, and leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Simple Sautéed Kale

Looking for an easy side that’s packed with nutrients? Simple Sautéed Kale offers a quick way to enjoy leafy greens without much effort. The kale takes on a nice texture when sautéed, becoming tender yet still slightly crisp. It’s a great option when you need something healthy to balance out a heavier meal. With minimal ingredients, you can have it on the table in no time. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Simple Sautéed Kale

Texas BLT

For a twist on the classic BLT, this version adds a bit more punch. Texas BLT combines crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce with a touch of heat that gives it extra flavor. The addition of spices or sauces really amps up this sandwich, turning it into something special. Whether you’re having it for lunch or dinner, it’s filling and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

When you want something hearty without spending a lot, this dish is a go-to. Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon combines tender cabbage with creamy potatoes and crispy bacon, creating a meal that’s both affordable and filling. The bacon adds just the right amount of flavor, complementing the mild potatoes and cabbage. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require much prep work.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

Greek Spaghetti

If you’re looking for a fresh take on pasta, this recipe brings a nice Mediterranean twist. Greek Spaghetti gives you all the flavors of a Greek salad, but in pasta form. It’s a great option if you’re craving something a little lighter than traditional spaghetti. The dish is easy to throw together, with just a few ingredients that pack a punch. Whether you’re eating it on its own or as a side, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Ukrainian Potatoes

This dish might seem simple, but it’s the perfect comfort food for any day. Ukrainian Potatoes combines potatoes with flavorful seasonings and other ingredients to create a meal that’s rich and filling. They’re soft and tender, making each bite feel like a warm hug. It’s a great way to use potatoes in a new way without adding too much fuss. This is a recipe that’s easy on the wallet and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Creamy Radish Salad

If you’re craving something refreshing yet rich, this salad is a good option. Creamy Radish Salad brings together the sharpness of radishes with a smooth, creamy dressing that balances it out. The radishes add a nice crunch and peppery flavor, making it a fun dish to enjoy on a warm day. It’s quick to make, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find. This salad works as a side dish or as a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Easy Hamburger Stew

When you’re looking for something hearty and comforting, this stew does the trick. Easy Hamburger Stew combines ground beef with vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, making it a great meal for cold nights. The beef adds a nice, meaty base, while the vegetables give it a wholesome feel. It’s one of those meals that gets better the longer it sits, so leftovers are always a bonus. Plus, it’s simple to make and feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hamburger Stew

Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale

If you enjoy a hearty soup, this one packs a lot of flavors. Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale brings together spicy sausage, tender kale, and a rich broth that warms you up with every bite. The sausage adds depth, while the kale provides a bit of freshness to balance the richness. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both filling and comforting. This soup is perfect for any time you need something indulgent and quick.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale

Creamy Spinach Orzo

For a simple yet creamy side dish, this one brings great texture and flavor. Creamy Spinach Orzo combines tender orzo pasta with spinach and a smooth, creamy sauce. The orzo soaks up the sauce beautifully, making it the perfect side for almost any protein. It’s an easy dish to prepare and adds a nice balance to your meal. You can make it in no time and have leftovers for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Southwestern Chili

This chili brings bold flavors and a bit of heat, making it a great option when you need something filling. Southwestern Chili combines beans, meat, and spices to create a rich and flavorful dish that warms you up. It’s the kind of meal that’s great for leftovers, as the flavors only deepen over time. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side of cornbread, it’s a go-to meal that’s quick and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chili

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

If you’re in the mood for something hearty and packed with flavor, this dish is a great choice. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef brings together ground beef with spices and other ingredients that make every bite a little more exciting. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. You can serve it in tacos, over rice, or with a variety of sides. It’s an easy meal that feels special than it really is.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef