Five Takeout Meals You Can Make at Home

We’ve all been there! Life gets hectic and sometimes getting takeout seems like the only viable option. Unfortunately, with takeout comes extra expenses (especially for large families) and more than likely even more calories. Instead of ordering out all the time, why not try the fun alternative and stay in and make your own takeout favs at home? By making your own favorite meals, you not only save money, but know exactly what goes into your food, you can adjust any recipe to your liking and you can cook comfortably – like in your underwear with no judgment – if you want to.

The next time you have a crazy craving for some takeout, try going heading to the grocery store, picking up a few ingredients, and making a “to-go” favorite at home. Here are just a few ideas and recipes to try:

Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Photo Cred: Sallys Baking Addiction

This can be one fun filled dish to make, whether you buy the premade crust or make the crust from scratch and there are hundreds of different versions you can try. If you’re a New York fan, try creating a Brooklyn-style pizza and if you’re a Chicago fan, with a love for deep-dish pizza, you can try this recipe. My favorite new pizza trend is using different types of vegetables for the crust, with my personal favorite being the spinach crust!

Tacos

Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos
Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos Photo Cred: Simply Recipes

Everyone loves a late night taco truck run every once in awhile, but going out for tacos all the time is just crazy! Tacos are probably on the list of the easiest meals to make, and a simple meal to make for a group of friends or family. Best thing about tacos, is there are options for everyone whether you love chicken, beef, pulled pork, or fish, tacos are always the answer.

 Burgers and Fries

Chili Cheese Fries
Chili Cheese Fries Photo Cred: Back to Her Roots

Burgers and fries are the perfect American style meal that anyone can make at home! This dish doesn’t have to be solely for summer barbeques and picnics, but rather this classic is the perfect meal to make with friends or by yourself all year round. Be creative! Try making green chile burgers or maybe even a lamb burger. If you need different options for fries, go non-traditional and attempt to bake French fries or make some spicy chili fries.

 Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli Photo Cred: Jo Cooks

Chinese food – an all-time takeout favorite! Thinking about making your own Chinese food can seem a bit intimidating, but trust us when we say that making your favorite dish is much easier than you think. Start simple. Beef and broccoli is probably the best recipe to try.

Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken
Spicy Fried Chicken Photo Cred: Megs Everyday Indulgence

Sometimes all you need is some southern comfort, but maybe the local fried chicken spot isn’t cutting it for you this time around.  So it’s your turn to take jab at it and make your own fried chicken right from the comfort of your home.

– Guest Contributor, Cara Meyers