We’re certainly fans of the convenience factor of our favorite takeout spots, but when time allows, there’s nothing like sitting down to a home-cooked meal. Now we can all have the best of both worlds with these 15 takeout fakeouts. They’re a great way to enjoy favorite flavors while cutting down on dining out. Plus: If your go-to spot lets on that they know exactly what you’re going to order and where to deliver it as soon as your number pops up on caller ID (it happens!), these meals are a great way to recover from any embarrassment.
1. Beef and Broccoli: Quick, easy and loaded with tons of broccoli, you’ll love this saucy sauté served over fluffy steamed rice. (via Honest and Tasty)
2. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice: Pineapple is just the cure we need for this long winter. Cuddle up with a bowlful of this fried rice for a sunny taste of the tropics. (via Cookie and Kate)
3. Healthy Pad Thai (Vegan, Gluten-Free): Enjoy playing around with the spice level and stir-ins — egg and tofu are two protein-boosting choices — for these tasty brown rice noodles. (via Breast Cancer Maven)
4. One-Pan Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free, Paleo): Keep this classic Indian curry totally paleo by serving it with cauliflower “rice.” (via Teaspoon)
5. Spicy Cashew Chicken: It’s gettin’ hot in here. The contrast of crunchy cashews and tender strips of lean chicken breast all covered in a savory sauce is a real treat. (via The Chunky Chef)
6. Peanut Cold Sesame Noodles (Vegan): Be warned, the creamy peanut sauce is so tasty, you may end up sampling more than a few spoonfuls before it makes it to the noodles and veggies. Don’t forget the finishing sprinkle of chopped salted peanuts. It’s a small step, but one that has a big impact. (via Pickles + Honey)
7. Orange Chicken: Featuring both fresh orange juice and zest, this sweet-and-tart chicken is a great way to use up winter citrus. A big, fit-for-a-crowd batch will be ready in just about an hour. (via Life {Made} Simple)
8. Egg Rolls: No judgement if you enjoy these egg rolls as a main course. Besides, they’re stuffed with shrimp, cabbage and tons of other veggies, so they’re way more balanced than most. (via The Woks of Life)
9. Thai Basil Chicken: You’ll have this Thai restaurant favorite on the table in less than 30 minutes. (via Tastes Better from Scratch)
10. Pad See Ew (Vegetarian): Pad Thai may be the dish that everyone orders, but once you’re introduced to these irresistibly flavored wide noodles, it’s hard to go back. If you like, the tofu can be swapped out with chicken, beef or shrimp to satisfy any omnivorous cravings. (via MJ and Hungryman)
11. Crock Pot Kung Pao Chicken: Using a slow cooker makes this dish no sweat to prepare. It’s a good thing too — with the sizzling kick of hot peppers, you may find yourself getting a little hot under the collar with every bite. (via Host the Toast)
12. DIY Sushi at Home: Making your own maki at home is not only more budget-friendly, but also a whole lot of fun. You can even set out a spread of seasoned sticky rice, fillings and sheets of nori for a DIY sushi roll bar. (via Snixy Kitchen)
13. Three-Cheese Pan Pizza: These are just like the pan-style pies we grew up with at Pizza Hut, only better. (via Baked by Rachel)
14. Cantina Bowls: Skip the drive-thru and layer up these healthy burrito bowls at home instead. For an even better canina-like experience, mix up a pitcher of margaritas to sip alongside. (via She Knows)
15. Classic Smashed Cheeseburger: Making a crisp-yet-juicy burger at home requires just two simple tricks that everyone can manage. To complete the meal, just add a side of crinkle-cut fries and a thick, homemade milkshake. (via Epicurious)
Have you ever been called out for being a “regular” delivery customer? Share your go-to takeout dishes with us below!