23 Easy Dinners for Evenings When Takeout Is Calling Your Name

23 Easy Dinners for Evenings When Takeout Is Calling Your Name

When takeout sounds tempting, dinner needs to come together fast without feeling like a compromise. The 23 easy dinners ahead focus on familiar ingredients, steady flavors, and timelines that make staying home feel easier than placing an order. Each one delivers enough comfort and payoff to quiet the urge to outsource dinner. These are meals that earn their spot on nights when you want something real without the wait.

23 Easy Dinners for Evenings When Takeout Is Calling Your Name
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy 5-ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Rice

A bowl of creamy chicken stew garnished with chopped herbs and served with a spoon.
Easy 5-ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy 5-ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a slow cooker dinner that cooks in about 4 hours. Boneless chicken thighs, seasoned rice, and broth keep things simple. It works well when patience is low early in the day. The taste is savory and comforting with tender chicken and soft rice.
Get the Recipe: Easy 5-ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

A baking sheet lined with foil holds three glazed meatloaf portions, surrounded by roasted sweet potato cubes and broccoli florets. A yellow and white towel is partially visible to the left.
Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies is a complete dinner cooked on one pan in about 45 minutes. Ground meat, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and simple seasoning make up the meal. Everything cooks together without extra dishes. The flavor is savory and hearty with classic meatloaf notes and roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Veggies

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara is a hands-off dinner that cooks over about 4 hours. Chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and basic seasoning make up the meal. It works well on days when cooking energy is gone early. The taste is rich and tomato-forward with tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Overhead of garlic scape pesto pizza.
Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza is a quick pizza-style dinner built on a cauliflower crust. It takes about 30 minutes and features garlic scape pesto, goat cheese, and sundried tomatoes. The ingredient list stays short but intentional. The flavor is herby and tangy with creamy cheese and a crisp base.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Four grilled salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices are arranged on a white oval platter. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. The edge of a striped cloth and a serving of broccoli are partially visible.
Lemon Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon is a fast seafood dinner finished in just 15 minutes. Salmon fillets, lemon, and basic seasoning keep it simple. It’s ideal when waiting feels impossible. The flavor is clean and savory with bright citrus and a lightly crisp exterior.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Baked Harissa Salmon

Baked salmon fillets topped with lemon slices and fresh herbs on a sheet of parchment paper.
Baked Harissa Salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Harissa Salmon is a fast oven dinner finished in about 25 minutes. Salmon fillets, harissa paste, lemon, and olive oil keep things straightforward. The seasoning brings the interest. The flavor is savory with gentle heat balanced by citrus.
Get the Recipe: Baked Harissa Salmon

Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers

Instant Pot chicken with sweet peppers, carrots, herbs, and tomatoes on a white plate.
Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers is a one-pot dinner designed for minimal effort. It finishes in about 30 minutes using chicken, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and spices. Everything cooks together under pressure. The flavor is savory and lightly tangy with soft vegetables throughout.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers

Cheesy Eggs

A person scooping a dish of eggs in a skillet.
Cheesy Eggs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cheesy Eggs is a skillet-style dinner inspired by shakshuka and built around eggs and melted cheese. It’s ready in about 20 minutes using eggs, tomato sauce, Jarlsberg cheese, and mild spices. The ingredients stay simple and approachable. The flavor is savory and comforting with a pizza-like balance of tomato and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggs

Fried Marinated Tofu

A bowl of soup with a spoon in it.
Fried Marinated Tofu. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fried Marinated Tofu is a flexible dinner option that works across bowls, wraps, or salads. The tofu cooks in about 25 minutes and uses tofu, a soy-based marinade, garlic, and ginger. It adapts easily to whatever you have on hand. The taste is savory with lightly crisp edges and a tender center.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies is a practical dinner cooked entirely on one pan in about 40 minutes. Chicken, paprika, bell peppers, and vegetables make up the meal. Cleanup stays manageable, which matters on long days. The flavor is smoky and savory with soft roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A dish in a black baking pan filled with baked casserole. The top is golden brown with crispy edges and garnished with sliced green onions. A portion has been removed, revealing a creamy interior.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a baked dinner that feels filling and familiar. It takes about 45 minutes and uses chicken, hash browns, cheese, and creamy ingredients. Everything bakes in one dish. The taste is savory and comforting with crisp potatoes and melted cheese.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake

Close-up of baked dumplings in orange sauce, topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake is an oven dinner that comes together in about 35 minutes. Frozen dumplings, coconut milk, curry paste, bok choy, and garlic make it easy to assemble. It relies on freezer shortcuts. The flavor is rich and savory with mild spice and soft dumplings.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Ethiopian beef stew served with spices and fresh herbs on a decorative plate. Traditional immigrant cuisine.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes is a full dinner that doesn’t ask much once it’s in the oven. It takes about 50 minutes and uses chicken, potatoes, buttermilk, and simple seasoning. No extra sides are needed. The taste is savory and comforting with tender chicken and lightly crisp potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a one-pan meal that cooks in about 30 minutes. Salmon, cauliflower, olives, lemon, and spices roast together without extra steps. Everything stays contained on a single pan. The flavor is bright and savory with citrus notes and mild warmth from the seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks is a roasted chicken dinner that delivers bold flavor without extra effort. It takes about 45 minutes and uses chicken drumsticks, garlic, cumin, paprika, and lime juice. The seasoning does most of the work. The taste is juicy and savory with warm spice and a bright citrus note.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl is a one-bowl dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Tofu, rice, vegetables, and warming spices make up the core ingredients. It works well when assembling one bowl feels easier than coordinating sides. The taste is savory and gently spiced with a steady, comforting finish.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl

Baked Creamy Salmon

Grilled salmon and potatoes on a baking sheet.
Baked Creamy Salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Creamy Salmon is a sheet pan dinner that pairs tender salmon with potatoes and a smooth garlic cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it workable on nights when patience is thin. The main ingredients include salmon fillets, baby potatoes, cream, garlic, and herbs. The flavor is rich and savory with a soft, buttery finish that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

A bowl of creamy mushroom soup garnished with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs. A golden spoon lies nearby, and sprigs of thyme are placed on the table beside the bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup is a one-pot dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Mushrooms, potatoes, cream, thyme, and rosemary create a hearty base. It’s filling enough to stand alone. The taste is earthy and savory with a smooth texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe is a fast dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Chicken sausage, zucchini, bell peppers, and olive oil form the base. It keeps prep and cleanup simple. The taste is savory and lightly herbed with vegetables adding natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Feta Pasta is an oven dinner that brings pasta, tomatoes, and feta together in one dish. The meal takes about 35 minutes and relies on pasta, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. Everything feels familiar and low pressure. The taste is creamy and salty with roasted tomatoes adding a gentle sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Feta

Meatballs with creamy white sauce, pita bread, and fresh dill on a gray plate, with a lemon wedge nearby.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Feta is a baked dinner that feels complete without extra work. It takes about 35 minutes and uses ground turkey, feta cheese, herbs, and spices. The meatballs stand well on their own. The flavor is savory and lightly salty with a soft herbal finish.
Get the Recipe: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Feta

Moroccan Salmon with Peppers

Chicken stew with herbs and whole red chilies cooking in a white pot.
Moroccan Salmon with Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Salmon with Peppers is a stovetop dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Salmon, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and warm spices create the base. It works well when the oven feels like too much. The taste is rich and savory with a gently spiced tomato sauce.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon with Peppers

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

23 Easy Dinners for Evenings When Takeout Is Calling Your Name
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is a quick dinner option ready in about 35 minutes. Chicken drumsticks and barbecue sauce keep the ingredient list short. The air fryer limits cleanup. The flavor is smoky and sweet with crisp skin and juicy meat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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