Takeout can have a tremendous cost and negative effect on a family's finances. According to research by The Ascent, the average American family spends nearly $200 per month, or close to $2400 per year, on takeout alone. We don't know about you, but this sounds like a very low estimate, especially with many metropolitan singles spending that in a week on takeout. Money Under 30 suggests the average $15 takeout would cost only around $5 to make at home. If you'd like to save money, have higher quality food with more leftovers, healthy, and have better-tasting meals, we have made this list for you! We have put together our top 17 meal preps that are better than takeout.
Thai Basil Chicken
Besides tasting amazing, this restaurant quality meal can be made in 10 minutes! Add your favorite steamed veggies, and if you’d like, a whole grain like rice or quinoa.
(Carbs: 22g - Protein: 41g - Fat: 12g)
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Enjoy all the spicy flavors of restaurant-style curry without leaving the house! This red chicken curry is full of creamy texture, high in protein, and rich in antioxidants. Best of all it’s served over cauliflower rice for a Paleo-friendly recipe.
(Carbs: 42g - Protein: 37g - Fat: 26g)
Thai Yellow Curry Chicken
Classic Thai flavors of ginger and lemongrass make this Whole30-compliant curry one not to be missed! This recipe calls for chicken, but pork and beef are also used in Thai yellow curry and would make good substitutions. Serve on cauliflower rice to complete the meal.
(Carbs: 24g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 15g)
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
Dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes with this freezer-friendly honey-sesame chicken. Simply freeze diced chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag, thaw, and dump in the instant pot for an ultra-tender and flavorful dinner that beats takeout!
(Carbs: 82g - Protein: 55g - Fat: 11g)
Slow Cooker Asian Pot Roast
Sometimes we don't have time to cook in the evening, that's what makes slow cookers so convenient. Pot roast made easy in a crockpot with an Asian twist. Amazingly tender and flavorful. Gluten-free. If you feel more comfortable cooking while at home, to save time try using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
(Carbs: 30g - Protein: 49g - Fat: 19g)
Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Ditch takeout and make these gluten-free air fryer eggrolls that cook up crisp using Paleo-friendly coconut wrappers. They fry in just 3 minutes with a veggie and chicken filling that keeps you feeling full.
(Carbs: 36g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 24g)
Five-Spice Beef and Broccoli
This lean and aromatic stir fry is full of warm spices like ginger, clove, and star anise adding complexity to stir fry staples broccoli and sirloin. Serves oven sautéed cauliflower rice, this dish is satisfying without being high in carbs or calories!
(Carbs: 32g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 23g)
Beef and Vegetable Fried Rice
The versatility of Ground Beef has made it one of America’s all-time favorite go-to cuts. From burgers to lasagna, tacos to meatloaf, pasta sauce to wraps, Ground Beef offers quick, easy, and delicious options for any meal and any occasion.
(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 11g)
Orange Chicken
A lightly honey-sweetened baked orange chicken — all the best of takeout, without the heaviness! Chicken is baked in an almond flour crust and then doused in a tangy orange sauce. Serve with cauliflower rice for the complete experience!
(Carbs: 64g - Protein: 52g - Fat: 19g)
Instant Pot Cashew Chicken
Not only is this cashew chicken recipe packed with flavor, but it’s super easy to make as well as Whole30 and gluten-free compliant! What’s not to love?
(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 55g - Fat: 17g)
Chipotle Brown Rice Bowl
If you’re craving the spicy flavor of your favorite Mexican spot, try this chipotle brown rice grain bowl with fiber-rich black beans, brown rice, and smoky grilled chicken.
(Carbs: 45g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 24g)
Chicken Tikka Masala
This Instant Pot take on classic chicken tikka masala is a cinch to make and completely scrumptious!
(Carbs: 67g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 20g)
Almond Butter Chicken Thighs
This savory almond butter chicken thigh recipe is a one-pan meal that is full of nutty flavor. The recipe is low carbs, high in protein, and sweetened with a low glycemic sweetener to add a slight sweetness to the recipe without a sugar spike!
(Carbs: 21g - Protein: 26g - Fat: 33g)
Sweet Potato Wedges with Tahini
Enjoy healthy fries and dip for a different take on snacking! Sweet potato wedges with an addicting spice blend dipped in runny tahini.
(Carbs: 44g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 12g)
Vegan Chickpea Curry and Basmati Rice
Vegan Chickpea Curry & Basmati Rice is our fast, easy and healthy take on a very popular recipe, curry. Loaded with plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, a flavorful curry sauce that is made with only 5-ingredients and then served over soft and fluffy aromatic basmati rice. This meal prep curry recipe will be a new favorite if you are looking to keep your meals fast and flavorful.
(Carbs: 62g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 15g)
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Enjoy the crispy golden flavor of authentic chicken Parmesan without frying in oil! Chicken is coated in Italian herbs and gluten-free breadcrumbs before air frying for a restaurant-style Italian dinner.
(Carbs: 28g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 18g)
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Enjoy all the flavor of popcorn chicken minus the deep frying! Instead, bite-sized pieces of chicken are dredged in almond flour before air frying until golden brown. Served alongside coleslaw, this is Paleo comfort food at its best!
(Carbs: 27g - Protein: 30g - Fat: 32g)
