Weekday Meal Ideas to Keep You From Ordering Out

The average American household spends almost $4000 per year ordering food in. Save that same amount in a high-yield savings account and you would have well over 22K saved within 5 years. That’s a big deal.

Despite this, people continue to order take-out and delivery. Because, they perceive that cooking is too demanding, difficult, or resource-intensive. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some amazing weekday meal ideas to keep you from ordering out.

Take-Out at Home

We’ve all seen that meme. The kids want to get fast food, and mom or dad says “We’ve got food at home.” It just isn’t the same, but what if you had a small selection of easy and inexpensive dishes you could make to satisfy your takeout cravings without restaurant prices and delivery fees?

Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of the most popular dishes you can order at a Chinese restaurant, and is also one of the most cost-effective to prepare at home. All of the ingredients cost less than two dollars each, and you can make a giant batch of it for only 10$, which gives you enough to not only enjoy a delicious meal when you first make it but it also makes plenty of leftovers that freeze excellently, which means you can make this meal last for a while. 

Egg Rolls

These can sometimes be a bit difficult to make, however when it comes to making egg rolls the most expensive ingredient is usually the wrappers themselves. Shredded cabbage, ground meat, some spices, oil, and the wrappers are all that you need to create this tasty appetizer. The best part is that just like the fried rice, egg rolls freeze amazingly. 

Lentil Taco Meat

Tacos are a treat that almost everyone enjoys, but ground beef is very expensive, and many other meat options share the exact same problem. However, there is one alternative that many people tend to forget about when they are attempting to make foods that require meat. The humble lentil is incredibly cost-effective, costing only about 1$ per pound. Have tons of protein and fiber, and absorb flavors beautifully. To make a great batch of lentil taco meat all you need is a 32 oz container of stock or broth, a couple packets of taco seasoning, an onion, and a bag of lentils. For less than 10$ you will have a delicious batch of lentils that are flavored perfectly for tacos, burritos, nachos, and so much more. 

French Bread Pizza

This is a great food to make when you are craving a nice hot pizza from your favorite establishment, but don’t want to spend the money on delivery costs. All you need to make a good French bread pizza is a loaf of French bread, a bit of sauce, and some cheese. The rest is completely up to you! Just like a regular pizza, you can top it with whatever you like, and can even save some of the prepped toppings for other pizzas or other dishes such as pasta. 

Pasta Alfredo with Brocolli

Whether you choose to buy the premade jar or you decide to make it on your own. Alfredo is delicious, comforting, and a very cost-effective meal that many people enjoy. All you need is some pasta, parmesan cheese, butter, and salt and you’re in business. If you do not want to deal with those ingredients you can just use a jar of the premade alfredo sauce. Then to make it a little more nutritious you can throw in a bag of frozen broccoli to enjoy with the pasta. 

Low Spoon Meals

Do you know about the concept of spoons? The idea is that spoons represent your ability to deal with stress and complete daily tasks. Each task you do during the day costs you a certain number of spoons. For example, if you are feeling physically well and in a great place emotionally, you have plenty of spoons. More importantly, the things you do throughout the day aren’t too taxing and don’t require you to give up too many spoons.

The result? You have plenty of spoons left over to cook a healthy meal from scratch at the end of the day.

Now, imagine that you’re sick, grieving a loss, struggling with depression, or acting as a caregiver to a sick relative. You start the day with fewer spoons. Everything you do is a struggle that requires more spoons. At the end of the day, you don’t have many spoons left. But, you still need to eat. You need low spoon meals.

What are low spoon meals? These are simple meals that require as little effort as possible. No, they aren’t perfectly balanced. But, they do provide sustenance and comfort. Here are some examples.

A Sandwich & Fruit

There’s no rule that says you need hot food for dinner. A sandwich and fruit provide grains, protein, fat, and fiber. Make it as easy as peanut butter on bread, or make something 

Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup

One of the ultimate classics in comfort food. This delicious treat that many of us enjoyed while growing up continues to be one of the most popular combinations to exist. After all, what else do you need besides a couple of slices of bread, a bit of cheese, some butter, and a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup?

Sheet Pan Meals

This is more of a technique than a recipe. Here, you simply put the elements of your meal on a sheet pan and roast it in the oven. The beauty of this is that you only dirty one cooking vessel and don’t spend time standing over a stove mixing and stirring. Here are a few ideas:

• Salmon filet, asparagus, potato
• Smoked sausage link, frozen green beans, brown and serve rolls
• Chicken breast, frozen sweet potatoes, broccoli

All you have to do is preheat, sprinkle on some seasoning, and throw it in the oven.

Dump & Go Vegetarian Chili

Do you have cans of beans, diced tomatoes, and corn? Maybe a little vegetable broth? If so, you have everything you need for a very cheap, very filling veggie chili. Toss in a pack of chili seasoning or shake in some taco seasoning. Throw it in the microwave, or heat it on the stove. Make it “gourmet” with a little cheese or sour cream. Serve it with chips or crackers.

Omelet in a Mug

This is dinner in about 120 seconds, and it’s low-carb if you’re into that sort of thing. Take a mug, and spray the inside with cooking spray. Break in two eggs and scramble them up. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and add some cheese. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir again. Is it done? Yes? Enjoy! No? 15 more seconds and repeat.

Upgraded Ramen

Start a pot of boiling water for your ramen. Add some frozen vegetables and let them cook for two or three minutes. While that happens, grab some soy sauce, sriracha, or anything else you think might taste better than that powdery flavor pack. Then, add the noodles, boil until done, and strain into a bowl. Add your extra ingredients to taste – we love a pat of butter for richness, stir, and enjoy.

Charcuterie

No, not the artfully cut and arranged platters you see on TikTok. Keep it simple. A tube of crackers, a block of grocery store cheese, some grapes, maybe a handful of nuts or chocolates. 

Make Cooking a Communal Task

If you live alone, cooking can seem like a chore that adds little value to your life. Most recipes are made for multiple people, for one thing. Also, cooking can seem like a real drag at the end of the day when you’re eating alone.

It doesn’t have to be that way! Do you have other single friends? Invite them over to prepare recipes together, divide them up, and take them home. You might even be able to connect romantically with someone who wants to do more cooking and less eating out. Find out more about folks in your neighborhood who want to meet.

When You Absolutely Must Order In

There’s nothing wrong with ordering in. The idea is to do better, not to give up the pleasure of enjoying a nice meal ordered in. If you order food, the best thing you can do is make the most of it.

• Split an entree with someone else or pack ½ away for lunch
• Order an appetizer or two instead of a full meal
• Look for coupon or discount codes
• Get ala carte items they are often less expensive than meals
• Order a half portion
• Skip the drinks
• Eat at home and then splurge on a dessert
• Walk or take a bike to pick food up and save on delivery costs

How Much Will You Save?

If you cut down on takeout and delivery, how much money would you save? More importantly, what would you do with that extra cash? If you don’t know, consider setting a few small financial goals. This could help you stay motivated when you’re tempted to open up that delivery app.