27 Easy Lunch Ideas That Will End Your Takeout Addiction

Finding easy lunch ideas that actually make you excited to cook can feel impossible, especially when takeout is just a click away. But making your own midday meals doesn't have to be time-consuming or boring. It can be simple, satisfying, and even fun. These recipes will save you time, money, and the hassle of another delivery app order while giving you fresh, homemade meals you'll actually look forward to eating.

A hand holding a chicken wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and white sauce in a tortilla. — Greek Chicken Gyros. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

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Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

A creamy and comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your lunch table. This recipe is a great way to break away from the monotony of takeout. With a rich cheese sauce and a hint of seasoning, it's perfect for making your lunch something to look forward to. Plus, it reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Soup with minced meat, greens, and diced potatoes in a wooden ladle. — Kale Potato and Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This hearty soup is filling enough to power you through the rest of your day. It's easy to make in large batches, making it a fantastic alternative to ordering lunch out. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is perfect for keeping things simple yet satisfying. It's the kind of dish that feels homemade with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background. — Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This fusion of tacos and pasta is both fun and practical for a midday meal. It's quick to prepare and brings all the spices and textures you love about tacos into a one-pan dish. Great for making ahead or enjoying right after cooking, it's an easy way to spice up your lunch routine. You'll find yourself skipping takeout without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

This light and flavorful soup is perfect for a quick lunch that doesn't weigh you down. Its simple ingredients and quick cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy weekdays. The combination of tomatoes and eggs creates a comforting and satisfying meal. It's a refreshing change from heavy takeout options.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Keto Crab Melt Wraps

Two halves of a grilled wrap filled with creamy chicken and vegetables are served on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley. — Keto Crab Melt Wraps. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These wraps are a great option for a quick, flavorful lunch when you want something different. With their creamy filling and crisp exterior, they offer a fresh take on seafood-inspired meals. Perfect for those busy days when takeout seems tempting, this dish comes together in no time. Great for packing up or eating right at home.
Get the Recipe: Keto Crab Melt Wraps

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Close-up of a ladle holding a hearty soup with visible chunks of tomato, cabbage, ground meat, and grains in broth. — Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This soup is everything you love about cabbage rolls but in an easier, more convenient form. Letting the slow cooker do the work makes it a great alternative to grabbing lunch out. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. You'll be amazed at how much better this is than a quick bite from the local takeout spot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

A fork holds a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomato, walnuts, and crumbled cheese over a bowl of salad in the background. — Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This fresh and vibrant salad is a perfect way to break away from heavy, processed lunches. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and nutrient-packed spinach feels like a treat for any midday meal. It's quick to assemble, making it an easy way to stay on track with homemade lunches. A drizzle of dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp

A skillet brimming with keto fried cauliflower rice, shrimp, peas, carrots, and bell peppers is accompanied by scrambled eggs. A wooden spoon rests on the side, while a striped cloth adds charm next to the skillet. — Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This light yet filling dish is perfect for when you're looking to keep things simple but flavorful. It's a quick alternative to ordering fried rice and is packed with tender shrimp and veggies. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh, it's a great way to bring variety to your lunches. You'll forget all about takeout with this in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp

Greek Chicken Gyros

These wraps are full of flavor and perfect for a quick and easy lunch. Loaded with marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce, they offer everything you'd crave from a takeout gyro but better. They're simple to make and easy to customize, making them a go-to option for busy days. Wrap one up, and you're good to go.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These skewers are a light and flavorful option that's perfect for lunch. The shrimp cook quickly, making them ideal for those hectic midday breaks when you need something fast. Packed with fresh, grilled flavors, they're great for mixing up your lunch game. Pair them with a simple side, and you've got a meal that rivals any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate. — Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These burgers are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic lunch option. They're easy to prepare and pair well with a variety of toppings, making them a great alternative to takeout burgers. Perfect for meal prep or a quick bite at home, they offer a homemade solution to your lunchtime cravings. You'll love how versatile and easy they are.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

This creamy pasta dish is both rich and satisfying, making it a great midday pick-me-up. The salmon adds a touch of elegance, and the Alfredo sauce ties everything together beautifully. Quick to prepare and perfect for reheating, this is a fantastic alternative to takeout pasta. It's an easy way to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These stuffed sweet potatoes are a unique and flavorful lunch option. They're packed with seasoned veggies and beans, making them both hearty and easy to prepare. Perfect for meal prep, they're a healthier alternative to traditional tacos. You'll love how simple they are to make and how satisfying they are.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Seafood Pot Pie

This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy lunch at home or work. Loaded with seafood and wrapped in a flaky crust, it's a great alternative to store-bought pot pies. It reheats well, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Skip the takeout and enjoy something that feels special and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crowd-pleasing dish is a fun way to break away from routine lunches. Crunchy chips topped with hearty chili make for a satisfying meal that's ready in no time. Perfect for a quick fix or a prepped lunch, it's a great choice when takeout feels like the only option. You'll love how easy it is to make and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Maryland Crab Cakes

Close-up of a crab cake on a plate, topped with creamy sauce, partially cut to show the inside. Lemon wedges and parsley garnishes are nearby. — Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crab cakes bring a little coastal flair to your lunch menu. Packed with fresh seafood flavor, they're perfect for a light yet filling meal. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, they're an excellent alternative to ordering from your favorite seafood spot. Pair them with a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sliders are a fun and convenient option for lunch that feels anything but boring. The sweet rolls paired with savory fillings make them a quick crowd-pleaser. Perfect for making ahead or enjoying fresh, they're a great way to skip the deli and bring something homemade to the table. You'll want these in your lunch rotation often.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tacos are a low-effort option for a flavorful and satisfying lunch. The slow cooker does all the work, making them perfect for busy weekdays. Packed with tender chicken and customizable toppings, they're a great alternative to taco takeout. Enjoy them fresh or pack them up for a ready-to-go meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Wet Burrito

This comforting dish is a filling and flavorful lunch option that's easy to prepare. Loaded with hearty fillings and topped with a rich sauce, it's perfect for those who crave a warm meal during the day. It's a great way to enjoy something homemade that feels like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Make it ahead or enjoy it fresh for a satisfying midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background. — Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy and flavorful pasta is a simple yet elevated choice for lunch. Packed with tender crab and a smooth sauce, it's both satisfying and easy to whip up. Perfect for busy weekdays, this dish reheats well and brings variety to your lunchtime routine. It's a fantastic alternative to seafood takeout.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty soup is an easy way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your lunch. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a convenient choice for meal prep or busy days. It's a light yet filling dish that feels wholesome and homemade. Skip the store-bought soups and enjoy this flavorful option instead.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this mac and cheese is perfect for a satisfying lunch. The crock pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it. It's a homemade option that rivals any takeout mac and cheese. Great for making ahead or serving fresh, it's a dish you'll turn to time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This refreshing salad is a light yet filling lunch option that's perfect for warmer days. The combination of tender shrimp, pasta, and crisp vegetables makes it both flavorful and satisfying. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, it's a convenient choice for busy weekdays. You'll love how versatile and simple this dish is to make.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy nuggets are a kid-friendly lunch option that's just as enjoyable for adults. They're easy to prepare and perfect for dipping, making them a fun alternative to takeout. Pair them with a salad or fries for a quick and complete meal. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh, these nuggets are a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Santa Fe Salad

A colorful chicken salad with avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and lime slices, presented in a white bowl. — Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad is a flavorful and refreshing option for lunch, combining bold ingredients with a hint of spice. It's easy to prepare and packed with fresh vegetables, making it a healthy alternative to takeout. Perfect for meal prep, this salad holds up well and is ready whenever you need it. You'll enjoy the balance of flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

This light and flavorful pasta salad is a great option for a quick and easy lunch. Packed with fresh seafood and crisp vegetables, it's both filling and refreshing. It's easy to prepare in advance and makes a great meal to pack for work. Perfect for breaking away from the monotony of store-bought salads.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tacos are a quick and flavorful lunch option that's easy to customize. The ground pork filling is perfectly seasoned and pairs well with any toppings you like. They're a great way to bring variety to your lunch routine without spending extra time in the kitchen. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh, these tacos are a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

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