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    Home / Roundups

    19 Lunch Ideas That Save You From Another Takeout Order

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 26, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

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    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.

    Tomato Egg Drop Soup

    A spoonful of tomato egg drop soup over a bowl, showing diced tomatoes and green onions.Pin
    Tomato Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    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

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    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.Pin
    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

    Salmon pasta Alfredo served on a white plate with lemon.Pin
    Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    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.Pin
    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

    Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.Pin
    Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    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.Pin
    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.Pin
    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.Pin
    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.Pin
    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

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.Pin
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    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.Pin
    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.Pin
    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.Pin
    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

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.Pin
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    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.Pin
    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.Pin
    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

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    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.Pin
    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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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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