Still Cooking Boxed Food? 15 Scratch-Made Dishes Justs As Easy

Still stuck on boxed meals during the week? It’s easier than you think to switch it up with homemade dishes that are just as simple to make. Give it a try with 15 scratch-made dishes that are just as easy, and you might find they’re tastier and healthier too!

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Gnocchi might sound fancy, but this Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is straightforward and hearty. It’s the kind of dinner that comes together in one pan without a lot of fuss. Plus, making it from scratch means it’s fresher and tastier than anything pre-packaged. Meals like this are proof that homemade cooking is worth it and completely doable.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew making your own Chicken Fries could be as simple as popping a frozen box in the air fryer? These come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every time. It’s a fun way to get a homemade meal without any fuss. Scratch-made dishes like these are a breeze to make, and they taste so much better.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover brisket gets a second life in this easy Brisket Fried Rice. It’s a genius way to turn leftovers into a meal that feels completely new. You might think boxed meals are the quickest path to dinner, but dishes like this are just as simple and loads more delicious. It’s a perfect example of how making meals from scratch doesn’t have to be hard.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a twist on breakfast for dinner, try this Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon and Poached Egg. It’s easy to put together and feels a bit special without any real effort. And yes, making it from scratch is just as simple as going for something frozen or boxed. This recipe is a great example of how satisfying and straightforward homemade meals can be.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On a chilly day, there’s nothing better than a bowl of Tortellini Soup with Kale and Chicken. It’s comforting, filled with good stuff, and comes together almost as fast as heating up something processed. This is the kind of meal that shows off the best parts of cooking from scratch—easy, healthy, and comforting. You won’t miss the convenience of boxed food with recipes like these.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing steak with pasta might not be your first thought for a quick meal, but this Steak & Pasta Salad changes that. It’s hearty enough to be filling and comes together without any hassle. Plus, when you make it from scratch, you control what goes into your food. Simple, scratch-made dishes like this one show how easy and rewarding cooking at home can be.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Chicken Piccata may seem like a dish you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s seriously easy to make at home. It has this bright, tangy flavor that really pops. Plus, cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated—this dish is proof. It’s just as quick as whipping up a boxed meal, but so much better.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Making a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich at home is way easier than you might think. It’s all about layering flavors that mesh perfectly together. And honestly, it’s just as quick as making a basic sandwich, but so much tastier. Scratch cooking like this isn’t just easy—it’s a way to make everyday meals exciting.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dutch Oven Carnitas might sound like a weekend project, but they’re actually super easy. You get these tender, flavorful bits of pork that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. And believe it or not, making them from scratch is just as easy as getting something pre-cooked. Recipes like these show just how simple and satisfying cooking at home can be.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about homemade Cream of Onion Soup that boxed versions can’t touch. It’s rich, flavorful, and warms you right up. Plus, making soup from scratch is straightforward and lets you customize the flavors. It’s dishes like this that make you realize scratch-made meals are just as easy and so much better.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat recipe brings all the flavour of the restaurant’s favourite right into your kitchen. It’s hearty, packed with spices, and perfect for a cozy night in. Best part? Making it from scratch is just as easy as pouring out a pre-made version, but the taste is miles better. It’s a great starter recipe for anyone looking to make more homemade meals.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is like fall in a bowl. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting. And here’s the kicker: making it from scratch is a breeze. Who knew that ditching the boxed stuff for homemade dishes like this could be so simple and rewarding?
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you want something light and easy, and this Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts hits the spot. It’s a snap to mix together and tastes fresher than any premade version from the store. Plus, making it yourself means it’s just as convenient as any boxed salad, but better. Scratch-made doesn’t have to mean time-consuming, and recipes like this prove it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever tried turning your favorite street food into a soup? This Mexican Street Corn Soup does just that. It’s surprisingly simple to throw together, and the flavors are incredible. It’s another great example of how making meals from scratch can be just as easy as any boxed version, but with way more wow.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These tacos are a shortcut to the beach without leaving your kitchen. You’d think boxed food is the easiest route, but whipping up Baja Fish Tacos from scratch changes the game. They’re just as straightforward but way more flavorful. Making dishes from scratch can be just as easy, and this recipe proves it.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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