10 things I make at home instead of ordering for $20+

Ordering out is convenient-but convenience comes with a price tag. Between delivery fees, tips, and inflated menu prices, even basic meals creep past $20 fast. I started paying closer attention to what I was getting versus what I could make at home, and the difference was wild. Most of the things I used to order weren't that hard to replicate, and some turned out even better homemade.

If you’re looking to cut back without sacrificing flavor, these are the meals I stopped ordering and started making myself.

Burrito Bowls

A burrito bowl from a chain can run you over $15 before delivery fees and extras. Add in chips, guac, or a drink, and you’re past $20 without blinking. But everything in that bowl is basic pantry stuff-rice, beans, meat, salsa, lettuce.

I started batch-cooking rice and seasoned ground beef, then adding canned beans, chopped veggies, and salsa. It's fast, customizable, and costs less than $3 per bowl. You can prep a whole week's worth for what one order used to cost.

Fancy Coffee Drinks

Those seasonal lattes and iced espresso drinks add up fast. A large drink with extras is often $6 or more-and it never tastes as good by the time you get home.

I started making mine with strong coffee, oat milk or cream, and syrups I keep on hand. You can froth milk in a jar or small whisk and get that same texture without the drive. It's quicker than waiting in line and way cheaper in the long run.

Personal Pizzas

I used to think ordering a $22 artisan pizza was a treat, but I'd always end up with soggy crust and regret. Store-bought dough or naan bread makes homemade pizza easy, and you can actually get it crispy.

Top it with your own sauce, mozzarella, and whatever you have on hand-leftover chicken, sliced peppers, or even breakfast sausage. It's done in under 15 minutes, and you'll save at least $15 per pie. Plus, no soggy box.

Chicken Alfredo

Ordering Alfredo from a restaurant is rarely worth it. The sauce is usually bland or greasy, and the portions are small for the price. I started making it myself, and it's one of the easiest meals to pull off.

Butter, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan are all it takes. Toss in cooked pasta and sliced chicken, and it's done in one pan. You'll get more flavor, fewer weird fillers, and save $20+ every time.

Sushi Rolls

Sushi takeout adds up fast, especially if you’re getting more than one roll. I don't mess with raw fish at home, but I do make cucumber rolls, crab rolls, and spicy shrimp rolls with ingredients from Aldi or the freezer section.

A bamboo mat makes rolling easier, but you can get by with parchment paper and a little practice. It's fun to make, and you can do a whole tray for what one roll used to cost.

Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of the biggest markups in takeout. I used to pay $12-$15 for a small container of oily rice and a few peas. Now I make it at home with leftover rice and whatever veggies or meat I have on hand.

The key is using cold rice and a hot pan. Add soy sauce, scrambled egg, and frozen mixed veggies, and it's done in minutes. It’s cheap, filling, and tastes better than takeout when it's hot and fresh.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Those drive-thru breakfast sandwiches don't feel expensive in the moment, but at $4-$6 each, it adds up fast. I started making a batch at home using English muffins, eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage or ham.

Wrap them in foil and freeze them-then reheat in the toaster oven or microwave when you need one. You can make a whole week’s worth for the price of two fast-food versions, and they're way more filling.

Chicken Tenders and Fries

Ordering chicken tenders and fries used to feel like an easy backup meal, especially for the kids. But by the time you add a side and drink, it's over $20-and never crispy by the time it gets home.

Now I keep frozen tenders and fries on hand and air fry them in under 15 minutes. They're hot, crispy, and way cheaper. Plus, I can portion it better and avoid wasting money on soggy leftovers.

Chinese Takeout Noodles

Lo mein or chow mein used to be one of my go-tos. But once I started making it at home, I realized how overpriced it really was. You can use spaghetti or ramen noodles, a quick homemade sauce, and frozen stir-fry veggies.

Add in leftover chicken or beef, and it's a full meal that costs a fraction of takeout. It only takes one pan, and the flavor's fresher without all the grease.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas sound cheap, but restaurant prices don't reflect that. I used to pay $12-$18 for a quesadilla with basic cheese and meat. Now I make them at home with tortillas, shredded cheese, and whatever leftover protein we've got.

Use a skillet with a little oil for that crispy edge, and serve with sour cream or salsa from the fridge. It's quick, budget-friendly, and hits the same craving without the price tag.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.