Can you save money by making restaurant meals at home? Spoiler Alert: YES! And even have that dining out experience you love
- Bruce Coffman
- Jul 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Can You Save Money by Making Restaurant Meals at Home?
Absolutely! Homemade versions of your favorite restaurant meals often cost a fraction of the price. Plus, you get to control the ingredients, portions, and quality. In this article, I’ll share some easy ideas for recreating popular meals without breaking the bank. So, grab your apron and let’s dive in!
Why Cook at Home?
Copycat recipes are all the rage right now. Why? Because folks are looking for easier, more affordable meal planning options. With rising food costs and inflation, home cooking is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget. You can whip up your favorite comfort foods without the hefty restaurant price tag.
Taco Bell Alternative: Crunch Wrap Casserole Supreme
Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme is a fan favorite. But did you know that the average cost for one is nearly nine bucks? Let’s see if we can do better at home, shall we?
I scoured the internet for Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme dupe recipes. Honestly, they all seemed a bit fussy and complicated. Who has time for fancy pleating of tortillas? Not me! So, I simplified it into a casserole.
Capture the magic of Taco Bell flavors without the hassle. Just lightly brown your tortilla shells, scoop out the casserole, plop it in the middle, and wrap it up. Easy peasy!
Gather Ingredients
2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
1 packet of taco seasoning mix
3 to 4 cups of fresh shredded lettuce
About 1 cup diced tomato or one can, drained
1 small jar of nacho or queso cheese
6 to 8 medium crunchy tostada shells
1 package shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
Sour cream on the side
Prepare Beef or Turkey
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 lbs of ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned. Drain the excess fat, then return it to the heat. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens. This step is crucial! It lets the taco seasonings soak in, preventing blandness.
Layer and Bake
Layer half the meat mixture in a baking dish. Pour a layer of nacho cheese over that, then cover with tostadas. Add the rest of the meat on top.
Sprinkle half the shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. You don’t want to overdo it; soggy tostadas are a no-go!
Give it a Rest and Top
Let it sit for about five minutes. Then, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, crushed tostada for extra crunch, and the rest of the cheese.
Brown Your Tortillas
Lightly brown large flour tortillas. Scoop out a serving of the casserole and assemble your very own Crunchwrap Supreme. Add a dollop of sour cream if you like. Roll it up, fold it, and enjoy!
Make it a Meal for Less
Serve with Mexican or Spanish rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa. You’ll likely spend less per person than getting combos at Taco Bell. Plus, it’s healthier! No mystery meat here. Enjoy! And don’t sue me, Taco Bell. Fair use and all that. Holla!
Easy Cheesy Cracker Barrel Style Hash Brown Casserole Dupe
Let’s talk about Cracker Barrel. They used to have some great comfort food, but the last time I went, their mashed potatoes were worse than instant. Yikes! But their hash brown casserole? Still a winner! So, I found you a dupe that’s cheaper and way better.
I got this from Better Homes & Gardens, but I’m not linking it because, well, let’s just say I’m not a fan of their partnership with Walmart.
Ingredients
1 pkg. frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
2 cups of your favorite shredded cheese
1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegan option)
½ cup melted salted butter
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine hash browns, 1 ½ cups cheese, sour cream, creamed soup, butter, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 45 minutes to an hour.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
521 Calories
42g Fat
30g Carbs
9g Protein
This isn’t the healthiest option, so consider adding cooked sausage, diced ham, bacon, or veggies like broccoli or spinach to make it a one-dish meal.
Any restaurant names or trademarks in this article are included solely for reference and do not indicate any authorization or approval by their owners. Neither the recipe nor this article has been reviewed or approved by Cracker Barrel. Don’t sue me.
Need new kitchenware to make cooking at home easier and more fun? I got you, boo!
Tastier, Cheaper, Healthier Than a "Big Mac" at Home
Let’s tackle the McDonald’s Big Mac. This budget-friendly hack includes the SECRET SAUCE!
Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. You can have it your way!
First, grab two frozen hamburger patties. I usually get a box for around five bucks. Pop them in your air fryer for the best results. Pro tip: Don’t stack them! Stand them up on the sides for even cooking.
While those are cooking, prepare your buns. Lightly butter a non-stick frying pan and toast them until golden. The butter adds a nice flavor.
Next, whip up a batch of "Special Sauce."
Super Simple At-Home "Special Sauce"
Just mix Thousand Island dressing with a bit of ketchup. Seriously, it’s that easy! No Thousand Island? Use Miracle Whip or mayo with a touch of pickle relish and ketchup.
Now, chop some iceberg lettuce or grab a bag of pre-chopped lettuce. For added flavor, sauté some minced onion in the leftover butter from toasting the buns.
Assemble your burger: bottom bun, a light coating of "Special Sauce," a hamburger patty, cheese, more sauce, onion, lettuce, pickles, and finally, the top bun. Ta-da!
Cheaper & Healthier Wendy's Chili Dupe for You!
Let’s make Wendy's chili your way—cheaper and at home! Their secret? Sugar and butter. Sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes, and butter adds richness.
Grab a slow cooker. Start with a large can of tomato juice and dark red kidney beans. I prefer dark red for richness. Add one to two small cans of diced tomatoes.
Brush frozen hamburger patties with butter and a sprinkle of sugar. You can substitute honey or artificial sweetener if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Another secret? Add frozen diced onion, green peppers, and celery. It sounds weird, but trust me, it’s delicious.
Stir in chili seasoning or create your own blend. Chop the burger patties and add them to the mix. Let it simmer for about 12 hours on high for tender beans.
American readers from the north might want to add a pinch of cinnamon for a Skyline Chili twist. Personally, I’m not a fan of cinnamon in chili, but you do you!
Check the site for Starbucks drink dupes! Yes, you’ll have to look around!
Making restaurant favorites at home isn’t just about saving money. It’s about controlling ingredients, stretching your grocery budget, and enjoying the foods you love without the restaurant prices. With a little planning, homemade versions can become family favorites while costing far less than dining out. Plus, you get to control the source of your ingredients and ensure cleanliness in food prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cooking at home really cheaper than restaurants?
Generally, yes! Even after buying ingredients, homemade meals usually cost less per serving.
What meals save the most money?
Pizza, burgers, pasta, tacos, soups, sandwiches, and breakfast foods.
Can homemade food taste like restaurant food?
Absolutely! Many restaurant recipes rely on simple techniques and seasoning rather than expensive ingredients.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and save some cash while you’re at it!
Comments