5 Delicious, Cheap, and Easy Restaurant Style Meals

Who doesn't enjoy a fantastic and delicious meal at a restaurant? We've had some great dishes and stories over the years that we cherish. (I'm still searching for cooking that came close to that hole in the wall Thai place in Los Angeles!)

Cheap & Easy Restaurant Recipes

However, going out to eat can be pricey. We've learned, though, that with a little bit of effort and we could have more nights in without sacrificing a delicious meal.

If you're looking to recreate some special meals, I gathered dinner recipes based around five different themes that are popular at restaurants.

Steakhouse Classic

We've learned that minimal seasoning and a good cut of meat makes all the difference with steak dinners.

When my husband got our grill he quickly dove into all things steak and honestly, I now prefer his ribeye over most places.

• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• Parmesan Encrusted Asparagus
• Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks with Parsley-Garlic Butter
• Cheese-stuffed Roasted Red Peppers
• Chocolate Mousse Cake

Seafood Delight

Are you a fan of the beach? These recipes highlight some great seafood!

• Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Gluten Free Garlic Cheese Biscuits
• Snapper Baked in Parchment with Spring Vegetables
• Frozen-Berry Crumble

If you're outside and the meal has you filled up, you can skip dessert and have a mojito (or nojito) instead to cool off.

Quiet Night In

Sometimes the weather dictates that dinner at home would be best. That doesn't mean it has to be boring.

Have a good time in the kitchen preparing this and then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a Netflix binge.

• Spinach Salad with Grilled Strawberries, Asparagus and Walnuts
• Pan Seared Lamb Chops
• Roasted Butternut Squash
• Simple Chilled Pumpkin Cheesecake

Delicious and Easy Stew

Admit – sometimes you just don't want to be in the kitchen. Tired, busy, whatever the reason, your best friend on those days is a crockpot.

With the stew being so hearty you can skip an appetizer.

• Mediterranean Stew
• Buttery Rice Pilaf
• Tropical Fruit Punch Popsicles (prepare this ahead of time)

Comfort Food

I love getting a pork shoulder done for get togethers. It's easy to make and there is plenty to go around.

• Tostones with Garlic Dip
• Arroz Con Gandules (Rice And Pigeon Peas)
• Pernil
• Slower Cooker Apple Crisp

Enjoying Eating Out

Even though we enjoy having a  fantastic meal at home, we still have date nights out. It's all about having balance.

Having upped our cooking game, though, we're a bit choosier when we go out to restaurants.

By the way, if you want to get some fantastic clone recipes from popular restaurants,  try out CopyKat. I also have some easy to make recipes on Married Food.

I'd love to hear from you – what are some of your favorite meals?