14 Grocery Store Italian Foods That Are Better Than Takeout (For a Fraction of the Cost)

Eating out at your favorite restaurants has only gotten more expensive. While we may not be able to go out as much as we used to, there are still ways to enjoy hot and delicious Italian foods and stay within budget.

If you're looking to stretch your eating out budget, there are a ton of beloved Italian options from your favorite grocery store chains that won't break the bank and still give you the same big flavors as getting takeout.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.19

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, this frozen ravioli bag from Aldi is the perfect option. For just under $5, you can get one to two servings of this fresh ricotta cheese ravioli packed with 10 grams of protein per serving.

Serve topped with pesto or pasta sauce for the next-best option of an Italian meal.

Price: $4.99

There's nothing better than a fresh slice of focaccia bread, and if you can't eat out at your favorite restaurant, then this version from Target comes pretty close. This 11-ounce sourdough recipe is easy to heat up and serve.

"I wish it wasn't seasonal. I buy it every single time it's available so good," shares one customer.

Price: $7.88

Whether you plan on meal prepping or feeding your family, this Italian-style lasagna serves approximately four people. At only $1.75 per serving, this is far more affordable than grabbing takeout from your favorite restaurant.

"The price was great. Cooking time was reasonable, and the taste was so good. I will buy this again," writes one reviewer.

Price: $5.89

What better time to dive into frozen macarons than the dead of summer? If you can't be on the streets of Italy, you can try the next best thing: gelato-filled macarons from Target.

In this six-piece selection, you get two chocolate, two raspberry, and two salted caramel macarons, all made with natural flavors.

Price: $7.49

If you're a big fan of the classic Italian antipasto, then you need to grab this affordable version from Acme. Containing pitted olives, mushrooms, provolone cheese, garlic, and red peppers, this salty mixture is the perfect starter for a summer meal.

Snag this 7-ounce container for just $7.49.

Price: $14.97

We all have days where we don't feel like cooking. This fettuccine with meatballs meal kit is the perfect solution to a quick and easy dinner. Simply heat up in the microwave and serve for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Made with fettuccine noodles, 100% beef meatballs, and creamy tomato sauce, this dish will be a new favorite.

Price: $3.49

A plate of gnocchi will typically run you anywhere from $16 to $30 at your local Italian restaurant. If that sounds over your monthly dining budget, then why not spend only $3.49 at Aldi for a similar product?

Aldi's Tomato Basil Stuffed Gnocchi is only $0.22 per ounce in a 16-ounce package. You can get at least two servings from one bag, which is way more wallet-friendly than eating out.

Price: $5.99

Who doesn't love a quick snack on the go? Live it up as if you were on the Amalfi Coast with Target's sliced prosciutto and aged mozzarella, available for only $5.99.

With this small but powerful duo, you get a whopping 17 grams of protein to fuel the rest of your day.

Price: $3.19

You can also opt for Aldi's version, which is even more affordable. For just $3.99, you get a 2.5-ounce package of hot Genoa salami and hot provolone cheese, which contains 18 grams of easy protein.

"The meat and cheese are a fine duo. We liked them just together with nothing else, but they also team up nicely with crackers," raves Joshua from Aldi Reviewer.

Price: $8.98

If you're a Sam's Club member, you need to get your hands on this delectable 16-inch pizza, available in three flavor options of four meat, pepperoni, or cheese.

Instead of spending a minimum of $15 on a pizza from the Italian spot down the street, snag this frozen version and save your cash.

Price: $4.99

You can't talk about classic Italian cuisine without mentioning gelato. Trader Joe's is known for their abundant frozen food selection, and their Italian Pistachio & Fior di Latte Gelato Style Frozen Dessert is a seasonal special you'll want to try out.

Soft, creamy, and made by an Italian supplier, Trader Joe's duo-flavored dessert is the perfect end to a summer day. Plus, it's only $4.99 for a 28.74-ounce container.

Price: $1.89

No one does it better than Aldi. An entire serving of creamy risotto for only $1.89? Yes, please. Some customers even add their favorite ingredients to spice up this fan favorite product.

"I get the [four] cheese often and I snazz it up by using chicken broth instead of water and adding more cheese," reveals Reddit user moonchic333.

Price: $4.19

While nothing can truly replicate the feeling of crunching a hot, crispy arancini while sitting at an outdoor restaurant in Rome, these from Target get as close as you can get.

Pop these in the air dryer for a delicious breaded cheesy bite, available for just $5.49.

Price: $4.79

A margherita pizza is a freezer staple if you love Italian cuisine. Save your pizza delivery cash and pick up a $4.79 pie from Trader Joe's, which is cooked in a wood-burning oven and made with a crispy Amalfi-style crust.

Topped with fresh mozzarella, shredded Grana Padano, and basil leaves, this pizza will become a house favorite.

The next time you're craving Italian food but don't want to spend money on an expensive restaurant, be sure to check out these brands for affordable alternatives. From lasagna to tiramisu, you can find your favorite recipes and still save your hard-earned cash.

Not only will this save you even more money on groceries, but you'll be able to experiment with new flavors without going over budget.