From Drive-Thru To Dine-In: 15 Copycat Recipes That Will Jazz Up Your Weeknight Meals

Ever think about bringing the taste of your favorite restaurants home during the week? With these copycat recipes, you can do just that. No need for the extra fluff or a trip to the specialty store for that one rare ingredient. These recipes are all about making your weeknight dinners jazzier with flavors you already love, and they’re a breeze to whip up.

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

An open-face NY Steamer sub copycat on a plate with Italian dressing.
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why settle for a mundane sandwich when you can jazz up your evening with a classic deli experience? Bring the bustling streets of New York to your dinner table with Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. It’s a surefire way to inject some East Coast energy into your meal rotation. It will fill even the heartiest of appetites.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

DIg into a dish that merges the convenience of fast food with the heartiness of a Philly classic. Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots are a playful twist that’ll turn your side dish into the star of the show. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together the familiar flavors of a cheesesteak on a bed of golden tots.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Swap out your regular meat-and-potatoes routine for a bold Southern upgrade with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. This dish doesn’t just promise a robust flavor, it delivers a comforting taste of the Southwest right to your plate. It’s a simple switch that’ll make your weeknights feel like a walk through the Texas plains.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Think about dipping into the rich and savory flavors of a time-honored sandwich without stepping outside. This Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich brings this classic right to your home, offering a luxurious touch to any evening. It’s an easy way to level up your sandwich game and soak up the taste of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

On a cool evening, nothing warms you up like a good soup. That’s where this Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup comes in—it’s not your average chicken soup, it’s a bowlful of Sicilian comfort. Amazing for shaking up your soup routine, it’s like a hug in a bowl from Mama herself.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Add a touch of Italian flair to your meal lineup with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. This dish takes classic ingredients and upgrades them into something you’d brag about at a trattoria. It’s a go-to for when you’re looking to bring a bit of Italy’s charm to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a tray of Copycat Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip.
Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who says appetizers are just for parties? With this Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip, turn your snack cravings into a dinnertime feat. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s the perfect way to start your meal on a high note. Weeknights just got a lot more appetizing.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Applebee’s Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Don’t wait for takeout when you can master the sweet and savory magic of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp in your own kitchen. It’s a quick and delicious way to add some pizzazz to your seafood nights. Just think about those honey-glazed shrimp dancing on your palate.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy the creamy, comforting embrace of Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. This dish offers a taste of Italian-American goodness without the need for a reservation. It’s a smooth way to slide some decadence into your regular meal plan. Just when you thought weeknights were boring, here comes a dish to prove you wrong.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Turn up the heat and the flavor with an at-home version of Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. It’s your answer to boring chicken nights, packed with just the right amount of spice and everything nice. Get ready for a lively twist on your usual poultry dish. It’s weeknight excitement in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Escape to Italy for the evening without packing your bags, thanks to Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. It’s a pasta dish that brings the richness of a creamy tomato sauce right to your fork. You’re in for a weeknight treat that’s both comforting and luxurious. So grab your pasta fork and twirl your way to a mini-vacation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Get luxury without the fuss with Copytext HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. These little treats pack a punch of flavor and are sure to liven up your weeknight repertoire. Wave goodbye to the ordinary and welcome a meal that feels a bit more chef-inspired. And the best part? You made it happen right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

Chili is not a weekend-only affair. Stir up some excitement with this Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe and enjoy the bold flavors that make every spoonful a hearty adventure. It’s an amazing dish for those evenings when you crave something warm and filling. It’s a bit spicy and a lot tasty!
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Take a trip back to simpler times with the nostalgic and oh-so-satisfying Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. It’s a comfort food that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear off your plate. Ideal for when you’re hankering for something savory and just plain good. Sandwiches just got an old-school upgrade!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

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

Put some excitement into your soup game with Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup. This little number combines the freshness of street fare with the coziness of a warm soup. It’s a festival of flavors that brings zing to your weeknights and warmth to your soul. Prepare to spoon up some fun.
Get the Recipe: Panera Bread Mexican Street Corn Soup

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