17 Mom’s Secret Recipes That Didn’t Make It Into The Family Cookbook

Your mom’s cookbook is like a highlight reel, but what about the blooper reel? These 17 secret recipes are the outtakes, the scenes that didn’t make it past the editing room floor. They’ve got character, they’ve got sass, and they’re ready to break out of the kitchen and into your heart. It’s time to embrace the recipes that were left on the cutting room table for reasons unknown.

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A perfect blend of sweetness and deliciousness makes this salad stand out. Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts is ideal for a light meal or snack, ensuring a balanced taste. This is great for sandwich fillings or on its own, adding versatility to your menu. It brings a touch of elegance to any mealtime, making each bite a delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Hearty bites of tender, well-seasoned goodness make this dish special. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips capture all the rich flavors of steakhouse dinners, rivaling the original. It is ideal for family dinners or special meals, ensuring everyone at the table is rewarded. Your palates will remember every bite, making it a go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Crisp and refreshing, this salad is a great way to include fresh, vibrant tastes in your meal. Mediterranean Chopped Salad boasts a beautiful blend of simple, healthy ingredients that invigorate your palate. It’s a wonderful companion to grilled meats or pasta, easily uplifting any meal. This is perfect for those days you want something light but filling, leaving you feeling good.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

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 Six.

Delicious, tender, and perfect for a cozy lunch, this sandwich delivers. Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich features perfectly cooked, mouthwatering slices, simmered to perfection in a rich broth. This is a classic sandwich made with simple, fulfilling flavors that never fail to impress. It is ideal for dipping and enjoying every mouthful, making every meal memorable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is a hearty blend combining the richness of brisket with the comfort of fried rice. Brisket Fried Rice is perfect for those who crave something different yet comforting. This is suitable for any time you need an easy-to-make filling meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. This dish never fails to impress, often becoming a repeat favorite in households.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy, golden, and always rewarding, these tacos are a crowd favorite. Tacos Dorados bring vibrant flavors to every bite, ensuring no two bites are the same. It is perfectly balanced for any meal or snack, making it versatile in any cooking setting. This is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional treat, always leaving a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

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 Six.

Creamy cheese sauce with tender morsels makes these tots unforgettable. Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots bring a big smile to any gathering. Each bite is a trip to flavor town, leaving a lasting impression. This is perfect for those casual get-togethers or game nights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is a balanced meal that combines heartiness and freshness perfectly. Steak & Pasta Salad allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, providing a rewarding yet light option. This is a great dish for those who need a fulfilling yet refreshing meal, ensuring a balanced palate. It is ideal for lunch or dinner, catering to any craving effectively.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ideal for healthy yet flavorful meals, this chicken shines bright. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken blends simple, fresh ingredients for a delicious, invigorating experience. This is excellent for family lunches or dinners, bringing joy to your table. It is easy to pair with veggies or grains for a balanced meal, making healthy cooking effortless.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Classic and comforting, this dish is great for any time you crave diner-style meals. Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings hearty flavors and a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of childhood dinners. It makes for a well-rounded, rewarding meal, often becoming a family favorite. This is always a winner for a no-fuss dinner option, making meal planning much easier.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 Six.

Rich and indulgent, this pasta dish is always a hit. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka offers a memorable dining experience with every forkful, leaving a lasting impression. It is perfect for a special night in or when hosting guests, ensuring everyone is fulfilled. Its flavors are both comforting and impressive, making it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Succulent and full of flavor, these ribs are a treat for any occasion. Korean Galbi Ribs offer deep, rich tastes that stand out at gatherings, ensuring your meal is unforgettable. It is a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of an Asian flair in their meals, always impressing guests. This is perfect for barbecues or family dinners, bringing people together.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Light yet rewarding, this quiche is perfect for brunch or any light meal. Featuring tender, delicious layers, this Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche stands out with its quality flavors and sophistication. It is a fantastic choice for those who favor enjoyable over sweet dishes. This dish combines tradition with a modern twist, making it a versatile favorite.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork

Shredded Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Smoked Pulled Pork on a white plate.
Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Aromatic and hearty, this dish is great for any meat lover. Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork brings out deep, smoky flavors perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own. It is a hit at any cookout or family dinner, ensuring your guests will be rewarded. Its preparation may be simple, but the taste is extraordinary, often becoming a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light and fresh, these tacos are ideal for a summer meal. Baja Fish Tacos offer a refreshing combination of flavors that soothe the senses without being too heavy. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or casual dinners, they are a favorite in any setting. Their understated yet fulfilling flavors are a real treat, making each bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Moist and flavorful, this chicken is perfect for making burritos or enjoying alone. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken delivers a delicious experience with its tender, seasoned perfection. It is suitable for any day of the week and makes delicious leftovers that never go to waste. It effortlessly brings a hint of spice to any meal, making each bite enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Delicious and quick, this staple is appreciated by everyone. Ground Beef Fried Rice delivers a comforting mix of flavors and textures that please the palate. It’s an easy dish to whip up without sacrificing taste, making meal preparation a breeze. Perfect for weekday dinners or meal preps, this ensures you’re never short on rewarding options.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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