17 Family Recipes That’ll Make Your Grandmother Wish She Thought Of Them First

Looking to shake up your family dinners? These 17 recipes will bring fresh ideas to your table, ones that even your grandmother would wish she thought of first. They’re easy to follow and deliver amazing results, making family meals something everyone looks forward to. Get ready to impress your loved ones with these creative and delicious dishes!

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.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

An all-American classic, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter brings a new level of richness to your cookouts. A compound butter mixed with herbs and spices melts beautifully over the perfectly charred exterior of each steak. This recipe adds a gourmet touch to a familiar favorite that will have family members wondering how such a simple addition can enhance the flavor of beef so profoundly. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these steaks declare that premium dining experiences can occur right at your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Enjoy the crispy, cheesy heaven of Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots, a snack that’s sure to become a game-day staple. Recreate the pizzeria favorite in your kitchen with pockets of potato filled with melted cheddar and smoky bits of bacon that provide a homemade touch to a popular treat. Your relatives will be impressed with the replication of fast-food flavors with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in their comfort food. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of producing a crowd-pleaser that rivals the originals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Invite the flavorful aroma of Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken into your kitchen, a dish where simplicity meets elegance. The bright citrus paired with the woody undertone of rosemary creates a harmonious blend that infuses the chicken as it roasts to golden-brown perfection. One-pan meals like this exemplify how effortless yet sophisticated home cooking can be, providing a delicious, no-fuss dinner option that suits even the busiest of evenings. It’s a modern classic that proves family recipes can sparkle with contemporary flair.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Warming and hearty, Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup captures the essence of comfort in every spoonful. The robust flavors of potato meld with a creamy base to create a soup that’s both nourishing and incredibly moreish, especially during the colder months. It’s a beloved recipe that mirrors the wholesome goodness of Jason’s Deli but with the added joy of homemade preparation. This soup embodies the sentiment that some of the best food creations emerge from the home kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs offers a delicious twist on a classic dish, where rice and ground meat combine in a slow-simmered tomato sauce. The grains of rice peeking out from the meatballs not only provide an interesting texture but also a quirky, visual appeal that just begs for a second look. Grandmothers will reminisce about their versions of this dish while acknowledging the clever adaptation for today’s convenience-driven lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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 Six.

Embellish your dining table with the robust flair of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers, a dish that encapsulates the essence of Italian-American cuisine. Succulent sausage links bask in a flavorful bed of peppers and onions, the flavors melding together to transport diners to the bustling streets of Little Italy. This recipe offers a picture-perfect emulation that rivals the dining experience at Maggiano’s, with a dash of home-cooked love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Transform last night’s dinner into today’s quick and delicious meal with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. By introducing juicy strips of steak into warm tortillas and topping them with fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime, you breathe new life into remnants from a previous feast. It’s an ingenious way to reduce waste and treat your household with a casual yet delicious lunch or dinner option. Everyone will be pleasantly surprised by this creative upcycling of ingredients, turning leftovers into a fresh and enticing dish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

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 Six.

As spoonfuls of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup are flavorful, you’ll understand why this heartwarming recipe has become a household request. This soup brims with the comfort of chicken, vegetables, and pasta bathing in a flavorful broth that soothes the soul. Each homemade batch evokes the cherished flavors found at Carrabba’s yet exudes an incomparable homemade charm. Loved ones will surely be impressed by how authentic and rich the soup tastes, all made within the warmth of the home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Make room for the colorful and nutritious Wild Rice Salad, a dish that showcases the nutty texture of wild rice amidst a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s an ideal accompaniment to any entrée or a standalone meal packed with wholesome ingredients. This salad is a testament to the joys of eating well, combining healthful elements without compromising on flavor. Each forkful brings together greens, grains, and a light dressing, making it a refreshing choice for any season.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

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.

Indulge in the hearty flavors of Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots, where every bite encapsulates the gusto of a classic Philly cheesesteak on a bed of golden tots. This inventive dish merges the cheesy, meaty goodness of steak and peppers with the comforting crunch of tater tots. It’s a playful spin on fast-food favorites, ingeniously created within the comfort of your kitchen. This recipe is a clear example that home cooking can be as fun and appealing as the most popular takeout options.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

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.

Introduce a burst of freshness to your table with Mediterranean Chopped Salad, a vibrant and healthful dish that’s as delicious to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s a versatile recipe that serves wonderfully as an appetizer, a side, or even a light main course. Guests will be charmed by the clean, crisp ingredients that offer a break from heavily processed foods. It’s the perfect way to honor grandmother’s advice to “eat your colors” with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A hearty meal that’s as bold as the actor it’s named after, Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a robust dish that commands attention at the dinner table. It layers flavors with a foundation of seasoned beef and a cascade of rich cheese and delicious toppings. The culinary structure emulates the traditional Tex-Mex spirit in a way that encourages digging in with gusto. Families will appreciate the familiar tastes while recognizing the ingenuity behind such a substantial and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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

Experience Southern comfort with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips which bring the steakhouse to your dining room. This dish offers tender beef simmered in a flavorful gravy, ready to partner with mashed potatoes or rice. Successfully capturing the essence of a Texas Roadhouse meal, this recipe allows the home chef to shine and the family to partake in a rich dinner without stepping foot outside. With this dish, loved ones can gather and enjoy a night out experience in the comfort of their own home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey à la King is a classic recipe that takes leftover turkey and turns it into a rich, creamy dish, perfect for spreading over biscuits, rice, or toast. In your kitchen, the creamy mixture of poultry, peas, pimentos, and a smooth sauce combine to adorn simple starches with a luxurious topping. It’s an ideal solution for transforming surplus ingredients into a meal that feels thoughtfully planned and deeply fulfilling. With this time-honored recipe, you’ll pay homage to the past while pleasing present-day palates.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When autumn arrives, Roast Pork with Apples becomes the quintessential dish to celebrate the season. The succulent roast pork loin pairs exquisitely with the sweet and tart flavors of apples, creating a meal that looks as magnificent as it tastes. This dish not only fills the home with an inviting aroma but also serves as an impressive centerpiece for family gatherings. It’s an elegant yet uncomplicated meal that respects the natural flavors of its ingredients while creating a harmonious plate that’s sure to fulfill.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

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.

With Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich, you can enjoy a Los Angeles delicatessen classic from anywhere in the world. Juicy slices of beef stacked on a crusty French roll, ready to be dipped into a rich, delicious au jus, this sandwich is a simple yet sublime combination. This dish brings together tender meat and bread in a symphony that is both delectably straightforward and undeniably fulfilling. As they bite into these sandwiches, family members will wonder why they don’t treat themselves like this more often.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

An essential component in many Mexican dishes, Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a versatile and flavorful ground beef preparation. This spiced and sautéed meat is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or topping off a colorful salad. Its delicious profile, punctuated by notes of cumin and chili, makes it an easy favorite that offers endless possibilities for weeknight dinners and impromptu get-togethers. A batch of this seasoned meat will remind guests of their favorite taqueria while inspiring admiration for the cook’s ability to conjure up such vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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