Skip The Steakhouse: 19 Restaurant-Quality Dishes Dad Can Enjoy At Home

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Skip The Steakhouse: 19 Restaurant-Quality Dishes Dad Can Enjoy At Home

Why go to a steakhouse when you can bring restaurant-quality dishes to your own kitchen? These 19 amazing recipes are perfect for making Dad feel special without leaving the house. Imagine serving Dad a perfectly cooked steak or a gourmet pasta dish that rivals his favorite restaurant. Skip the steakhouse and enjoy the comfort and convenience of home while savoring dishes that look and taste like they came from a top restaurant.

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish pairs tender chicken with a creamy sauce that’s bold in flavor. Chicken Paprikash offers a taste of Eastern European cuisine with its rich, paprika-spiced sauce. It’s a hearty meal that brings the warmth of a family kitchen to any dinner table. Serve this with noodles or dumplings for a complete, satisfying experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast brings traditional German flavors into your kitchen. This roast is marinated with a blend of vinegar and spices, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the meat to absorb the rich, deep flavors over several hours. It’s a fuss-free dish that results in a meal worthy of a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is a great way to impress with minimal effort. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simplified version of the classic dish, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. This recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a crispy outer coating while keeping the chicken juicy and the ham and cheese filling hot and melty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is a fun twist on a traditional favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty, one-dish meal that the whole family will love. It combines the savory flavors of a sloppy joe with layers of cheesy goodness. It’s easy to assemble and even easier to devour.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

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.

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken lets you recreate a popular restaurant favorite right at home. This spicy, savory dish features tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vegetables in a flavorful sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner that needs a little kick. Serve with steamed rice to balance the bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

A bowl of sausage and peppers.
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Serve this on hoagie rolls or over rice for a filling meal. Blackstone Sausage & Peppers is perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking to prepare a simple yet flavorful meal. This dish features sausages cooked on a flat-top grill with a mix of bell peppers and onions until everything is wonderfully caramelized. It’s an ideal recipe for a quick dinner or entertaining guests outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for any gathering, these burnt ends are a true showstopper. Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a barbecue favorite, known for their rich, smoky flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These bite-sized pieces of pork belly are slow-cooked until they are caramelized and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Chicken wings with garlic and Parmesan on a white plate.
Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings offer a delightful alternative to traditional fried wings. These wings are infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan, giving them a distinctive taste that stands out from the usual buffalo style. Smoking the wings adds depth to their flavor, making them a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impress your guests with this delicious alternative to the usual roasted turkey. Traeger Smoked Turkey is a great way to change up the traditional holiday menu or just make a weekend special. Smoking the turkey on a Traeger grill infuses it with a deep, woodsy flavor that oven-roasting just can’t match. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any festive occasion or a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings classic comfort food right into your dining room. This dish features seasoned ground beef steaks simmered in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s reminiscent of what you might find at a local diner but with the added satisfaction of homemade goodness. Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is all about the garlic and butter, creating a rich sauce that clings to each shrimp. Garlic Shrimp Scampi brings the flavors of a seaside Italian restaurant right into your home. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for special occasions. It’s a simple, yet luxurious dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This casserole is easy to assemble and delivers a big taste. Cuban Sandwich Casserole deconstructs the classic Cuban sandwich into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dining. It’s a twist on the traditional that brings all the familiar flavors in a new form. It’s great for a relaxed weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn your kitchen into a taqueria with Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. This recipe slowly cooks pork until it’s irresistibly tender and then crisps it up for texture. Serve it with tortillas, limes, cilantro, and your favorite salsa for a DIY taco night. It’s a fuss-free way to feed a crowd or just enjoy a fun dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Pizza Pasta Salad combines the joy of pizza toppings with the freshness of salad. Think of all your favorite pizza ingredients tossed with pasta in a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a filling lunch. This dish is versatile and can be customized to include whatever toppings you like.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Corn on the cob with garlic parmesan on a black plate.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sliced into rib-like strips, seasoned with garlic and Parmesan, and then baked, these corn ribs are a perfect side dish. Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs are a novel and tasty way to enjoy corn. They offer a crispy, cheesy alternative to traditional corn on the cob. Easy to pick up and eat, they’re great for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

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 a restaurant favorite from the comfort of your kitchen with Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. This dish features creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and much easier to make than you might think. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a decadent pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing a touch of class to your table. Baked Brie in a Bowl is an elegant treat that’s perfect for entertaining or indulging alone. Simply bake the brie until gooey and serve it with crackers, fruit, or bread. It’s a minimal-effort appetizer that offers maximum flavor and sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

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.

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is a one-pan wonder that delivers flavor and simplicity. The combination of lemon and rosemary creates a fragrant dish with chicken that comes out juicy every time. It’s perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal but elegant enough for special guests. Everything cooks together, which means minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Serve with a squeeze of lime and a side of guacamole for the full experience. Baja Fish Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful option for any day of the week. They’re inspired by the sunny flavors of Baja California and are a hit at casual dinners or as a part of a larger feast. It’s a festive, tasty dish that brings the beach vibes home.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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