17 Stick-to-Your-Ribs Recipes Boomers Still Love

These are the recipes that never went out of style. Whether it came from a well-worn church cookbook or was passed down on a stained index card, these stick-to-your-ribs meals are the kind of food that filled family tables for decades. Packed with hearty ingredients and big flavor, these dishes are pure comfort. They are the ones Boomers still crave and the next generation keeps rediscovering.

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak
Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Savor the ultimate comfort food: juicy ground beef patties smothered in rich mushroom and onion gravy. This classic Salisbury steak pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes for a nostalgic dinner that satisfies every time.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This homemade meatloaf combines savory ground chuck with perfectly sautéed vegetables, creating a tender, juicy texture in every bite. Topped with a sweet-tangy ketchup glaze that caramelizes beautifully, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy

Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in a Southern comfort classic with perfectly crispy chicken fried steak smothered in velvety white gravy. This 30-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy

Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Dutch Oven Pot Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This pot roast has a secret weapon that elevates it beyond traditional family recipes. The unexpected addition transforms ordinary beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that’s converting even the most devoted fans of Grandma’s classic version. Discover what makes this the new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Dive into tender pork chops bathed in a luxurious, herb-infused buttermilk sauce. The creamy onion gravy creates a comfort food masterpiece that transforms an ordinary dinner into something truly special. Your family will be asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Classic Beef Stroganoff

Classic Beef Stroganoff
Classic Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the ultimate comfort classic with our Traditional Beef Stroganoff! Tender beef strips and mushrooms simmered in a velvety sour cream sauce, served over buttery egg noodles. This family favorite combines rustic charm with elegant flavor for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Beef Stroganoff

Classic Tuna Casserole with Noodles

Classic Tuna Casserole with Noodles
Classic Tuna Casserole with Noodles. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this nostalgic tuna casserole recipe. Bubbling hot from the oven, this family treasure brings back childhood memories with every creamy, savory bite. Mom’s secret touches make this version simply unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Casserole with Noodles

Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Savor the ultimate comfort food with our crowd-pleasing King Ranch Casserole. Tender chicken, gooey cheese, and bold spices combine in this Tex-Mex favorite that’ll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. It’s a guaranteed family hit you’ll want in your regular dinner rotation!
Get the Recipe: Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this family-favorite pasta dish that combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with creamy ricotta and gooey melted cheese. Prep it ahead and pop it in the oven for a warm, comforting meal that saves you time on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This comforting casserole combines savory ground beef with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy fried onions for a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Skip the canned sauce and delight your family with these homemade Sloppy Joes, ready in just 20 minutes! Our recipe delivers rich, tangy flavors that transform this classic comfort food into something truly special—perfect for busy weeknights when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the ultimate comfort in every spoonful of this Southern classic. Tender chicken and pillowy dumplings swim in rich, velvety broth – a homemade hug that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners or whenever your soul needs nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These delicious stuffed cabbage rolls blend savory ground beef with tender rice, all wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A cherished family recipe that brings warmth to any table, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare yet packed with homestyle flavor.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the nostalgic comfort of Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, a versatile classic that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal perfect for any time of day. This quick, budget-friendly recipe delivers rich, creamy goodness that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover our quick and easy Chicken Paprikash recipe, ready in just one skillet! This Hungarian-inspired dish combines tender chicken with rich, creamy paprika sauce for a comforting weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy evenings!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Sausage Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Indulge in these irresistible stuffed peppers filled with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, rice, and creamy ricotta. Topped with parmesan cheese, they deliver a healthy, complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Hamburger Steak and Gravy
Hamburger Steak and Gravy. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience true comfort food bliss with these seasoned beef patties drowning in sweet caramelized onions and rich brown gravy. Our copycat recipe brings Cracker Barrel’s beloved blue-plate special right to your kitchen, promising hearty satisfaction in every savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Steak and Gravy

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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