Home Recipes Cuisines European Italian
Emily Racette ParulskiUpdated: Feb. 06, 2024
The Chicago-based restaurant famous for hot dogs, Italian beef and chocolate cake is only located in 7 states. Now you can enjoy Portillo’s-style recipes no matter where you live!
1/20
Inspired By: Chili Cheese Dog
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Get Our Recipe: Bandito Chili Dogs
2/20
Inspired By: Italian Beef Sandwich
I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get Our Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
3/20
Inspired By: Cheese Fries
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Get Our Recipe: Cheese Fries
4/20
Inspired By: Char-Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwich
Need a different type of Italian dinner? This rich tomato sauce simmers all afternoon in the slow cooker, ready to top freshly grilled Italian sausages. It's a fantastic combination with lots of crowd appeal! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get Our Recipe: Best Italian Sausage Sandwiches
5/20
Inspired By: Whole Chocolate Cake
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Get Our Recipe: Sandy's Chocolate Cake
6/20
Inspired By: Strawberry Shortcake
I always get compliments when I bring this attractive and tasty trifle out of the refrigerator. Not only does it serve a big group nicely, I can make it ahead of time, too. —Lucille Belsham, Fort Fraser, British Columbia
Get Our Recipe: Strawberry Angel Trifle
7/20
Inspired By: Double Stuffed Cheese Ravioli
I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Get Our Recipe: Homemade Ravioli
8/20
Inspired By: Char-Broiled Chicken Sandwich
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
9/20
Inspired By: Baked Mostaccioli
Even though we're not Italian, this rich, cheesy pasta dish is a family tradition for holidays and other special occasions. It tastes just like lasagna without the layering work. —Nancy Mundhenke, Kinsley, Kansas
Get Our Recipe: Mostaccioli
10/20
Inspired By: Chocolate Éclair Cake
I love eclairs, but making the actual pastry is difficult, so I came up with this recipe as a substitute. It still satisfies my cravings with the same wonderful flavors. —Thelma Beam, Esbon, Kansas
Get Our Recipe: Thelma's Chocolate Eclair
11/20
Inspired By: Bacon Cheeseburger
Where can you get a juicy burger that is so superior to drive-thru fare? Right in your backyard with this delicious bacon cheeseburger recipe. —Jackie Burns, Silverdale, Washington
Get Our Recipe: All-American Bacon Cheeseburgers
12/20
Inspired By: Strawberry Shake
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get Our Recipe: Thick Strawberry Shakes
13/20
Inspired By: Beef Tamale
Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
Get Our Recipe: Mexican Tamales
14/20
Inspired By: Lasagna
I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It's absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas
Get Our Recipe: Vegetable Lasagna
15/20
Inspired By: Flounder Sandwich
The seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! —Mildred Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Get Our Recipe: Breaded Fish Sandwiches
16/20
Inspired By: Meatball Sandwich
This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. —Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland
Get Our Recipe: Italian Meatball Subs
17/20
Inspired By: Greek Pasta Side Salad
For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Get Our Recipe: Spring Greek Pasta Salad
18/20
Inspired By: Spaghetti
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Get Our Recipe: Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce
19/20
Inspired By: Grilled Portobello Sandwich
You don't miss the meat on this hearty burger. The veggies, mayo and cheese fill you up with plenty of flavor. —Mary Haas, Hewitt, New Jersey
Get Our Recipe: Grilled Portobello Burgers
20/20
Inspired By: Garlic Bread
You'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild goat cheese that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get Our Recipe: Herb-Happy Garlic Bread
Originally Published: May 16, 2018
Emily Racette Parulski
Emily has spent the last decade writing and editing food and lifestyle content. As a senior editor at Taste of Home, she leads the newsletter team sharing delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips to more than 2 million loyal email subscribers. Since joining TMB seven years ago as an associate editor, she has worked on special interest publications, launched TMB’s first cross-branded newsletter, supported the launch of the brand's affiliate strategy, orchestrated holiday countdowns, participated in taste tests and was selected for a task force to enhance the Taste of Home community. Emily was first mentioned by name in Taste of Home magazine in 1994, when her mother won a contest.When she’s not editing, Emily can be found in her kitchen baking something sweet, taking a wine class with her husband, or making lasagnas for neighbors through Lasagna Love.