Mama Kelce

Mama Kelce, affectionately known as Mama Kelce, became a household name not just as the proud mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, but also for her warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dishes. Her recipes have gained attention for their family-friendly, game-day-ready flavors, and she takes pride in sharing the love through food. Whether she’s whipping up a classic seven-layer dip, freshly baked cookies, or homemade dinner rolls, every dish carries the same heartwarming touch that makes it unforgettable.

Food plays an important role in the Kelce family, from post-game meals to holiday feasts, and her recipes reflect that blend of tradition, comfort, and indulgence. Donna Kelce’s dishes are not only delicious but also accessible, practical, and easy to recreate at home. This guide will take you through some of her most famous recipes, breaking them down step by step so you can enjoy them in your own kitchen.

Seven-Layer Tex-Mex Dip: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

One of Donna Kelce’s most well-known recipes is her Seven-Layer Tex-Mex Dip, a staple at Super Bowl watch parties, family gatherings, and tailgates. This dish is a perfect mix of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also easy to assemble and requires no cooking, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for entertaining.

Ingredients

• Refried Beans – A hearty base that adds a creamy, savory element.
• Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar Dip – Adds a spicy, cheesy flavor.
• Pico de Gallo – A fresh combination of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Sliced Jalapeños – Adds heat and a tangy kick.
• Black Olives – For a salty, briny contrast.
• Sliced Avocado – A creamy, buttery layer.
• Shredded Cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a melty, rich topping.

Instructions

1. Layer the refried beans in the bottom of a large serving dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
2. Add a layer of jalapeño cheddar dip, ensuring full coverage over the beans.
3. Spoon on the pico de gallo, making sure to distribute it evenly.
4. Scatter sliced jalapeños and black olives over the top for a balance of spice and saltiness.
5. Gently layer slices of avocado, ensuring they are spread out evenly to prevent browning.
6. Finish with shredded cheese, making sure it fully covers the top for a flavorful, cheesy bite in every scoop.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

Pro Tips

• To keep the avocado from browning, lightly squeeze fresh lime juice over the slices before adding them to the dip.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting the number of jalapeños or using a milder dip base.
• For a heartier version, add a layer of cooked, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken between the beans and the cheese.

Mama Kelce’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few desserts can rival the comfort of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, and Mama Kelce’s recipe is legendary. Unlike standard chocolate chip cookies, her version includes a blend of white and milk chocolate chips, a touch of ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans, creating a deeply flavorful, bakery-style cookie that has become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Salted Butter – Provides a rich, slightly savory balance to the sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth.
• Granulated Sugar – Ensures the right level of sweetness.
• Large Eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure of the cookie.
• Cake Flour – Creates a softer, more tender texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Ensures the cookies rise perfectly.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
• White Chocolate Chips – Introduces a creamy, sweet contrast.
• Milk Chocolate Chips – Creates a rich, chocolatey experience.
• Chopped Pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix the sugars and melted butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fully combined.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans, ensuring even distribution.
7. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for the best texture.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Scoop out dough balls onto the baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between them.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

• For extra chewiness, let the dough rest in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Don’t overbake – the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs: A Surprise Inside Every Bite

This surprisingly simple yet delicious recipe became famous thanks to Donna Kelce’s love for sharing comforting, homemade baked goods. Despite their name, these crescent rolls are not just for breakfast—they work as a dessert or a sweet addition to a meal. Inspired by a classic Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe, these puffs contain a hidden marshmallow center, which melts into a gooey surprise inside a cinnamon-sugar coated crescent roll.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough – Forms the flaky, buttery exterior.
• Large Marshmallows – Creates the gooey, melted center.
• Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and caramelization.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
• Melted Butter – Helps coat the rolls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
3. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles.
4. Dip each marshmallow in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Place each marshmallow on the wide end of a crescent roll and roll up tightly, ensuring the edges are fully sealed.
6. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

• Seal the dough tightly around the marshmallow to prevent leaks.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze before serving.
• These taste best fresh out of the oven, but can be reheated for a gooey texture.

Savory Dishes That Bring the Family Together

Beyond her beloved dips and baked goods, Mama Kelce is known for her hearty, satisfying meals that bring the family together, especially on game days. These dishes are warm, filling, and full of flavor, making them perfect for NFL Sundays, family gatherings, and casual weeknight dinners. Whether it’s a slow-cooked pot roast, a creamy baked mac and cheese, or her famous chili, her cooking style is all about comfort and tradition.

Hearty Slow-Cooked Pot Roast

Mama Kelce’s pot roast is a Sunday dinner staple, slow-cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender and infused with deep, rich flavors. It’s a one-pot meal that fills the house with a mouthwatering aroma and is best served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the gravy.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast – Well-marbled for tenderness.
• Yellow onions, sliced – Adds depth and natural sweetness.
• Carrots and celery, chopped – Provide texture and flavor.
• Garlic cloves, minced – Infuses the broth with a rich aroma.
• Beef broth – Forms the base of the flavorful gravy.
• Red wine (optional) – Adds a deep, savory complexity.
• Tomato paste – Enhances the umami flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – A secret ingredient for a robust, slightly tangy taste.
• Bay leaves and thyme – Herbs that bring warmth to the dish.
• Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika – Essential seasonings for richness.

Instructions

1. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the roast in a large Dutch oven until browned on all sides.
3. Remove the meat and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot.
4. Deglaze the pan with red wine (if using), scraping up the browned bits.
5. Return the beef to the pot, add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours (or in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours) until fork-tender.
7. Shred the meat slightly and serve with mashed potatoes or over buttered egg noodles.

Pro Tips

• A cast-iron Dutch oven retains heat best and creates the richest flavor.
• For extra depth, let the roast rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
• Thicken the gravy by whisking in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

Baked Mac and Cheese with a Buttery Cracker Crust

Mac and cheese is a must-have comfort food, and Mama Kelce’s version is extra creamy and indulgent, topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust. The secret to its richness is the blend of cheeses and a touch of heavy cream, making every bite irresistibly smooth.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta – Holds the cheese sauce well.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Provides bold flavor.
• Gouda or Monterey Jack – Adds creaminess.
• Heavy cream and whole milk – Ensures a rich, velvety sauce.
• Butter and flour – Forms the base of the roux.
• Garlic powder and mustard powder – Enhance the flavor.
• Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper – For seasoning.
• Crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs – Creates the golden, crispy topping.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
3. Gradually add milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
4. Melt in shredded cheeses, stirring constantly.
5. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
6. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce, mixing well.
7. Transfer to a buttered baking dish and top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
8. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce (pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that make it grainy).
• Don’t overcook the pasta before baking, as it will absorb some sauce in the oven.
• For extra crunch, mix melted butter into the cracker topping before baking.

Mama Kelce’s Signature Chili

Nothing beats a big pot of chili on a cold day or a football Sunday. Mama Kelce’s chili is hearty, meaty, and packed with flavor, with just the right amount of spice. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• Ground beef and Italian sausage – A mix of meats for deep flavor.
• Kidney beans and black beans – For texture and protein.
• Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce – The rich tomato base.
• Bell peppers and onions – Add sweetness and crunch.
• Minced garlic and jalapeños – For extra heat.
• Beef broth – Creates the perfect chili consistency.
• Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano – The spice blend that brings it all together.
• Dark chocolate or cocoa powder (optional) – Enhances the depth of flavor.

Instructions

1. Brown the meat in a large pot, then drain excess fat.
2. Sauté onions, bell peppers, garlic, and jalapeños until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
4. Add the spices and beans, stirring well.
5. Simmer uncovered for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch of sugar or dark chocolate for balance.

Pro Tips

• For thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
• Add a splash of beer for extra depth.
• Let it sit overnight for an even better flavor the next day.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Game-day food wouldn’t be complete without a spicy, cheesy, pull-apart slider. These buffalo chicken sliders are easy to make in bulk, making them ideal for Super Bowl parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Shredded rotisserie chicken – A quick and flavorful shortcut.
• Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing – The perfect spicy-creamy balance.
• Hawaiian rolls – Soft and slightly sweet.
• Shredded mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles – For melty, tangy goodness.
• Butter, garlic, and parsley – Brushed on top for a golden, buttery crust.

Instructions

1. Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl.
2. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping them connected as one large piece.
3. Spread chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer.
4. Top with shredded cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
5. Place the top rolls back on and brush with a mix of melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
6. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pro Tips

• Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• For an extra crunch, add crispy bacon on top of the chicken mixture.

Mama Kelce’s cooking is all about comfort, tradition, and practicality. She prepares dishes that feed a crowd, store well, and taste even better the next day. In this final part of our guide, we’ll cover her best meal prep strategies, creative ways to repurpose leftovers, and expert kitchen tips to help you bring a touch of her home cooking into your own kitchen.

Meal Prep Secrets for Stress-Free Cooking

Donna Kelce’s recipes aren’t just delicious—they’re designed to be practical and easy to prepare in advance. Here are some of the best strategies she uses to make meal planning and prep a breeze.

Batch Cooking for the Week

One of Mama Kelce’s biggest time-saving tips is batch cooking—preparing large portions of food that can be repurposed into multiple meals throughout the week. Some of her best batch-cooking recipes include:

• Chili – Perfect for freezing in individual portions and reheating on busy days.
• Slow-Cooked Pot Roast – Can be served as a full meal, shredded for sandwiches, or turned into a beef and vegetable soup.
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders – The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and used for wraps, quesadillas, or salads.
• Mac and Cheese – Store in small containers for quick lunches, or reheat and mix with cooked veggies for variety.

Prepping Ingredients in Advance

To cut down on cooking time, Donna Kelce recommends prepping ingredients at the start of the week. Some key steps include:

• Chopping onions, garlic, bell peppers, and carrots ahead of time for quick meal assembly.
• Shredding chicken or beef after cooking to store in portions for future meals.
• Pre-mixing spice blends for dishes like chili, tacos, and pot roast to avoid measuring each time.
• Grating cheese ahead of time to have ready for mac and cheese, dips, or casseroles.

Using a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot for Convenience

On busy days, Mama Kelce relies on a slow cooker or Instant Pot to do the heavy lifting. Some of her go-to slow cooker recipes include:

• Slow-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork – Cooks low and slow for 8 hours and is perfect for sliders, tacos, or rice bowls.
• Beef Stew – A hearty and filling dish that stays warm for hours, ready whenever the family is.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup – Easy to throw together in the morning and ready by dinnertime.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Mama Kelce’s recipes make big portions, which means there are always leftovers. Instead of reheating the same meal, she transforms them into new dishes for variety.

Leftover Chili: Three Ways to Repurpose It

1. Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Spoon chili over a baked potato and top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
2. Chili Mac – Stir leftover chili into cooked macaroni and add extra cheese for a quick stovetop meal.
3. Chili Nachos – Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and jalapeños, then bake until bubbly.

Extra Pot Roast: Turn It Into Something New

1. Shredded Beef Tacos – Add Mexican seasoning, warm in a skillet, and serve in tortillas with salsa.
2. Beef & Vegetable Soup – Combine shredded pot roast with beef broth, diced potatoes, and frozen veggies for a comforting soup.
3. French Dip Sandwiches – Pile shredded beef onto toasted hoagie rolls, top with melted Swiss cheese, and serve with a side of au jus for dipping.

Mac and Cheese: Next-Day Twists

1. Mac and Cheese Fritters – Mix with breadcrumbs and egg, form into balls, and pan-fry until crispy.
2. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese – Stir shredded buffalo chicken into the leftovers for a spicy upgrade.
3. Baked Mac and Cheese Cups – Scoop into muffin tins, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for individual portions.

Repurposing Chicken for New Meals

1. Chicken Quesadillas – Use leftover buffalo chicken or shredded roast chicken with cheese in a tortilla.
2. Buffalo Chicken Wraps – Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, add ranch dressing, and wrap in a tortilla with lettuce.
3. Chicken Salad – Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, and grapes for a fresh and easy sandwich filling.

Expert Kitchen Tips from Mama Kelce

Over the years, Donna Kelce has perfected her cooking techniques, ensuring her meals always turn out great. Here are some of her best kitchen tips:

1. Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning

• Don’t rely on a recipe alone—taste as you go and adjust salt, spice, and acidity levels as needed.
• A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten up a dish without extra salt.

2. Make Sauces and Soups in Advance

• Most soups, stews, and sauces taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
• Always let soups cool before refrigerating to prevent condensation from thinning the broth.

3. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry

To always be ready for last-minute meals, keep these pantry essentials on hand:

• Canned tomatoes – For soups, chili, and sauces.
• Dried pasta and rice – Quick meal bases.
• Beans and lentils – Adds protein and fiber to dishes.
• Chicken and beef broth – For stews, soups, and gravies.

4. Use Cast Iron for the Best Flavor

• A cast iron skillet or Dutch oven provides even heat distribution, making it perfect for roasting meats, frying chicken, or baking cornbread.
• Season cast iron properly to keep it non-stick and rust-free.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Bold Flavors

• A touch of heat or acidity can elevate any dish—try adding a bit of hot sauce, mustard, or citrus juice.
• Layering flavors is key—build depth by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and spices before adding other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

• Store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
• Label containers with the date so you know when to use them.

Can You Freeze Mama Kelce’s Recipes?

• Yes! Many of her recipes freeze well, including chili, soups, shredded meat, and pasta dishes.
• Freeze in meal-sized portions for easy reheating.

How Do You Prevent a Pot Roast from Drying Out?

• Cook it low and slow in a well-sealed pot to retain moisture.
• Let the roast rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

How Can You Keep Mac and Cheese from Drying Out?

• When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir well.
• Cover with foil and warm in the oven for best results.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Mama Kelce’s Cooking to Your Kitchen

Mama Kelce’s recipes are more than just meals—they’re a celebration of family, comfort, and tradition. Whether you’re cooking for a football watch party, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, her recipes are easy, satisfying, and full of love.

By using her meal prep strategies, leftover hacks, and expert kitchen tips, you can recreate her legendary game-day snacks, hearty comfort foods, and homestyle baked goods right in your own kitchen.