Cozy up to a warm and satisfying meal with these 20 heartwarming old-fashioned dinner recipes that are sure to bring back memories of home. From classic comfort foods like beef pot roast with carrots and potatoes, to homestyle favorites like chicken and dumplings, our collection of timeless recipes is designed to delight both young and old.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the decades, sharing beloved dishes that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re looking for a hearty beef stew with root vegetables, a flavorful Swiss steak with tomato sauce, or a comforting baked macaroni and cheese, we’ve got you covered.
Beef Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef pot roast (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven or pot roast pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Roast for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Chicken and Dumplings Homestyle
This hearty recipe is a staple of homestyle cooking, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or soothing a cold. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings come together in a rich, comforting broth that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, eggs, and milk to form dumpling mixture.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the broth.
6. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with mashed potatoes and a rich beef broth-based gravy.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (meatloaf) + 15-20 minutes (mashed potatoes)
Swiss Steak with Tomato Sauce
Satisfy your cravings with this tender and flavorful Swiss steak dish smothered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 lbs beef top round or top sirloin steak
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a baking dish.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour tomato sauce over the steak, then cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the steak reaches desired tenderness.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting classic that’s sure to satisfy any mac and cheese lover, this recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce and a crispy topping.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
6. Transfer macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (if desired).
7. Dot the top with butter.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits
Get ready for a taste of southern comfort! This recipe combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy, buttery biscuits, perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Buttermilk Biscuits:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken and buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture (flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt). Fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Add buttermilk; stir until dough forms.
7. Drop biscuits onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-60 minutes (including marinating time)
Corned Beef and Cabbage
A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This classic recipe combines tender corned beef with sweet and tangy cabbage, all in one pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound corned beef brisket
– 1 head of cabbage, chopped
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. Place the corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven with the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and minced garlic.
2. Add the brown sugar, mustard seeds, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the water, making sure the meat is covered.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-1/2 hours or until the corned beef is tender.
5. Remove the meat from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
This hearty dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, featuring tenderized beef topped with crispy breading and smothered in a rich cream gravy. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound top round steak (or cube steak)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Pound steak to tenderize.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip steak in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture.
4. Fry steak in hot oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
5. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
7. Serve fried steak with cream gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
This sweet and savory dish combines the natural flavors of pork chops, apples, and onions for a comforting and easy meal. Perfect for a chilly fall evening, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1 inch thick)
– 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Transfer pork chops to a baking sheet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced apples and onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until tender.
5. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Place the pork chops back in the skillet and spoon the apple-onion mixture over the top.
7. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until pork chops reach desired doneness.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
A comforting and flavorful casserole that combines ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the liquid has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. While the meat mixture is cooking, boil diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This comforting stew is a perfect cold-weather dish that combines the rich flavor of beef with the natural sweetness of root vegetables. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef in 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and parsnips. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add garlic, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tuna Casserole with Peas and Breadcrumbs
This creamy tuna casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With the added crunch of breadcrumbs and sweetness from peas, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of tuna in water, drained
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, peas and carrots, milk, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
A classic comfort food dish that combines the savory flavors of ham with the creamy goodness of scalloped potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups diced cooked ham (about 6 ounces)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, combine butter, heavy cream, and grated cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Arrange sliced potatoes in the skillet, overlapping them slightly.
4. Top with diced ham, then sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roast Turkey with Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce
A timeless holiday tradition, this roast turkey recipe is paired with a savory stuffing and a tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for your next family gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the turkey:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, quartered
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the stuffing:
– 4 cups cubed bread
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
For the cranberry sauce:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Rinse and pat dry the turkey. Season with olive oil, onion, garlic, and thyme.
3. Stuff the turkey loosely with the prepared stuffing.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 4-4 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While the turkey is cooking, prepare the cranberry sauce by combining all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving with the cranberry sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-4 1/2 hours for the turkey, plus an additional 10 minutes for the cranberry sauce.
Liver and Onions with Bacon
Savor the rich flavors of liver and onions elevated by the smoky goodness of crispy bacon. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a satisfying brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef liver, sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Add the sliced onions to the same skillet and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 20 minutes.
3. Add the liver strips to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Serve the liver and onions hot, topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, garlic, and mixed vegetables in butter until cooked through.
3. Add flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream; stir until sauce thickens.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Fill the crust with the chicken mixture and top with additional crust or crumb topping (optional).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory taste of ground beef and rice.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the cooked rice.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Ham Hock
This classic comfort soup is a staple of many cuisines, and our recipe adds a rich and savory element with the addition of a ham hock. This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening or as a filling lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried split peas
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ham hock, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the ham hock, split peas, chicken broth, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
3. Remove the ham hock and let cool. Shred the meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
4. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Elevate your holiday dinner or special occasion with this mouthwatering baked ham glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. This recipe yields a tender, flavorful ham that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and salt.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored in a diamond pattern if desired.
4. Brush the pineapple glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream and Chives
These crispy potato pancakes are elevated by the creamy richness of sour cream and the oniony flavor of chives. Perfect as a side dish or snack, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons sour cream
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine grated potatoes, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beaten egg, melted butter, sour cream, and chives; mix until just combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
4. Using about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture per pancake, shape into patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with additional sour cream and chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to warm up your heart and your belly with these classic old-fashioned dinner recipes! From comfort food staples like meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, to hearty beef pot roast with carrots and potatoes, there’s something for everyone. Try chicken and dumplings, Swiss steak with tomato sauce, or baked macaroni and cheese for a comforting twist on familiar flavors. And don’t forget about the nostalgic favorites, like fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits, corned beef and cabbage, or shepherd’s pie with ground beef. These 20 recipes will bring warmth and joy to your dinner table.
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