Cozy nights spent around the dinner table are a true delight. And what’s better than gathering loved ones together to savor a hearty, comforting meal? Classic dishes from our grandparents’ era never go out of style, and for good reason – they’re often rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to become new family favorites. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the past with 18 old-fashioned dinner recipes that are sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
From slow-cooked beef stew to classic meatloaf, creamy chicken and dumplings to traditional pot roast, these tried-and-true recipes are sure to become staples in your household. So grab a seat at the table, get cozy, and let’s dig in!
Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Perfect for a chilly evening, this slow-cooked beef stew is filled with tender root vegetables and rich flavors. Let your crockpot do the work as you come home to a warm, comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. In a crockpot, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced parsnip.
3. Place the beef on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze
Classic Homemade Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze: A hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While meatloaf is cooking, prepare Tangy Glaze: mix 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
7. Remove meatloaf from oven and brush with Tangy Glaze.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this homemade Creamy Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich creamy broth come together to create a warm and cozy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken in butter until browned.
2. Add carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Sprinkle flour over mixture; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in heavy cream and beaten eggs. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Old-Fashioned Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
This hearty pot roast recipe is a timeless classic, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Braised to perfection in a rich beef broth, the tender roast is accompanied by flavorful carrots and potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef pot roast
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 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 roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the roast on all sides over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Lamb and Buttery Mash
A classic comfort food recipe that combines the rich flavors of ground lamb with creamy mashed potatoes and a golden-brown crust. Perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 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
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground lamb over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk.
5. Transfer the lamb mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy
Get ready to taste the authentic flavors of the South with this simple and mouthwatering fried chicken recipe, served with a rich cream gravy that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 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
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown (about 8-10 minutes per side).
5. Remove fried chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. For the cream gravy, melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream and flour mixture; cook until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Apple Onion Gravy
A sweet and savory twist on a classic dish, this recipe combines tender pork chops with a rich apple onion gravy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add apple slices to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let gravy thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in butter until melted. Serve pork chops with apple onion gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grandma’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting classic that never goes out of style! This creamy pasta dish is a staple at many family gatherings, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, indulgent, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add melted butter, heavy cream, and cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (if desired).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Traditional Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
This classic Russian dish combines tender beef strips, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a rich sour cream sauce served over egg noodles. A comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes; remove from skillet.
3. Add onion and mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, flour, and broth to the skillet; whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in sour cream and return beef strips to the skillet. Cook until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked egg noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce
A traditional Irish-American dish gets a tangy twist with the addition of spicy horseradish sauce. This hearty recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs corned beef brisket
– 1 medium head cabbage, cut into wedges
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup horseradish sauce (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the corned beef in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot.
3. Add the sliced carrots, onion, and garlic around the corned beef.
4. Pour enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3-4 hours or until the corned beef is tender.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the cabbage wedges to the pot.
7. Serve the corned beef with the horseradish sauce spooned over the top.
Horseradish Sauce Recipe:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Layered Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the savory flavors of ham and potatoes with a crispy, golden-brown topping. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package of scalloped potatoes
– 1 cup diced cooked ham
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the scalloped potatoes according to package instructions.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced ham, grated cheese, and milk.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
5. Create layers of cooked potatoes, ham mixture, and butter in the prepared dish.
6. Top with additional grated cheese (if desired).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Homestyle Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Classic comfort food at its finest! This recipe brings together tender beef patties and rich mushroom gravy to create a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add flour to the skillet and whisk to combine with any remaining juices.
7. Gradually stir in beef broth and butter. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
8. Serve Salisbury steak patties with mushroom gravy spooned over top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
A southern staple, this recipe combines crispy fried steak with a rich and creamy country gravy, perfect for satisfying your cravings. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cutlets (such as top round 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
– Country gravy mix (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then in buttermilk, and finally coat with flour again.
3. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve hot with country gravy (following package instructions) spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines juicy bell peppers with savory ground beef, rice, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated 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 ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and top with cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef and Barley Soup with Thyme and Carrots
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting soup recipe. A flavorful blend of tender beef, nutty barley, sweet carrots, and aromatic thyme makes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the beef broth, barley, carrots, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the barley is tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Old-World Goulash with Noodles and Paprika
A hearty and comforting dish that warms the soul, this traditional goulash recipe combines tender beef, rich paprika flavor, and soft noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve the goulash over the noodles.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Buttered Breadcrumbs
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole with Buttered Breadcrumbs Recipe
This comforting casserole combines the simplicity of canned tuna and noodles with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 8 oz macaroni
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, tuna, peas and carrots, milk, and butter. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Butter the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Classic Swiss Steak with Tomato Gravy
A comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please, this classic Swiss steak recipe is a staple of many cuisines. Tenderized by slow cooking, the beef is then smothered in a rich tomato gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef round or top round 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
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the steak with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer it to a baking dish.
4. Pour tomato sauce and beef broth over the steak.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Summary
Get cozy this winter with these 18 hearty old-fashioned dinner recipes! From classic comfort foods like beef stew and meatloaf to Southern-style fried chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese, there’s something for everyone. Try slow-cooked pot roast with carrots and potatoes, shepherd’s pie with ground lamb and buttery mash, or traditional beef stroganoff with egg noodles. These tried-and-true recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.
