Top 15+ Old-School Dinners We’d Actually Like to See Come Back

So many different meals used to feel comforting back in the day, especially when we would sit down with family and all eat together. A lot of those classic recipes have faded over time, but the truth is, some of those old-school dinners were downright delicious. Here are 15 dishes we wish would come back.

Chicken à la King

There’s no denying that Chicken à la King was comforting and a clever way to use up leftovers. It had chicken, mushrooms, peas, and sometimes pimentos, all mixed into a buttery white sauce and spooned over toast or biscuits.

You might remember it from potlucks or your grandmother’s table. It sounds fancy, but it actually was super easy to make and came together fast.

Beef Stroganoff

If you grew up with this one, you know how much of a family favorite it used to be. Beef stroganoff makes you think of those creamy, savory dinners where everything came together in one pan. The dish is made with thin strips of beef, mushrooms, and onions, all mixed into a sour cream gravy and poured over egg noodles.

Porcupine Meatballs

Hear us out, porcupine meatballs were way better than the name sounds. They were beef meatballs mixed with uncooked rice and simmered in tomato sauce until the rice puffed out and gave them a spiky look, hence the name. These meatballs were a smart way to stretch ground beef and make something filling on a budget.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Okay, some people might raise an eyebrow, however, tuna noodle casserole used to be a total dinnertime hero. You threw together canned tuna, cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup, maybe some peas, and topped it with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs.

For a while, it got a bad reputation for being too ‘blah,’ but with a few fresh updates, it could absolutely make a comeback in today’s kitchen scene.

Swiss Steak

When you look back, Swiss steak was one of those dishes that made the whole house smell as amazing as it cooked. You’d take a tougher cut of beef, dredge it in flour, brown it, then slowly simmer it in a tomato and onion gravy until it got fork-tender.

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Let’s be real, ham and scalloped potatoes were the ultimate comfort pairing. The salty ham balanced perfectly with the creamy, cheesy layers of thin-sliced potatoes. It filled you up and made enough to feed a crowd, which made it perfect for leftovers.

It’s one of those meals that everyone seemed to love but somehow got left behind in favor of quicker dinners.

Sloppy Joes

Now this one’s probably the messiest on the list, however, Sloppy Joes had a charm all on their own. There’s just something fun about a saucy pile of ground beef on a soft bun. The sauce was tangy and totally crave-worthy. Most times, you’d find them on school lunch trays or weeknight dinner tables.

Chicken Pot Pie

For sure, this one never really went out of style in some kitchens. Chicken pot pie is a classic for a reason. A golden, flaky crust hiding a rich, creamy filling of chicken, peas, carrots, and potatoes, it was the kind of meal that just made you feel good. People made them from scratch, but even the frozen versions held their own.

Liver and Onions

One thing we can all agree on is that liver and onions weren’t for everyone, yet for those who liked it, it was a staple. Think pan-fried liver with a pile of sweet, caramelized onions, sometimes with gravy or mashed potatoes on the side. This meal was a high-protein, iron-rich meal that showed up often, especially in working-class homes.

Cabbage Rolls

If you’ve never had homemade cabbage rolls, you’re missing out on a comforting classic. They were made by wrapping a filling of seasoned ground meat and rice in cabbage leaves and then baked in tomato sauce until tender. Sure, they took a little prep work, but they froze well and could feed a family for days.

Deviled Ham Sandwiches

Something you probably haven’t thought about in a while is deviled ham sandwiches. A while ago, these were made with spiced canned ham, mayonnaise, mustard, and sometimes pickle relish, spread between slices of soft white bread. Nowadays, you could definitely upgrade it with fresh herbs or better-quality ham.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Let’s not beat around the bush, meatloaf and mashed potatoes were the gold standard for weeknight dinners. Mashed potatoes always showed up beside it, and would be buttery and smooth. Some folks got tired of it after years of repetition, but it’s still one of the most satisfying meals you can make.

Tamale Pie

This one flew under the radar, however, tamale pie was full of flavor. Think ground beef, cornmeal, cheese, and spices layered together and baked like a casserole. Tamale pie was easy to make and brought a nice Southwestern kick to dinner without needing a ton of ingredients. A lot of families made this in the ’50s and ’60s when casseroles were king.