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  4. Old-Fashioned Weeknight Dinner Recipes You Can Always Rely On

Old-Fashioned Weeknight Dinner Recipes You Can Always Rely On

Jenna Sims, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Jenna Sims Updated February 18, 2022
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Ham and Noodle Casserole
Credit: Jen Causey

If you're in a dinnertime rut from serving the same recipes over and over again, it might be time to switch things up and bring these old-fashioned dinner recipes back to the menu. These are the classic dinner recipes that your Mama has been serving up for decades, and they still deserve a spot on your dinner table today. Need convincing? From Fried Chicken to Chicken Pot Pie to Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole and so much more, there is sure to be plenty of recipes on this list that fit your family's taste. Plus, homemade from scratch doesn't mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Make-ahead and slow-cooker options will ensure that you can serve your family a warm meal no matter how busy your day may be. And if they're one-pot? Even better. It's never been easier to whip up a beloved dish.

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New Tuna Casserole

New Tuna Casserole
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

Crushed potato chips give this cheesy casserole a crunchy finish that the whole family will love. 

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Mama's Fried Chicken

Mama's Fried Chicken
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken

This traditional fried chicken recipe has a short, no-fuss ingredient list. 

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Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken-Spaghetti Casserole
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

You'll find chicken, butter, cheese, pasta, and a dash of hot sauce all on the ingredient list for this classic casserole.

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Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Egg noodles, mushrooms, and beef tips come together to create a comforting bowl of stroganoff. 

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Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Homestlye Ground Beef Casserole

This ground beef recipe includes make-ahead instructions so you can keep it in the freezer for busy weeknights. 

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Ham Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole
Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Ham Noodle Casserole

It will take you just 45 minutes from start to finish to get this casserole on the table for dinner.

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Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

This classic is made with tenderized beef steak that's breaded and served covered with a creamy pepper gravy.

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Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Don't let the long list deter you, most of the spices and ingredients you'll need for this meatloaf recipe are probably already on hand in your kitchen. 

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Roasted Spatchcock Chicken

Garlicky Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Roasted Spatchcock Chicken

If you find roasting a whole chicken intimidating, this sheet pan recipe will help you achieve the ideal crispiness without over-drying the meat.  

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Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

When it comes to chicken pot pie, from scratch is always best, but frozen vegetables and refrigerated pie crust make the recipe attainable. 

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Cottage Pie with Potato Crust

Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potato Crust Image
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr

Recipe: Cottage Pie with Potato Crust

Frozen mashed potatoes ensure that this comforting dinner will be on the table in an hour.

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Chicken Bog

Simple Suppers Challenge: Chicken Bog
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken Bog

Chicken Bog has been a staple meal in the Lowcountry for years because it's simple to make and will feed many mouths. 

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Classic Fried Catfish

Classic Fried Catfish
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Classic Fried Catfish

A homemade batch of fried catfish is begging to become your new go-to summertime supper. 

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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

If you want to change up the menu, this casserole can also be prepared with shrimp. 

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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

First featured in Southern Living in October 1983, this no-frills recipe is a surefire winner.

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Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

This sandwich supper requires just 15 minutes of prep time to throw it into the slow cooker. Plus, it freezes well so it's great to keep on hand for a homemade dinner on even the busiest days.

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Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

Briny shrimp meet melted Parmesan and cheddar on a bed of creamy grits. They don't call it a classic for nothing.

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JuneBaby Fried Catfish and Parmesan Grits

Parmesan Grits
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: JuneBaby Fried Catfish and Parmesan Grits

Southerners know how to do a fish fry, and Edouardo Jordan takes it up a notch with nutty brown butter and Parmesan Grits.

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Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks and Pickled Collard Green Stems

Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks and Pickled Collard Green Stems
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks and Pickled Collard Green Stems

The standard greens and ham hocks in a simple broth is elevated by the addition of Pickled Collard Green Stems, which makes it extra flavorful. No complaints over here.

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Turnip Greens-and-Ham Stew

Turnip Greens-and-Ham Stew

Recipe: Turnip Greens-and-Ham Stew

For an ultra-comforting dinner, stir together a pot of this stew, rich in turnip greens, onions, and chopped cooked ham.

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Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Skillet Pot Pie with Chicken and Spring Vegetables
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

It's the classic reinvented. The rich filling is sure to satisfy hungry tummies, and the flaky puff pastry may cause a tussle or two at the table.

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Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Skillet Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Who doesn't love mac and cheese? There's nothing like a big bowl of cheesy pasta. Breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch.

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Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Few things satisfy on a cold night like gumbo. Though there are endless variations and possibilities when it comes to this classic dish, we settled on shrimp and sausage as the perfect duo.

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Jambalaya

Creole Jambalaya
Credit: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Jambalaya

Ready in just under an hour, our Jambalaya recipe features generous amounts of shrimp, sausage, and seasonings.

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Biscuits-and-Gravy Casserole

Biscuits-and-Gravy Casserole Image
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Biscuits-and-Gravy Casserole

Brunch or breakfast for dinner? You decide. Either way, we can't pass up this well-loved old-fashioned combination. Top with homemade biscuits or use some pre-made ones for ease.

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Serve baked potatoes for a crowd in a handy casserole dish. It's loaded with all the fixings: sour cream, bacon, scallions, and cheese.

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French Onion Soup Casserole

French Onion Soup Casserole
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: French Onion Soup Casserole

Hearty, homey, and filled with Vidalia onions, this soup makes for a great early-spring meal. The light broth, crunchy bread, and melty cheese come together for a comforting and refreshing meal.

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Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Credit: Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

This staple just got a whole lot easier. It's now a casserole ready in just an hour, with all the flavors we know and love.

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Credit: William Dickey

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This is a dish that reigns supreme at both potlucks and on busy weeknights. All you need are some corn tortillas, spicy green chiles, and a can of creamy soup. Top it all off with grated Cheddar cheese for some melty goodness.

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Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Sit back, relax, and let your slow cooker create this super simple, quick-fix pasta dish.

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Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy

Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy

Recipe: Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy

You might be surprised to learn that golden brown fried pork chops come together in just 30 minutes. 

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Company Pot Roast

Company Pot Roast with Creamy Mushroom Grits
Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Company Pot Roast

Your slow cooker will help this company-worthy meal come together even on busy weeknights. 

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Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

Chicken Casserole D'Iberville
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

You can use rotisserie chicken to shorten the prep time before popping this casserole in the oven. 

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    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

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    View All

    1 of 33 New Tuna Casserole
    2 of 33 Mama's Fried Chicken
    3 of 33 Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
    4 of 33 Beef Stroganoff
    5 of 33 Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
    6 of 33 Ham Noodle Casserole
    7 of 33 Chicken Fried Steak
    8 of 33 Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
    9 of 33 Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
    10 of 33 Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
    11 of 33 Cottage Pie with Potato Crust
    12 of 33 Chicken Bog
    13 of 33 Classic Fried Catfish
    14 of 33 Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
    15 of 33 Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
    16 of 33 Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes
    17 of 33 Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
    18 of 33 JuneBaby Fried Catfish and Parmesan Grits
    19 of 33 Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks and Pickled Collard Green Stems
    20 of 33 Turnip Greens-and-Ham Stew
    21 of 33 Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
    22 of 33 Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
    23 of 33 Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
    24 of 33 Jambalaya
    25 of 33 Biscuits-and-Gravy Casserole
    26 of 33 Twice Baked Potato Casserole
    27 of 33 French Onion Soup Casserole
    28 of 33 Shrimp and Grits Casserole
    29 of 33 King Ranch Chicken Casserole
    30 of 33 Spaghetti Casserole
    31 of 33 Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy
    32 of 33 Company Pot Roast
    33 of 33 Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

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