Old-Fashioned Weeknight Dinner Recipes You Can Always Rely On
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.
New Tuna Casserole
Recipe: New Tuna Casserole
Crushed potato chips give this cheesy casserole a crunchy finish that the whole family will love.Â
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Mama's Fried Chicken
Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken
This traditional fried chicken recipe has a short, no-fuss ingredient list.Â
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Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
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
Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Egg noodles, mushrooms, and beef tips come together to create a comforting bowl of stroganoff.Â
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Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
Recipe: Homestlye Ground Beef Casserole
This ground beef recipe includes make-ahead instructions so you can keep it in the freezer for busy weeknights.Â
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Ham Noodle Casserole
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
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
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.Â
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Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
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. Â
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Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
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.Â
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Cottage Pie with Potato Crust
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
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.Â
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Classic Fried Catfish
Recipe: Classic Fried Catfish
A homemade batch of fried catfish is begging to become your new go-to summertime supper.Â
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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
If you want to change up the menu, this casserole can also be prepared with shrimp.Â
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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.Â
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Company Pot Roast
Recipe: Company Pot Roast
Your slow cooker will help this company-worthy meal come together even on busy weeknights.Â
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Chicken Casserole D'Iberville
Recipe: Chicken Casserole D'Iberville
You can use rotisserie chicken to shorten the prep time before popping this casserole in the oven.Â