15 Traditional Old-Fashioned Recipes to Try

There’s something timeless and heartwarming about old-fashioned dinners.

These classic recipes remind us of family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the rich aromas of homemade comfort food.

This collection of 15 old-fashioned dinner recipes features hearty casseroles, slow-cooked roasts, creamy mashed potatoes, and traditional stews.

Each dish is crafted to deliver nostalgia and flavor, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.

Rediscover the charm of simple, wholesome cooking and bring back the taste of the past with these comforting, old-fashioned favorites.

15 Traditional Old-Fashioned Recipes to Try

Old-fashioned dinner recipes bring warmth, flavor, and tradition back to the table.

These 15 recipes celebrate comfort food at its best — hearty, satisfying, and made with love.

Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home, they capture the essence of homemade goodness.

From tender roasts to creamy casseroles, each dish offers a taste of nostalgia and simplicity.

Enjoy the comfort, flavor, and timeless charm of these old-fashioned dinner recipes that make every meal feel like home.

Classic Beef Pot Roast

Classic Beef Pot Roast is a timeless comfort dinner, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.

Tender beef slowly braised with root vegetables and savory herbs creates a rich, flavorful dish.

The slow cooking ensures the meat melts in your mouth while the vegetables absorb all the delicious juices.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef chuck roast
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Season beef with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pot and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
• Remove beef and sauté onions and garlic until softened.
• Return beef to pot, add carrots, potatoes, broth, wine, and thyme.
• Cover and bake for 3–4 hours until meat is tender and falling apart.
• Serve hot with vegetables and pan juices.

This pot roast is rich, hearty, and incredibly tender.

It delivers classic comfort with every bite, making it a perfect old-fashioned dinner.

A timeless dish that warms the heart and fills the table with joy.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is a traditional, soul-satisfying dinner that combines tender chicken with soft, fluffy dumplings.

The creamy broth, infused with herbs and vegetables, creates a comforting, homey dish ideal for chilly evenings.

It’s a hearty meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

• In a large pot, simmer chicken with broth, carrots, celery, and onion until cooked through.
• Remove chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Mix flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings, then add milk and butter to form a soft dough.
• Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into simmering broth.
• Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until dumplings are puffed and tender.
• Return shredded chicken to pot, stir gently, and garnish with parsley.

This dish is creamy, tender, and filling.

It evokes comfort and nostalgia in every spoonful.

Perfect for a cozy, old-fashioned dinner that pleases everyone at the table.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic old-fashioned dinner featuring a savory meat and vegetable base topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

The combination of tender ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy potatoes makes it hearty and satisfying.

It’s a timeless recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sauté onion and carrots in a pan until soft.
• Add ground meat and cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato paste, peas, and beef broth. Simmer until thickened.
• Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish and top evenly with mashed potatoes.
• Dot with butter and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden on top.
• Serve hot.

This Shepherd’s Pie is hearty, rich, and flavorful.

The soft mashed potatoes complement the savory meat perfectly.

A comforting old-fashioned dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to any evening.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a timeless, creamy, and cheesy comfort dish.

The combination of tender pasta, rich cheese sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping creates a satisfying and indulgent dinner.

It’s a dish that reminds everyone of classic family meals from childhood.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
• In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
• Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
• Stir in cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until melted.
• Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and pour into a baking dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

This baked macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting.

It’s an indulgent yet nostalgic dish perfect for a classic dinner.

A dish that brings smiles and satisfaction to every table.

Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf is a hearty, old-fashioned dinner featuring seasoned ground meat baked to perfection.

It’s moist, flavorful, and often topped with a tangy glaze for extra taste.

This traditional dish is a staple for family dinners, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every slice.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently until combined.
• Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
• Spread ketchup or tomato sauce over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour until cooked through and golden on top.
• Slice and serve hot with vegetables or mashed potatoes.

This meatloaf is moist, tender, and flavorful.

It embodies the essence of traditional, home-cooked dinners.

A hearty and satisfying meal that never goes out of style:

Classic Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Classic Roast Chicken with Vegetables is a traditional, hearty dinner that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

The golden, crispy skin and juicy meat paired with roasted root vegetables create a perfectly balanced, comforting meal.

It’s a timeless recipe that’s simple yet elegant, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lb)
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 3 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
• Place vegetables and garlic in a roasting pan and lay the chicken on top.
• Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices.
• Check internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C).
• Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

This roast chicken is tender, juicy, and flavorful.

The vegetables soak up the rich pan juices for a complete, comforting meal.

A classic, old-fashioned dinner that satisfies every appetite.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a rich, creamy dish that hails from traditional Russian cuisine and has become a comforting dinner classic.

Tender strips of beef are cooked in a savory mushroom and sour cream sauce, creating a luxurious, hearty meal.

It pairs perfectly with egg noodles or rice for a complete dinner experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thinly
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving

Instructions:

• In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms until softened.
• Add beef strips and cook until browned but not overcooked.
• Stir in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and mustard.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice.

This beef stroganoff is creamy, tender, and rich in flavor.

It offers a comforting, traditional dinner experience for any night of the week.

A classic dish that delights the senses and warms the soul.

Pot Roast with Root Vegetables

Pot Roast with Root Vegetables is a slow-cooked, hearty dinner beloved for generations.

Beef chuck slowly braises with carrots, potatoes, and onions, producing tender meat and richly flavored vegetables.

The slow-cooking process ensures maximum flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef chuck roast
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Season roast with salt and pepper.
• Sear roast in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
• Add vegetables, garlic, broth, and thyme to the roasting pan.
• Cover tightly and bake for 3–4 hours until meat is tender.
• Serve with the cooked vegetables and pan juices.

This pot roast is tender, savory, and deeply satisfying.

It’s a classic, comforting dinner perfect for slow weekend cooking.

A timeless meal that fills both stomach and heart with warmth.

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf is a hearty, nostalgic dinner that evokes home-cooked comfort.

Ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, milk, and seasoning is baked to perfection with a tangy tomato glaze.

It’s a simple yet satisfying meal served best with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, mix all ingredients except ketchup until combined.
• Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
• Spread ketchup over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour or until fully cooked.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and deeply comforting.

It brings nostalgic flavors to the dinner table for all to enjoy.

A classic, old-fashioned meal that’s perfect for family nights.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and timeless comfort dinner.

Tender pasta is enveloped in a smooth cheese sauce and topped with golden breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

It’s a dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
• In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
• Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
• Stir in cheddar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and pour into a baking dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

This macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and indulgent.

It’s a classic, comforting dinner that never goes out of style.

Perfect for cozy evenings and satisfying family meals.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Classic Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting, old-fashioned dinner with a creamy filling and a flaky pastry crust.

Tender chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes are enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that is baked to golden perfection.

It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and potatoes until softened.
• Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually add chicken broth, whisking until thickened.
• Add chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
• Pour filling into a pie dish and cover with pie crust.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes until crust is golden brown.

This chicken pot pie is creamy, tender, and comforting.

It’s a classic, hearty dinner perfect for chilly evenings.

A timeless meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Beef and Vegetable Stew

Beef and Vegetable Stew is a hearty, traditional dinner full of rich flavors and tender meat.

Chunks of beef simmer slowly with carrots, potatoes, and celery in a savory broth, creating a satisfying and warming meal.

It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or cold evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb beef stew meat
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown beef on all sides.
• Add onions and celery, cooking until softened.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
• Add carrots, potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours until beef is tender.
• Serve hot with crusty bread.

This stew is rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful.

It’s a traditional, comforting dinner that warms both body and soul.

Perfect for cozy family nights at home.

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are an old-fashioned dinner with a tender cabbage wrap encasing a savory meat and rice filling.

Simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, they are soft, flavorful, and nostalgic.

This dish is perfect for homey, satisfying dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• ½ cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Boil cabbage leaves until soft.
• Mix ground meat, rice, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Place filling in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
• Arrange rolls in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce and paprika.
• Bake for 1 hour until cooked through.

These cabbage rolls are tender, soft, and full of flavor.

They are a comforting, hearty dinner reminiscent of classic family meals.

A timeless dish that satisfies both taste and nostalgia.

Classic Meatballs with Marinara

Classic Meatballs with Marinara is a traditional dinner loved across generations.

Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce pair perfectly with pasta or bread for a hearty meal.

It’s a dish that evokes home-cooked comfort and timeless flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Cooked spaghetti or pasta

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
• Shape into 1½-inch meatballs.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides.
• Pour marinara sauce over meatballs and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
• Serve over cooked pasta.

These meatballs are tender, juicy, and flavorful.

The rich tomato sauce enhances the classic taste.

A comforting, old-fashioned dinner that satisfies every appetite.

Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole is a soft, hearty, and warming dinner.

Tender chicken pieces baked with rice, vegetables, and creamy sauce create a comforting one-dish meal.

It’s a perfect dinner for family gatherings or weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup peas and carrots
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soup, broth, vegetables, onion, salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until rice is tender.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes for a slight golden top.

This casserole is soft, creamy, and full of comforting flavors.

It’s a wholesome, old-fashioned dinner perfect for any family meal.

A classic dish that satisfies hunger and evokes nostalgic warmth.