There’s something special about a home-cooked meal that reminds us of our childhood. Maybe it’s the smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting from the oven or the taste of slow-cooked pot roast that melts in your mouth. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying the comfort and warmth that comes with gathering around the dinner table to share a delicious meal with loved ones. In this article, we’ll take you back to grandma’s kitchen with 18 classic old-fashioned dinner recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From hearty stews and comforting casseroles to savory roasts and satisfying main courses, these timeless recipes are perfect for any occasion.
**Recipe 1: Grandma’s Homemade Chicken and Dumplings**
Grandma’s Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Grandma’s Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This classic comfort food dish is a staple of any family gathering or cozy night in. Grandma’s secret to tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, pillowy dumplings is shared below!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken in oil until browned on all sides.
2. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
6. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly dough forms.
7. Roll out dumpling mixture on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto simmering chicken mixture; cover pot with lid.
9. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Warm up with this comforting classic, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich beef broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large 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 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Classic Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze
A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup tomato glaze (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the tomato glaze by mixing together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush with the tomato glaze.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Gravy
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef pot roast (such as chuck or round)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pot roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pot roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
6. Return the pot roast to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and falling apart.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This classic comfort food dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, and for good reason – the crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a mouth-watering meal that’s sure to please.
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
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then roll in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, boil chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, then mash with butter and salt to taste.
6. Serve fried chicken with mashed potatoes and enjoy!
Cooking Time:
– Fried Chicken: 8-10 minutes
– Mashed Potatoes: about 15-20 minutes
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
This classic comfort food recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with a creamy macaroni pasta smothered in a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Grandma’s Famous Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze
A classic recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! This sweet and savory baked ham is smothered in a sticky pineapple glaze that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Fresh pineapple rings and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh pineapple rings and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
A hearty and comforting classic, this Shepherd’s Pie is a staple of British cuisine. This recipe features tender ground beef, rich flavors, and a crispy mashed potato topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 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
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– Butter or oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up 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 to taste.
4. Simmer mixture for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
6. Transfer ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly to cover the filling.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
A classic comfort food dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch. This creamy tuna noodle casserole is a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 8 oz noodles
– 2 cups mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine tuna, mixed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange half the cooked noodles in the bottom. Top with the tuna mixture, then add the remaining noodles.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers
A classic recipe that’s perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal, these stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of 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 chopped onion and minced 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 the cut-off tops.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grandma’s Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Start your day off right with a warm, flaky biscuit smothered in rich sausage gravy. This classic Southern combination is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk; stir until dough comes together.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness.
6. Cut into squares or use a biscuit cutter to create shapes.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Sausage Gravy:
1. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with spoon as it cooks.
2. Remove sausage from skillet; set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium; whisk together 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 2 cups milk.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer; cook until thickened, stirring frequently.
5. Add cooked sausage back into gravy; stir to combine.
Cooking Time: Total time: 25-30 minutes. Biscuits: 12-15 minutes. Sausage Gravy: 10-15 minutes.
Classic Beef and Barley Soup
Classic Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
Warm up with a hearty bowl of classic beef and barley soup! This comforting recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas and carrots)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes in a little oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the barley, beef broth, and frozen vegetables.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the barley is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Green Beans with Bacon
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. Add the green beans, bacon, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Stir the mixture before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Serves: 4-6 people
Homemade Cornbread and Chili
This classic Southern duo is a perfect comfort food combination. This recipe makes a moist and flavorful cornbread to accompany your favorite chili.
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Chili:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix cornbread ingredients in a bowl until just combined. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Cook chili ingredients in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking up ground beef with spoon. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve cornbread warm alongside your favorite chili.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grandma’s Sunday Roast Chicken with Herbs
Savor a classic roast chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This tender and flavorful dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy Sundays.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion and minced garlic.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
A comforting classic, this recipe combines tender chicken, flaky pastry, and savory vegetables to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cold water to make a slurry.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Fill the pie crust with chicken mixture and top with slurry.
7. Crimp edges and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Classic Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
Classic Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe
This beloved dish originated from Russia and combines tender beef strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce served over egg noodles. A comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 onion
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, set aside.
2. Slice the onion and mushrooms into thin strips. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and mushrooms; cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
3. Add beef strips to the skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned.
4. Add garlic, beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve beef and sauce over cooked egg noodles. Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grandma’s Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, Grandma’s Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium cabbage, cored and outer leaves removed
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the cabbage leaves by blanching them in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until pliable.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add cooked ground beef mixture and mix well.
5. Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
6. Roll the cabbage leaf into a neat package, placing seam-side down on a baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
7. Pour crushed tomatoes over the rolled cabbage and drizzle with olive oil.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to warm your heart and fill your belly with these 18 classic grandma-approved dinner recipes! From comforting chicken and dumplings to old-fashioned beef stew and slow-cooked pot roast, these timeless dishes are sure to become new family favorites. Also featured are Southern-style fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, baked ham, shepherd’s pie, tuna noodle casserole, and many more. These recipes have been passed down through generations and are guaranteed to bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort to your dinner table.
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