25 Dinner Ideas from the ’50s Worth Making Today
Updated: Aug. 19, 2024
These classic dinner ideas from the 1950s may seem old-fashioned, but many of the recipes are worthy of a place in your weekly rotation!
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Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
This hearty main dish is a favorite at our house. It really warms you up. —Kim Kidd, New Freedom, Pennsylvania
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Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
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The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Crown Roast of Pork with Mushroom Dressing
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
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Oysters Rockefeller
This old-school oysters Rockefeller recipe is decadent and dressed-up, yet easy to make at home. That just might be why it's been around for over 130 years.
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Spicy Bean and Beef Pie
My daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
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Baked Saucy Pork Chops
Baked pork chop recipes are always handy to feed my hungry family. This entree brightens up the usual routine of roasted pork chops and rice. I reach for this recipe when our appetites are hearty and I feel like baking pork chops. —Dorothy Toben, Blackwell, Oklahoma
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Chicken Potpie
Learning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
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Apricot-Glazed Ham
Glaze a bone-in ham with apricot jam for a entree that’s beautiful and delicious. Any leftovers will make meal planning a breeze later in the week. —Galelah Dowell, Fairland, Oklahoma
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Savory Spaghetti Sauce
This fresh-tasting spaghetti sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. I rely on this flavorful recipe often. It tastes especially good in the summer made with fresh garden herbs. —Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan
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Turkey a La King
This is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
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Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Fast and delicious, chicken zucchini casserole is an effortless weeknight dish to use up your summer harvest of zucchini.
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Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Swedish Meatballs
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
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Boeuf Bourguignon
Don't be intimidated by the idea of making beef bourguignon, it's just a farmhouse stew with an accent. This recipe simplifies the process by streamlining a few steps, making it an elevated option for those comfort-food days.
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Ham & Veggie Casserole
I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings
If there's anything better than chicken and dumplings, it's quick and easy chicken and dumplings. This recipe fits the bill, coming together in just 30 minutes.
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Easy Lasagna
For a supper to please a crowd, Pam Beerens of Evart, Michigan, layers lasagna noodles with meat sauce and a tasty cottage cheese mixture to make this speedy version of a traditional favorite.
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De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
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Deviled Chicken
My family has always loved this flavorful golden brown chicken. I watch for frequent sales on leg quarters to keep the cost per serving low. —Linda Trammell, Kingston, Missouri
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
