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Vintage Easy Dinner Recipes for Families

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September 20, 2023 By Lisa Sharp 2 Comments

Explore the culinary classics of yesteryears with these delicious vintage easy dinner recipes. Unlock a treasure trove of timeless dishes that bring nostalgia to your table, all while keeping the simplicity and flavor of bygone eras alive.

collage of vintage recipes with text vintage easy dinner recipes the whole family will love

In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often takes precedence over tradition, there’s something inherently comforting about revisiting the past.

It’s as though we’re reaching into a treasure trove of cherished memories, unveiling the culinary secrets of generations gone by. One such delightful journey through time awaits us as we delve into the realm of vintage easy dinner recipes. 

So many memories are created in families around the dinner table. Bringing in vintage recipes can add to the memories. You can talk about your memories of eating the dishes as a child and continue the family traditions. 

Why We Need Vintage Easy Dinner Recipes

1930s woman cooking at vintage stove

Before we dive into the vintage easy dinner recipes let’s talk about why vintage recipes are still so important. Here are a few compelling reasons:

  1. Timeless Flavors: Vintage recipes have stood the test of time because they offer flavors that resonate with our senses on a deep, nostalgic level. From hearty stews to comforting casseroles, these dishes satisfy not only our appetites but also our yearning for simpler, homier times.
  2. Economical Ingredients: Vintage recipes often call for basic, budget-friendly ingredients that are readily available in most pantries. In an age of ever-rising food costs, these recipes offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising on taste.
  3. Family Tradition: Many vintage recipes have been passed down through generations, connecting us to our culinary roots. Preparing these dishes keeps the flame of family tradition burning bright.

Tips and Tricks for Easy Dinners

Now that we’ve established the enduring appeal of vintage recipes, let’s address the practical side of getting dinner on the table, especially when time is of the essence. Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks:

  1. Meal Planning: Plan your weekly meals in advance, incorporating vintage recipes into your rotation. Having a menu prepared ahead of time reduces the stress of last-minute decision-making. Use my meal planner printables to help you meal plan with ease!
  2. Prep Work: Spend some time on meal prep during the weekend. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and store them in portioned containers. This will significantly cut down on cooking time during the week.
  3. One-Pot Wonders: Seek out vintage recipes that are cooked in a single pot or pan. These dishes often require minimal cleanup, making them perfect for busy nights.
  4. Kitchen Gadgets: Invest in time-saving kitchen gadgets like slow cookers and Instant Pots. These devices can turn vintage recipes into convenient, hands-off cooking experiences.
  5. Freezer-Friendly: Vintage recipes, especially casseroles and soups, often freeze well. Prepare larger batches and freeze individual portions for future quick and hearty dinners.
  6. Stock Your Pantry: Maintain a well-stocked pantry with staple ingredients like canned tomatoes, pasta, rice, and beans. These essentials form the foundation for many vintage recipes.

As we embark on this culinary journey through vintage easy dinner recipes, let’s remember that it’s not just about the food; it’s about the connection to our past, the celebration of simplicity, and the creation of new memories. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off those heirloom recipe cards, and let’s cook up a taste of history together. 

Vintage Easy Dinner Recipes

These easy dinner recipes from the past are just as delicious today as they were when they were invented and it's time to bring them back to our kitchen tables.

Oklahoma Onion Burgers

This Great Depression classic is budget-friendly and a dinner the whole family will love.

Cheese Waffles With Creamed Ham

Leftovers never tasted so good with this vintage recipe for cheese waffles with creamed ham. It’s a simple recipe the whole family will love!

Photo Credit: thepracticalkitchen.com

Tuna Newberg With Rice

The origins of this recipe are unclear and it may be just a family recipe but it has a mid-century feel to it since that is when it was created. It's also budget friendly.

Photo Credit: enzasquailhollowkitchen.com

Easy Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Shake and Bake is a 1960s classic and a great way to make a quick meal for your family.

Photo Credit: www.twopinkpeonies.com

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

This old fashioned ham salad is a great vintage summer dinner when it’s too hot to heat up your kitchen. It goes great on crackers or as a sandwich.

Photo Credit: cookingorgeous.com

Easy Cottage Pie

This Easy Cottage Pie is classic British comfort food made with a rich meaty sauce topped with creamy&cheesy mashed potatoes. It is very easy to cook and also very affordable.

Photo Credit: www.recipezazz.com

Betty Crocker's Holiday Spaghetti

This dish is 1950s comfort food that your family will love. You know you can never go wrong with a Betty Crocker recipe.

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

American Goulash Recipe

American Goulash, a comforting and hearty dish, combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce for a meal that's sure to delight. Its soul-warming, homestyle flavors make it an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner that evokes nostalgic memories of family meals.

Photo Credit: lifewithdee.com

Busy Day Swiss Steak

This is a recipe from my mom. It's a vintage classic that is quick and easy to whip up.

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Easy Chicken And Dumplings

Classic chicken and dumplings just like grandma used to make!

Photo Credit: montanahappy.com

Easy Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe

This creamy mushroom stroganoff is the perfect recipe when you’re craving comfort food. It’s easy to make and delicious!

Photo Credit: www.giftofhospitality.com

Old Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak

Cube steak is the star of this old fashioned Chicken Fried Steak—it gets so tender and the white gravy on top is irresistible!

Photo Credit: www.giftofhospitality.com

Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Stuffed peppers are an easy dinner that the whole family will love—just mix, stuff, and bake!

Photo Credit: www.cookingwithnanaling.com

Curried Eggs

This recipe comes from a 1970s cookbook and is still a tasty and easy meal today.

Photo Credit: www.thegunnysack.com

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole is classic comfort food that is perfect for a weeknight dinner!

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Filed Under: Recipe Collections, Recipes Tagged With: Vintage Recipe

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  1. Amy V Hasegawa says

    October 19, 2023 at 5:08 pm

    Hello,
    Can I be added to the email list please? I used to get your emails, but I unsubscribed to everything, because I was drowning in emails! Now I realize I would like to be on your list again.

    Thank you,

    Amy

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    • Lisa Sharp says

      October 20, 2023 at 10:20 am

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Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the Retro Housewife trying to live a greener life. I share my love of all things vintage, homemaking and green living here on the blog. To read more, click here.

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