Dinner recipes from the 1950s are hearty and comforting, representing iconic American cuisine. Casseroles, Jell-O molds, and meatloaves ruled dinner tables. Even better, these recipes are relatively basic, making it easy to bring your retro dreams to life.
Find simple weeknight dinner inspiration with 1950s recipes deserving of a modern revival. You’ll impress the whole family while keeping everyone fed on a budget.
These are the tastiest 1950s dinners to try tonight.
Chicken a la King
Switch things up tonight with this chicken a la king recipe. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chicken you don’t want to waste. You can also make the chicken in advance and quickly reheat it once you’re ready to serve.
Baked Salmon
When in doubt, baked salmon is always a good dinner idea. Fresh herbs and lemons are a tasty complement to naturally flavorful salmon filets. Pop the salmon in the oven to thoroughly bake it without drying it out, and serve with steamed vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Easy and Delicious Baked Salmon Recipe
Glazed Meatloaf
Meatloaf gets a bad rap for being boring and bland, but this recipe will change your mind. Glazing the meatloaf with a ketchup-based sauce keeps it juicy and adds a subtle hint of sweetness. It’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare for busy weeknights.
Pork Chops
Forget everything you thought you knew about pork chops. Dry, unseasoned pork chops are a thing of the past with this modern twist on the 1950s favorite. Season them with a delicious spice blend and cook in the oven to lock in the moisture.
Tuna Casserole
If you want a taste of the 1950s, whip up an easy tuna casserole for dinner. This dish is a classic comfort food that everyone will love. As a bonus, the recipe is straightforward and uses budget-friendly ingredients.
Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty serving of chicken and dumplings is unbeatable on a chilly fall or winter night. This Southern staple is surprisingly easy to make and tastes like a warm hug in the best way possible. You only need one pot to cook the chicken and dumplings, which are ready to serve in under an hour.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Asparagus Soup
Expand your culinary horizons by trying savory asparagus soup. It’s a delicious dinner that gets your vegetables in and has an irresistibly creamy texture. This asparagus soup recipe has a balanced flavor profile with bright hints of lemon and indulgent parmesan.
Asparagus Soup with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe
Country Fried Steak and Gravy
Country fried steak and gravy will satisfy every dinner craving. Bread and fry tender steak pieces to give them a salty, crispy exterior. Top the fried steak with a rich white gravy that you can also drizzle over creamy mashed potatoes.
Country Fried Steak and Gravy Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Trick all your friends into thinking you’re a professionally trained chef by making them chicken cordon bleu. This 1950s-inspired recipe consists of ham and cheese-stuffed chicken breasts baked in a crunchy coating. The two-ingredient sauce is the perfect finishing touch and uses condiments you probably already have in your kitchen.
Baked Ham
Despite the impressive presentation, this baked ham with pineapple gaze is deceptively simple. Ham and pineapple is a classic sweet and savory flavor combination that’ll have everyone hungry for seconds. Since the ham is pre-cooked, this weeknight staple couldn’t be easier.
Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Roast
Do you need some dinner inspiration? Try an old-fashioned slow cooker beef roast. Mix everything, leave it to simmer all day or overnight, and prepare to be amazed. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.
Chicken Rice Casserole
Even picky eaters will enjoy this chicken rice casserole. It’s ideal for busy families since it requires only four ingredients and five minutes of prep time. The chicken and rice are well-seasoned and baked to perfection in the oven.
Salisbury Steak
Your first bite of Salisbury steak will instantly transport you back in time. The meat is so tender and flavorful that it tastes like you slow-cooked it for hours. Thankfully, it takes less than 30 minutes and primarily uses kitchen staples.
Cheese Soufflé
While cheese soufflé sounds extremely fancy, it’s a fun dish to hone your cooking skills. This recipe uses several cheeses for a creamy, complex flavor. Serve the soufflé with toasted bread and a refreshing salad for a delicious, well-rounded meal.
Best Ever Cheese Soufflé Recipe
Find the perfect shareable recipe for your next potluck
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Whip up a tasty cocktail to serve with dinner
You don’t need to be an expert mixologist to create delicious alcoholic drinks. These cocktail recipes are simple but taste like a professional bartender’s creations.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
