20 Family-Style Dinners That Feel Straight From Childhood
There is something about old-fashioned family dinners that sticks with you, the taste and aroma that feels like home. They bring that same feeling to any evening with simple, comforting flavors.
These meals work well for busy nights or slow evenings alike. They create a sense of togetherness without overcomplicating the table.
Sweet Potato Cottage Pie
Sweet potato cottage pie has a savory vegetable-beef filling with a rich, creamy sweet potato topping, and is finished with a bit of sharp cheddar. It’s the perfect cozy casserole when you want a meal that’s as healthy as it is hearty.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cottage Pie – A Cozy Casserole the Whole Family Will Love.
Pork Enchiladas
Pork Enchiladas are really very easy to make. We use our homemade red enchilada sauce for these delicious Pork Enchiladas. These Pork Enchiladas are easy and fresh. Served with a traditional red sauce. The meat can be made in the slow cooker or in your Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Pork Enchiladas.
Chicken Pasta Bake
Looking for a baked pasta dish that’s made from scratch without canned soup? This Chicken Pasta Bake is just what you’re looking for. With over 300 five-star reviews, you know it’s going to be good!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pasta Bake.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that the whole family will love, this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. Juicy, flavorful meatloaf topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese makes for the ultimate one-pan meal. It’s hearty, easy to make, and packed with smoky, tangy flavors your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole.
Venison Enchiladas
One of our family favorites is Venison Enchiladas. Another great slow-cooking recipe, the meat gets wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a zesty enchilada sauce- it’s a flavor explosion! What’s great is that the venison, with its lean profile, stays moist and delicious. Get the Recipe: Venison Enchiladas.
Classic Meatloaf
This Classic Meatloaf, reminiscent of your grandmother’s, features a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce on top and a moist texture throughout.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatloaf.
Smoked Meatballs
This is the kind of dish that people won’t stop talking about during and after the family reunion. This flavorful favorite tends to disappear the fastest from the family table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs.
Grandma’s Spaghetti Sauce With Meat
Hearty, meat-filled Spaghetti Sauce Recipe passed down from my grandmother to my dad, and now, to me. Made with simple ingredients, this delicious spaghetti meat sauce is ready in less than an hour and makes perfect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Spaghetti Sauce With Meat
Tuna Mac Salad
This Macaroni Tuna Salad is a great recipe for potlucks. It only takes a few minutes to make, and is loaded with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill. Garnish it with hard-boiled eggs, herbs, and edible flowers, like nasturtiums. Get the Recipe: Macaroni Tuna Salad.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
This easy Meatball Casserole Recipe is a hearty, delicious one-pan pasta casserole featuring juicy meatballs and pasta, baked in a rich, creamy mixture of marinara sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and melted cheese. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
Johnny Marzetti (A Midwest Classic)
Loved and adored almost coast to coast, though under different names. It’s the quintessential classic vintage casserole of pasta with beefy tomato sauce and melted cheese. Some call it American Goulash… some American Chop suey… some spice it up, add beans, and call it chili mac. Whatever name you call it, I bet if you are American, you have been fed this by your mom or grandma. Johnny Marzetti, this one is going to take you down memory lane.
Get the Recipe: Johnny Marzetti (A Midwest Classic).
Old Fashioned Georgia Brunswick Stew
Get ready for a taste of Southern comfort with our Brunswick stew recipe. This hearty, soul-warming dish is a true delight, packed with a medley of tender chicken, smoky pulled pork, and an abundance of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Georgia Brunswick Stew.
Venison Stew
Enjoy the wild taste of this Venison Stew! It’s a satisfying meal for any gathering. Just brown venison stew meat, combine it with veggies and broth, and let it simmer. You can pick whatever veggies you like in your stews; quantities are optional. It’s a much healthier alternative to beef and tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese into one satisfyingly flavorful bite. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests at your next gathering, this timeless casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Pasta With Peas And Ham
Pasta with peas and ham is a classic Italian dish that combines the savory flavors of ham with the sweetness of peas and the comfort of pasta. This simple and satisfying recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner. Garnish it with chopped, fresh basil leaves.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Peas and ham.
Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole
Featuring tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, and the satisfying crunch of onions, this Old-Fashioned Tuna Casserole recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s packed with comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche
First Lady Jackie Kennedy is reported to have served this easy, delicious Casserole, Marie Blanche, during her time in the White House. It is basically a slimmed-down version of the French dish, covered in white sauce.
Get the Recipe: Casserole Marie Blanche.
Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak
This Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe is an easy skillet dinner made with ground beef, bread crumbs and flavorful spices in a rich mushroom gravy!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak.
Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
Picture this: you’re in desperate need of a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that’ll make your soul feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Well, hold on to your oven mitts, because this pork chop and rice casserole recipe is about to swoop in and save the day! With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole is a breeze to make! With its perfect blend of tender pork chops, creamy rice, and savory seasonings, all combined in one easy-peasy dish, this casserole is the ultimate solution for those “I don’t wanna cook, but I gotta feed the fam” kind of nights.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop and Rice Casserole.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Baked spaghetti casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines spaghetti, ground beef, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked together for a warm, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
