Some dinners never go out of style—they just get better with time. These classic recipes bring back the flavors that filled ’70s cookbooks, but with a fresh twist. Whether you grew up eating them or are trying them for the first time, they’re all about comfort, nostalgia, and simple ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a taste of the past with these 15 timeless meals.
Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole
Casseroles were a weeknight lifesaver in the ’70s, and this dish brings back that same convenience with a fresh update. Ground beef, zucchini, and rice bake together for a hearty meal that’s both comforting and practical. The ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that fits perfectly in a vintage cookbook yet still holds up today. It’s the kind of dinner that feels nostalgic while being just as reliable for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole
One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
This casserole has all the hallmarks of a ’70s favorite—creamy, rich, and easy to prepare in a single dish. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while potatoes soak up all the comforting flavors as they bake. This meal is no-fuss yet deeply satisfying, making it a perfect example of why these old-school recipes deserve a comeback. It’s proof that some dinners never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)
A dish like this would have been right at home in a ’70s potluck spread, packed with cheese and a crunchy cracker topping. Instead of relying on canned soup, this updated version keeps things simple while still delivering the creamy texture that made these casseroles a household favorite. The baked cabbage turns tender and flavorful, proving that simple ingredients can shine. It’s a classic baked dish that still earns a place on the dinner table today.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)
Easy Beef Pot Pie
Nothing says ’70s comfort food like a golden, flaky pot pie filled with hearty beef and vegetables. This dish captures everything people loved about retro home cooking—rich flavors, an all-in-one meal, and the joy of digging into a warm, savory filling. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of nostalgia to dinner without spending all day in the kitchen. Some recipes never lose their charm, and this is one of them.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Pot Pie
Potato Leek Soup
Simple, creamy, and packed with classic flavors, this soup feels like it came straight from a well-loved ’70s cookbook. Potatoes and leeks create a velvety texture that’s both comforting and satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for making ahead and reheating on a chilly evening. Some dishes may change over time, but this one stays timeless.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup
Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness
In the ’70s, brie became a dinner party favorite, often served warm and gooey for an easy yet elegant appetizer. This version keeps the tradition alive with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture. The result is a dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort—just like the best retro recipes. Whether for a gathering or a simple snack, this is a throwback worth keeping.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts Recipe for Warm Cheesy Goodness
Maple-Dijon Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes
Pot roast was a dinner table staple in the ’70s, slow-cooked to perfection with simple ingredients. This version keeps the tradition alive while using an Instant Pot for faster results without sacrificing the tenderness. Maple and Dijon mustard add depth, giving this classic meal a slight upgrade without losing its nostalgic charm. It’s the same satisfying dinner, just made for today’s busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Maple-Dijon Instant Pot Pot Roast with Potatoes
Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cognac-Soaked Raisins
Sweet noodle kugel has been around for generations, and it was a comforting presence at many dinner tables in the ’70s. This version leans into the rich, baked goodness of the original while adding cognac-soaked raisins for a deeper flavor. The contrast of creamy, eggy noodles with hints of sweetness makes this dish a standout. It’s proof that some traditional recipes only get better with time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cognac-Soaked Raisins
Easy Moussaka Recipe
Moussaka was one of those impressive baked dishes that made its way into many ’70s dinner parties. Layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel give it a rich, satisfying texture that has stood the test of time. While it may seem elaborate, this version simplifies the process, making it more approachable while keeping the flavors true to the original. It’s a retro favorite that still feels just as comforting today.
Get the Recipe: Easy Moussaka Recipe
French Onion Chicken Skillet
The ’70s were big on rich, onion-infused dishes, and this one brings back that same comforting flavor. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this skillet meal coats chicken in a deeply flavorful onion sauce with gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like it was pulled straight from an old cookbook but works just as well for a modern weeknight meal. Some flavors never fade, and this dish proves it.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers were a go-to dinner in the ’70s, packed with hearty fillings and baked until tender. This version swaps in ground turkey for a lighter touch, but the essence of the dish remains the same. The combination of savory meat, rice, and spices tucked into roasted peppers is just as appealing today as it was back then. Some meals have a way of sticking around, and this is one of them.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Baked noodle dishes like kugel were a staple in the ’70s, and this version keeps that tradition alive with a savory twist. Mushrooms and leeks add depth, while the baked pasta creates a satisfyingly rich texture. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family dinners and potlucks, but with a flavor that still holds up today. Some recipes deserve to be passed down, and this one makes the cut.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Bourekas have been around for ages, but they were especially popular in the ’70s when flaky, cheese-filled pastries were a dinner party favorite. These mushroom-filled versions deliver that same buttery, crisp bite with a deeply savory filling. They make an easy yet impressive addition to any meal, just like they did decades ago. A little bit of nostalgia never hurts, especially when it tastes this good.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
Casseroles were the backbone of ’70s home cooking, and this one brings together crispy hash browns, tender chicken, and a creamy base. It’s easy to throw together, making it a perfect example of why these types of dinners were so popular back then. Every bite delivers that comforting, baked-in flavor that made casseroles a household staple. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that last the longest.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
Chicken Marbella
This dish became a dinner party staple in the late ’70s, thanks to its bold mix of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of prunes, capers, and garlic-infused marinade gives the chicken a richness that stands out. It’s proof that the decade wasn’t just about casseroles—there were also sophisticated, flavorful dishes making their way to the table. Even today, this recipe still feels just as special as it did back then.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
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