The best recipes are the ones that get written down, passed along, and made again without needing much change. These retro meals stuck around for a reason—they work. They’re simple, familiar, and still show up at dinner tables that don’t care about trends. If you grew up with them, you’ll probably want to keep them going.
Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew With Coconut Milk
Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew takes 40 minutes and includes white fish, tomatoes, peppers, and coconut milk. The texture is light but hearty, with tender fish in a silky broth. The flavor is savory, bright, and just a little spicy. It’s a stovetop meal with plenty of history.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew With Coconut Milk
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie takes 75 minutes and uses fresh apples, cinnamon, and buttery crust. The texture is soft inside with a golden, crisp top. The flavor is sweet, warm, and classic. It slices well and keeps its shape.
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Spicy Deviled Eggs
Spicy Deviled Eggs take 30 minutes to prepare and include hard-boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, and kimchi. The texture is creamy, with a slight crunch from the topping. The flavor is tangy, bold, and slightly spicy. They work well cold and travel well.
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My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
Carrot Tzimmes takes 1 hour and combines carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, and honey. The texture is soft and saucy with tender chunks. The flavor is sweet, earthy, and rich. It pairs well with roasts or stands alone.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole takes 40 minutes and includes pasta, canned tuna, and peas in a creamy sauce. The texture is soft with a golden topping. The flavor is mild and comforting with a little crunch. It works for leftovers, too.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stuffed Potato Patties With A Mushroom Filling
Stuffed Potato Patties take 1 hour and use mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and onions. The texture is crisp on the outside and soft inside. The flavor is savory, earthy, and filling. They’re easy to reheat and serve.
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Chicken And Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole takes 1 hour and uses chicken thighs, carrots, onions, and rice. The texture is soft and saucy with a tender bite. The flavor is savory and mild with a rich broth base. It’s built to feed more than one.
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Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo Ball Soup takes 2 hours and includes broth, matzo meal, carrots, and dill. The texture is fluffy with a light, golden broth. The flavor is simple, warm, and slightly herby. It holds up for leftovers and freezes well.
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings takes 1 hour and uses chicken, flour dumplings, and vegetables in a creamy broth. The texture is soft and spoonable. The flavor is savory, thick, and hearty. It’s a classic one-pot meal that fills up fast.
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Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie takes 1 hour with ground lamb, peas, carrots, and mashed potato topping. The texture is creamy on top with a rich, meaty filling. The flavor is bold, savory, and well-seasoned. It cuts clean and reheats well.
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Classic Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe
Jewish Chicken Soup takes 2 hours with chicken, carrots, celery, and dill. The broth is clear with soft vegetables and tender meat. The flavor is clean, rich, and homey. It’s often made for more than just the cold.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chicken Soup Recipe
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Russian Potato Salad takes 45 minutes with potatoes, eggs, peas, and pickles in a mayo dressing. The texture is creamy with small, soft chunks. The flavor is tangy, salty, and satisfying. It’s often served cold and in big batches.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Classic Matzo Brei Recipe (Eggy Fried Matzah)
Matzo Brei takes 20 minutes and uses matzah, eggs, and butter. The texture is soft in the middle with crisp edges. The flavor is mild and buttery, good with sweet or savory toppings. It’s fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Classic Matzo Brei Recipe (Eggy Fried Matzah)
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole With Tomatoes And Capers
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole takes 45 minutes and includes cauliflower, tomatoes, and capers. The texture is soft with a little bite. The flavor is bright, briny, and savory. It serves warm or room temperature without losing texture.
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My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole
Carrot Casserole takes 1 hour and uses shredded carrots, breadcrumbs, and eggs. The texture is soft with a golden top. The flavor is earthy and lightly sweet. It’s a steady side for many meals.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips take 1 hour, including beef, gravy, onions, and mushrooms. The texture is tender, and the sauce is thick and rich. The flavor is bold, savory, and full of umami. It’s made to go over potatoes or rice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Meatloaf Casserole
Meatloaf Casserole takes 1 hour with ground beef, mashed potatoes, and cheese. The texture is layered and creamy with a crispy top. The flavor is rich, salty, and comforting. It cuts clean and fills the plate.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Casserole
Shirred Eggs
Shirred Eggs take 20 minutes to make and include eggs, cream, and a little butter. They have a soft texture with slightly set yolks and a rich and simple flavor. They’re quick to make and easy to dress up.
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Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Grape Jelly Meatballs take 40 minutes and use frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce. The texture is soft and sticky with a saucy coating. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. They’re made for toothpicks and second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs
Old-Fashioned Pecan Cake Bars
Pecan Cake Bars take 45 minutes and use flour, sugar, eggs, and pecans. The texture is dense and chewy with crisp edges. The flavor is sweet, nutty, and buttery. They hold well in a tin and pack easily.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pecan Cake Bars
Cottage Cheese Crescent Rolls
Cottage Cheese Crescent Rolls take 1 hour, and include flour, butter, and cottage cheese. The texture is soft with flaky layers. The flavor is mild and slightly tangy. They work as a side or snack.
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Nutmeg and Pecan Braided Bread
Nutmeg and Pecan Bread takes 2 hours and uses yeast dough, chopped nuts, and warm spices. The texture is fluffy with a sticky swirl and crisp top. The flavor is sweet, spiced, and rich. It looks impressive but stays practical.
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Sausage Rolls
Sausage Rolls take 40 minutes and use puff pastry, sausage, and egg wash. The texture is flaky on the outside with a juicy filling. The flavor is salty, herby, and savory. They’re great warm or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls
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