23 Dinners That Got Us Through the Great Depression

Slow Cooker Mushroom Stuffing

My grandmother created this recipe after my grandfather left the well-drilling business and invested all their money in a mushroom farm. The farm was a success and saw the family through the Great Depression. —Eric Cooper, Durham, North Carolina

Sausage Potato Supper

One Saturday night a few years ago, I came up with this dish on the spur of the moment. It was dinnertime, and I had to use what I had on hand. It's been a hit with my family ever since. —Nancy Russell, Englewood, Colorado

Hot Dog Pie

A co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this recipe with me. Baked in a purchased pastry shell, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania. Also, try out this unusual water pie that has gotten a lot of attention on social media recently.

Corned Beef Stir-Fry

The celery seed really comes through in this colorful combination of carrots, cabbage and corned beef. A woman at church shared the recipe with me. My husband and son love its subtle sweetness. —Alesah Padgett, Franklin, Georgia

Dandelion Salad

This is one my favorite salads and it is so healthy for you! Guests will be surprised at how wonderful it tastes. —Frances Sheridan Goulart, Weston, Connecticut

Ham, Bean and Potato Soup

When I was a cook in a restaurant years ago, this was our best-selling soup. One taste and your family will agree it's a winner!

Country Fish Chowder

You'll think you're on Cape Cod when you taste this thick, wholesome chowder made from a recipe I've treasured for many years. It's one of my husband's favorites. He likes it more and more because over the years I've "customized" the basic recipe by including ingredients he enjoys. —Linda Lazaroff, Hebron, Connecticut

Meat and Potato Patties

During World War II, when meat was rationed and had to be purchased with tokens, this recipe went a long way in feeding a family. To this day, I still reach for it whenever I want something different from regular hamburgers. By the way, children really like these (just as I did when I was a child!).— Gladys Klein, Burlington Wisconsin

Healthy Tuna Salad

You do not need full-fat dressing to make a great tuna fish sandwich. Learn how to make healthy tuna salad with a recipe that cuts down on calories and fat, but keeps the classic flavor (and crunch!).

Hearty Leek and Potato Soup

This thick, flavorful soup is a winner in our home and makes a nice starter dish. —Rachel Taylor, Springfield, Tennessee

Truly Tasty Turnips with Greens

These savory greens are a hit at every church dinner I take them to. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make this recipe your own. —Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina

Creamy Chipped Beef Fondue

My mother often served fondue on Christmas Eve and I've since followed in that tradition. It's nice to offer a hearty appetizer that requires very little work. —Beth Fox, Lawrence, Kansas

Egg Drop Soup

With just four ingredients and three steps, this simple egg drop soup recipe will show you how to easily make this classic Chinese-American take-out staple at home.

Comforting Potato Casserole

After enjoying this creamy, snazzed-up potato casserole at a wedding dinner, my daughters and I asked the caterer to share the recipe. Because it can be made ahead, it's a great recipe for busy cooks. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Bacon Pasta

This bacon pasta recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight meals. Combining crispy bacon with a slow-simmered tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti, it’s a comfort food classic.

Navy Bean Soup

When comfort food calls, make this hearty navy bean soup. It's soul-warming and filling, a perfect way to use up leftover ham.

Spiedis

This is our favorite cookout dish, and it's very good served with a salad. This recipe originated here in my hometown in the 1930s. Our meat preference for speidis is venison, but we use chicken and beef when it's not available. —Gertrude Skinner, Binghamton, New York

Cabbage Soup

This slow-cooker cabbage soup is packed with aromatic vegetables and beans and simmered for hours to make a flavorful, nutritious soup. Serve it with a slice of bread for a perfect warming dinner.

Diner Corned Beef Hash

I created my hash to taste like a dish from a northern Arizona restaurant we always loved. We round it out with eggs and toast made from homemade bread. —Denise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona

Stovetop Goulash

I created this recipe after trying goulash at a local restaurant. The blend of spices gives it fabulous flavor, and it’s so easy to make on a weeknight! —Karen Schelert, Portland, Oregon

Lima Bean Soup

This comforting lima bean soup proves that lima beans are not to be underestimated. Buttery beans and well-seasoned veggies are the power players in this soup, topped with crispy bacon for a satisfying one-pot meal.