These classic dinner ideas from the 1950s may seem old-fashioned, but many of the recipes are worthy of a place in your weekly rotation!
21 Dinner Ideas from the ’50s Worth Making Today
Updated on Sep. 29, 2024
Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
This hearty main dish is a favorite at our house. It really warms you up. —Kim Kidd, New Freedom, Pennsylvania
1/21
2/21
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
3/21
The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 659 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
4/21
Crown Roast of Pork
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork rib plus stuffing: 404 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
5/21
Oysters Rockefeller
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
6/21
Spicy Bean and Beef Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 931 calories, 56g fat (32g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1876mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein.
7/21
Baked Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pork chop recipes are always handy to feed my hungry family. This entree brightens up the usual routine of roasted pork chops and rice. I reach for this recipe when our appetites are hearty and I feel like baking pork chops. —Dorothy Toben, Blackwell, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 442 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
8/21
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
9/21
Apricot-Glazed Ham
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Glaze a bone-in ham with apricot jam for a entree that’s beautiful and delicious. Any leftovers will make meal planning a breeze later in the week. —Galelah Dowell, Fairland, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked ham: 233 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
10/21
Ragu Sauce
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (7-1/2 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves homemade spaghetti sauce and this one is a big hit. I always make sure to serve this ragu sauce recipe with plenty of garlic bread. —Kate Gaul, Dubuque, IA
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 800mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
11/21
Turkey a la King
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 297 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
12/21
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use precooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 481 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1174mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
13/21
Lemon Baked Cod
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 232 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/21
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
15/21
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
16/21
Ham & Veggie Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 420 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1233mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
17/21
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 420 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1443mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
18/21
Easy Lasagna
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a supper to please a crowd, Pam Beerens of Evart, Michigan, layers lasagna noodles with meat sauce and a tasty cottage cheese mixture to make this speedy version of a traditional favorite.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 282 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
19/21
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
20/21
Deviled Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has always loved this flavorful golden brown chicken. I watch for frequent sales on leg quarters to keep the cost per serving low. —Linda Trammell, Kingston, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 leg quarter: 345 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
21/21
Pigs in a Blanket
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwiches: 516 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
