Old-Fashioned Weeknight Dinner Recipes You Can Always Rely On

If you're in a dinnertime rut from serving the same recipes over and over again, it might be time to switch things up and bring these old-fashioned dinner recipes back to the menu.

Beef Stroganoff
Photo: Antonis Achilleos

If you're in a dinnertime rut from serving the same recipes over and over again, it might be time to switch things up and bring these old-fashioned dinner recipes back to the menu. These are the classic dinner recipes that your Mama has been serving up for decades, and they still deserve a spot on your dinner table today. Need convincing? From Fried Chicken to Chicken Pot Pie to Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole and so much more, there is sure to be plenty of recipes on this list that fit your family's taste. Plus, homemade from scratch doesn't mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Make-ahead and slow-cooker options will ensure that you can serve your family a warm meal no matter how busy your day may be. And if they're one-pot? Even better. It's never been easier to whip up a beloved dish.

01 of 31

New Tuna Casserole

New Tuna Casserole
Greg Dupree

Crushed potato chips give this cheesy casserole a crunchy finish that the whole family will love. It only takes 35 minutes to prepare, and you can sit back and let the oven do the rest.

02 of 31

Mama's Fried Chicken

Mama's Fried Chicken
Southern Living

This traditional fried chicken recipe has a short, no-fuss ingredient list that is practical for a weeknight. Marinate your chicken a few hours ahead of time and then the frying process will only take a few minutes.

03 of 31

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken-Spaghetti Casserole
Hector Sanchez

You'll find chicken, butter, cheese, pasta, and a dash of hot sauce all on the ingredient list for this classic casserole. The best part? You can freeze this casserole to enjoy for meals to come.

04 of 31

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff
Antonis Achilleos

Egg noodles, mushrooms, and beef tips come together to create a comforting bowl of stroganoff. Fresh parsley add just the right touch of green.

05 of 31

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
Will Dickey

This ground beef recipe includes make-ahead instructions so you can keep it in the freezer for busy weeknights. We love to serve with a side of garlic bread.

06 of 31

Ham Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole
Jen Causey

It will take you just 45 minutes from start to finish to get this casserole on the table for dinner. A tasty mix of vegetables and a can of cream of mushroom soup make this a rich, hearty dish.

07 of 31

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak
Southern Living

This classic is made with tenderized beef steak that's breaded and served covered with a creamy pepper gravy. It's just wonderful for a weeknight.

08 of 31

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Southern Living Old Fashioned Meatloaf on a plate to serve with mashed potatoes

Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Don't let the long list deter you, most of the spices and ingredients you'll need for this meatloaf recipe are probably already on hand in your kitchen. A combination of Creole and Greek seasonings add a surprising yet impressive flavor.

09 of 31

Roasted Spatchcock Chicken

Garlicky Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
Alison Miksch

If you find roasting a whole chicken intimidating, this sheet pan recipe will help you achieve the ideal crispiness without over-drying the meat. It also allows for the chicken to cook more evenly than the traditional whole chicken.

10 of 31

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

When it comes to chicken pot pie, from scratch is always best, but frozen vegetables and refrigerated pie crust make the recipe attainable. Cooking the pie in a 9x13 dish makes every bite just perfect.

11 of 31

Cottage Pie With Potato Crust

Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potato Crust Image
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr

Frozen mashed potatoes ensure that this comforting dinner will be on the table in an hour. You can also make a double batch and freeze half for later.

12 of 31

Chicken Bog

Simple Suppers Challenge: Chicken Bog
Greg DuPree

Chicken Bog has been a staple meal in the Lowcountry for years because it's simple to make and will feed many mouths. We love our version that comes together in three steps.

13 of 31

Classic Fried Catfish

Classic Fried Catfish
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

A homemade batch of fried catfish is begging to become your new go-to summertime supper. Let the catfish sit in a combination of buttermilk and hot sauce.

14 of 31

Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

If you want to change up the menu, this classic casserole can also be prepared with shrimp. Substitute 2 pounds of peeled, deveined raw shrimp for the chicken.

15 of 31

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

First featured in Southern Living in October 1983, this no-frills recipe is a surefire winner. It's prefect for a rainy evening or just a cozy night in.

16 of 31

Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

This sandwich supper requires just 15 minutes of prep time to throw it into the slow cooker. Plus, it freezes well, so it's great to keep on hand for a homemade dinner on even the busiest days.

17 of 31

Lowcountry Shrimp And Grits

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
Iain Bagwell

Briny shrimp meet melted Parmesan and Cheddar on a bed of creamy grits. They don't call it a classic for nothing.

18 of 31

JuneBaby Fried Catfish And Parmesan Grits

Parmesan Grits
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Southerners know how to do a fish fry, and Edouardo Jordan takes it up a notch with nutty brown butter and Parmesan Grits.

19 of 31

Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks and Pickled Collard Green Stems

Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks and Pickled Collard Green Stems
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The standard greens and ham hocks in a simple broth is elevated by the addition of Pickled Collard Green Stems, which makes it extra flavorful. No complaints over here.

20 of 31

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry

Southern Living Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry in the dish with a serving out beside it

Brittany Conerly; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

It's the classic reinvented. The rich filling is sure to satisfy hungry tummies, and the flaky puff pastry may cause a tussle or two at the table.

21 of 31

Skillet Mac And Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumbs

Skillet Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Who doesn't love mac and cheese? There's nothing like a big bowl of cheesy pasta. Breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch.

22 of 31

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Southern Living

Few things satisfy on a cold night like gumbo. Though there are endless variations and possibilities when it comes to this classic dish, we settled on shrimp and sausage as the perfect duo.

23 of 31

Our Best Jambalaya

Our Best Jambalaya

Stacy K. Allen, Props: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Ready in just under an hour, our Jambalaya recipe features generous amounts of shrimp, sausage, and seasonings. It also freezes like a dream.

24 of 31

Biscuits-And-Gravy Casserole

Biscuits-and-Gravy Casserole Image
Southern Living

Brunch or breakfast for dinner? You decide. Either way, we can't pass up this well-loved, old-fashioned combination. Top with homemade biscuits or use some pre-made ones for ease.

25 of 31

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Serve baked potatoes for a crowd in a handy casserole dish. It's loaded with all the fixings: sour cream, bacon, scallions, and cheese.

26 of 31

French Onion Soup Casserole

French Onion Soup Casserole
Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Hearty, homey, and filled with Vidalia onions, this soup-inspired casserole makes for a great early-spring meal. The light broth, crunchy bread, and melty cheese come together for a comforting and refreshing meal.

27 of 31

Shrimp And Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

This staple just got a whole lot easier. It's now a casserole ready in just an hour, with all the flavors we know and love.

28 of 31

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This is a dish that reigns supreme at both potlucks and on busy weeknights. All you need are some corn tortillas, spicy green chiles, and a can of creamy soup. Top it all off with grated Cheddar cheese for some melty goodness.

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Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole
Jennifer Davick

Sit back, relax, and let your slow cooker create this super simple, quick-fix pasta dish. Serve with a light salad for the easiest weeknight dinner ever.

30 of 31

Fried Pork Chops With Cream Gravy

Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy

You might be surprised to learn that golden brown fried pork chops come together in just 30 minutes. Even the gravy comes together in a snap.

31 of 31

Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

Chicken Casserole D'Iberville
Southern Living

You can use rotisserie chicken to shorten the prep time before popping this casserole in the oven. You can also make this recipe ahead to make it even simpler.

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