17 Old-Fashioned Comfort Foods Grandma Always Made

There is a special kind of comfort that only old-fashioned cooking delivers. These are the meals that filled the kitchen with familiar smells, simmered slowly on the stove, and brought everyone to the table without being called twice. Grandma cooked with simple ingredients, steady patience, and an instinct for what would truly satisfy. These timeless comfort foods still feel just as reassuring today, especially when you want dinner to feel like home.

Classic Heinz 57 Meatloaf

Classic Heinz 57 Meatloaf
Classic Heinz 57 Meatloaf. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Tender, juicy meatloaf with a tangy Heinz 57 glaze that caramelizes on top, the kind of dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Classic Heinz 57 Meatloaf

Velveeta Potato Soup

Velveeta Potato Soup
Velveeta Potato Soup. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy comfort with bacon and scallions, this retro potato soup tastes rich, warms fast, and costs little.
Get the Recipe: Velveeta Potato Soup

Creamed Tuna on Toast

Creamed Tuna on Toast
Creamed Tuna on Toast. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Silky white sauce hugs flaky tuna for a cozy 15-minute throwback that feels like dinner and a warm memory.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Tuna on Toast

Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes

Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Leftover mashed potatoes turn into crispy, golden cakes in minutes, with crunchy edges and a soft, savory center.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes

Southern Butter Beans

Southern Butter Beans
Southern Butter Beans. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Slow-simmered butter beans with rich, savory Southern flavor, hearty enough to steal the show from the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Butter Beans

Hamburger Hashbrown Tater Tot Casserole

Hamburger Hashbrown Tater Tot Casserole
Hamburger Hashbrown Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy, beefy, and topped with crispy potato goodness, this casserole is pure comfort that feeds a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Tater Tot Casserole

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Soup
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Soup. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Classic, creamy potato soup made with simple pantry staples, the kind of bowl that instantly makes the day feel better.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savory beef and vegetables under a fluffy mashed potato topping, baked until golden for the ultimate cozy casserole night.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Classic Scalloped Potatoes from Scratch

Classic Scalloped Potatoes from Scratch
Classic Scalloped Potatoes from Scratch. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Thin potato layers baked in a garlicky cream sauce until bubbling and golden, the side dish that makes the whole table happy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Scalloped Potatoes from Scratch

Old-Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini

Old-Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Vintage Recipes .

Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and mushrooms baked into a comforting casserole that tastes like Sunday dinner any night.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini

To Die For Pot Roast with Ranch Dressing

To Die For Pot Roast with Ranch Dressing
To Die For Pot Roast with Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Three packets create shockingly tender, flavor-packed pot roast, the easiest “people think you cooked all day” dinner.
Get the Recipe: To Die For Pot Roast with Ranch Dressing

Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables

Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables
Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Flaky crust, creamy chicken filling, and zero fuss, this shortcut pot pie hits every comfort-food note.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy, cozy, and loaded with tender chicken and noodles, this casserole is weeknight-friendly and lunch-leftover gold.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Crispy Southern Fried Okra
Crispy Southern Fried Okra. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Crunchy cornmeal coating, tender okra inside, and that classic Southern bite that keeps you reaching back for “just one more.”
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Tender cabbage wrapped around savory beef and rice, simmered in tomato sauce for a comforting, old-school classic.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Chicken Croquettes with Zucchini and Onions

Chicken Croquettes with Zucchini and Onions
Chicken Croquettes with Zucchini and Onions. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Golden pan-fried croquettes with juicy chicken and veggie-packed flavor, lighter than expected, and seriously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Croquettes with Zucchini and Onions

Old-Fashioned Parsley Potatoes

Old-Fashioned Parsley Potatoes
Old-Fashioned Parsley Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Buttery, tender potatoes tossed with fresh parsley for a simple side that tastes clean, classic, and quietly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Parsley Potatoes

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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