17 Retro Recipes From the 1970s Worth Bringing Back

Take a delicious step back with these 21 popular recipes defining 1970s home cooking. From rich casseroles and quirky salads to sweet desserts and fondue-party favorites, this collection captures the comforting, creative spirit of the decade. Whether revisiting childhood classics or discovering retro flavors for the first time, these dishes are all about nostalgic charm and satisfying simplicity.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!

Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in a homemade version of classic Beef Stroganoff that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pot wonder delivers rich, creamy flavors without the artificial ingredients found in boxed versions. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food.

Get the recipe -> Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff: Better Than the Box!

Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella
Image Credit: An Immigrant’s Table

Savor the Mediterranean magic of Chicken Marbella, where prunes, olives and capers create a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. This elegant yet simple dish transforms ordinary Monday dinners into memorable occasions worth celebrating.

Get the recipe -> Chicken Marbella

Grandma’s Famous Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Grandma's Famous Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This hearty casserole brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and two kinds of melty cheese for a comforting homemade meal. Made from scratch with real ingredients, it delivers all the classic cheeseburger flavors in every bite.

Get the recipe -> Grandma’s Famous Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

This mouthwatering casserole combines all your cheeseburger favorites – seasoned ground beef, crunchy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese. It delivers the delicious taste of burgers and fries in one simple, family-friendly dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Get the recipe -> Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Melting Pot Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe

Melting Pot Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of homemade Cheddar Cheese Fondue inspired by The Melting Pot. This easy copycat recipe creates the perfect shareable appetizer for date night or a festive New Year’s Eve celebration with friends and family.

Get the recipe -> Melting Pot Cheddar Cheese Fondue Recipe

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine
Image Credit: Stetted

Indulge in this timeless quiche Lorraine, where crispy bacon meets creamy egg custard inside a buttery, flaky crust. A French classic that elevates any brunch table, yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Get the recipe -> Quiche Lorraine

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Indulge in tender chicken breasts simmered with colorful bell peppers in a zesty Baja-inspired sauce, all topped with melty cheese for the ultimate comfort dinner. A quick, flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the recipe -> Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover the secret to authentic Chinese restaurant-style sweet and sour chicken in your own kitchen. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy chicken and tangy-sweet sauce that rivals your favorite takeout.

Get the recipe -> Sweet and Sour Chicken

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

This isn’t your average tuna casserole. Our secret ingredient creates a rich, creamy texture with zero fishiness. Even the most devoted tuna-haters can’t resist asking for seconds – and the recipe!

Get the recipe -> Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Lemon Zucchini Bread
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This moist lemon zucchini bread, topped with a creamy zesty glaze, transforms garden-fresh zucchini into a delightful treat. It’s the perfect balance of bright citrus and subtle sweetness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Get the recipe -> Lemon Zucchini Bread

Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake

Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Cracker Barrel’s beloved carrot cake right in your kitchen. Our recreation captures all the moisture and richness of the original, with sweet pineapple, tropical coconut, and crunchy nuts in every heavenly bite.

Get the recipe -> Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake

Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert

Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the magic of Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert! This simple treat creates three distinct layers as it sets, delighting kids and adults alike. Choose your favorite flavor for a colorful, nostalgic dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum wow-factor.

Get the recipe -> Jello 1-2-3 Layered Dessert

Chicken a la King

Chicken a la King
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the comfort of Homemade Chicken a la King, a creamy, hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal. Our easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will impress your family without hours in the kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Chicken a la King

Classic Sloppy Joes

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Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

This old-fashioned homemade recipe for sloppy joes, is perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.

Get the recipe -> Classic Sloppy Joes

Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Dive into the nostalgic delight of Watergate Salad, a creamy, sweet classic that combines pistachio pudding with juicy cherries. This simple, crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in minutes for the perfect retro side dish that brings back memories.

Get the recipe -> Watergate Salad

Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix

Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

Indulge in our semi-homemade German Chocolate Cake that combines the ease of a boxed mix with the luxury of homemade coconut pecan icing. This timeless dessert delivers rich flavor without hours in the kitchen—perfect for celebrations or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Get the recipe -> Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix

Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This cozy chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken with fluffy rice in a creamy sauce for a comforting meal. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner the whole family will love.

Get the recipe -> Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

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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