The 1980s gave us more than neon and mixtapes — the decade also delivered hearty comfort food that deserves a second look. From casseroles and slow-cooker dinners to indulgent desserts, these recipes capture the flavors of family meals from the era.
Classic Beef Stroganoff
Indulge in the timeless comfort of Beef Stroganoff, where tender strips of beef mingle with earthy mushrooms in a velvety sour cream sauce. This classic dish brings warmth to your table and satisfaction to every bite—perfect for family dinners or impressive entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Classic Beef Stroganoff
Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles
Tender beef simmers with earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory broth before being ladled over hearty egg noodles. This old-fashioned comfort classic brings warmth to your table with minimal effort but maximum flavor. A family favorite that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles
Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
This creamy, comforting broccoli cheese rice casserole is the perfect 30-minute side dish for busy weeknights. Loaded with cheesy goodness and tender broccoli, it pairs beautifully with any protein for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
Easy Chicken Divan
Indulge in creamy, cheesy goodness with our simple Chicken Divan casserole. This low-carb, keto-friendly dinner comes together with just 5 ingredients for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Your family will request this comforting classic again and again.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Divan
Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables
Dive into homemade comfort with this simple chicken pot pie that transforms everyday ingredients into something special. The golden crust breaks open to reveal succulent chicken and vegetables bathed in velvety gravy. It’s the perfect way to reimagine yesterday’s roast chicken into tonight’s cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables
Old-fashioned Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting Shepherd’s Pie features savory ground chuck, vegetables, and rich gravy topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted Cheddar. A golden-baked family meal that brings warmth to your dinner table any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Shepherd’s Pie
Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken with fluffy rice in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Simple ingredients, maximum flavor!
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken a la King
Treat your family to creamy, comforting Homemade Chicken a la King tonight! This classic dish combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a velvety sauce that’s surprisingly easy to prepare from scratch. Perfect over rice, biscuits, or pasta for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken a la King
Chili Mac
This hearty one-pot wonder combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta, zesty tomatoes, and hearty beans, all blanketed in melted cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that brings maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac
Curry Chicken Salad
Discover our refined curry chicken salad, where succulent chicken meets zesty mango chutney and crisp vegetables. This vintage recipe brings sophistication to your table—perfect for impressing guests at your next elegant lunch gathering.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad
30-Minute American Goulash
This soul-warming beef goulash transforms budget-friendly ingredients into pure comfort food magic in just 30 minutes. With tender meat and rich, paprika-infused sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute American Goulash
Frog Eye Salad
This creamy, fruity dessert salad brings nostalgic joy to any gathering. With its playful texture and sweet flavor profile, this retro favorite always disappears quickly at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad
Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw with Marshmallows
This tropical coleslaw bursts with sweet pineapple chunks and fluffy marshmallows, creating a creamy summer delight. It’s the perfect quick side dish for your BBQ spread that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw with Marshmallows
Easy Corn Au Gratin Casserole
Indulge in this creamy corn au gratin casserole where sweet kernels mingle with rich white sauce and melty cheese, all topped with irresistibly crunchy cracker crumbs. This comforting side dish complements any meal and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Corn Au Gratin Casserole
Famous Duff’s Bread Pudding
Indulge in this recreation of the famous bread pudding from that iconic buffet we all miss. Perfectly soaked bread bakes into a rich, creamy custard, topped with a warm, velvety nutmeg sauce that brings back all those cherished memories. This recipe captures the magic of the original.
Get the Recipe: Famous Duff’s Bread Pudding
Mississippi Mud Cake
Indulge in this Southern classic – layers of moist, fudgy chocolate cake smothered with sweet marshmallow creme and rich chocolate frosting. Every bite delivers pure decadence that chocolate lovers simply can’t resist.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake
Grandma’s Three Bean Salad Recipe
This classic three bean salad combines colorful beans with a sweet and tangy homemade dressing that gets better overnight. It’s a refreshing, protein-packed side dish that requires zero cooking—perfect for your next summer gathering or weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Three Bean Salad Recipe
La Madeleine Quiche Lorraine
Savor a slice of France with this homemade version of La Madeleine’s celebrated Quiche Lorraine. The velvety custard, studded with Swiss cheese, savory ham and crispy bacon, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, will transport your brunch from ordinary to extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: La Madeleine Quiche Lorraine
Lady Bird Johnson’s Pedernales River Chili Recipe
Savor a piece of American history with Lady Bird Johnson’s authentic Texas chili recipe straight from the White House. This rich, bean-free chili con carne delivers bold, traditional flavors in just one hour—a presidential-approved comfort dish that’s remarkably simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lady Bird Johnson’s Pedernales River Chili Recipe
Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
This colorful layered masterpiece combines the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables with a luxuriously creamy dressing. Make it ahead for your next gathering and watch as guests marvel at both its beauty and delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ditch the can and discover how incredibly easy it is to make Sloppy Joes from scratch! These perfectly seasoned, slightly sweet and tangy sandwiches come together in just 20 minutes for a weeknight dinner your whole family will devour.
Get the Recipe: Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Indulge in this crowd-pleasing Frito Taco Salad that perfectly blends seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing with the irresistible crunch of Fritos corn chips. A quick, satisfying meal that brings the fiesta to your dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Indulge in this rich, creamy tuna noodle casserole topped with melty cheese that your family will request again and again. Quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings, it also makes delicious leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
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