30 Meals We Miss from Our '70s Dinner Table (2024)

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This recipe is special to me because it’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama

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2/24

Pasta Primavera

Craving pasta but want something light and fresh? Try pasta primavera! This easy recipe features crisp veggies and a creamy Parmesan sauce.

3/24

Easy Chow Mein

Some years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota

4/24

Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack

I make this skillet specialty on those night when I'm craving southwestern fare. It's easy to cut and remove the pieces from the pan. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

5/24

Quick Pepper Steak

When I need a speedy skillet supper, this pepper steak comes to my rescue. The tender meat is slightly sweet, with a hint of brown sugar and molasses. —Monica Williams, Burleson, Texas

6/24

Creamy Scallop Crepes

These savory crepes feel so elegant for the holidays. I like to add a fourth teaspoon of fresh dill weed to the crepe batter. —Doreen Kelly, Hatboro, Pennsylvania

7/24

Tender Steak Fajitas

The beef comes out tender, juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker when I make these tempting fajitas, notes Twila Burkholder, Middleburg, Pennsylvania. I like to serve them with a side of Spanish rice.

8/24

Hawaiian Pork Roast with Pineapple

This is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. It’s wonderful with rice or potatoes and any vegetable. It also reheats well for lunch the next day. —Ruth Chiarenza La Vale, Maryland

9/24

Stuffed Peppers for Four

Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

10/24

Ground Beef Stroganoff

This easy ground beef stroganoff is even quicker than the original. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a comforting meal on the table.

11/24

Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce

My family requests this entree at least once a month. The slightly sweet Marsala sauce is yummy over the turkey slices and hot cooked noodles. —Briana Knight, Ferndale, Washington

12/24

Turkey a la King with Rice

I like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It's a nice change from casseroles and so simple. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin

13/24

Santa Fe Skillet

As a mother who works full-time, I’m always looking for quick, easy meals to prepare. This is a timeless recipe. —Lorie VanHorn, Waddell, Arizona

14/24

Cassoulet for Today

French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida

15/24

Chicken Caesar Florentine

I adapted this dish from my favorite chicken Caesar salad recipe. It has many of the same ingredients as the salad: croutons, grated Parmesan, chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing. This makes the perfect comforting meal on a busy weeknight. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio

16/24

Tangy Tropical Chicken

In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida

17/24

Slow-Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut

When cold wind blows outside, this slow-cooker pork and sauerkraut recipe will warm you on the inside. Load the slow cooker in the morning, and when you get home, supper will be ready.

18/24

Stovetop Goulash

I created this recipe after trying goulash at a local restaurant. The blend of spices gives it fabulous flavor, and it’s so easy to make on a weeknight! —Karen Schelert, Portland, Oregon

19/24

Salisbury Steak Supreme

When I was running late one night, a go-to recipe of my mom's popped into my head. Now it's one of my husband's favorites. It also makes a fast and satisfying solution for what to serve unexpected company. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey

20/24

Frito Pie

Crunchy, salty Fritos corn chips are the star ingredient of Frito pie. Make this cheesy Tex-Mex favorite for dinner or game day.

21/24

Salmon Patty Sauce

Crunchy, golden-brown salmon cakes are an appealing way to eat more fish, and even more so when paired with the right salmon patty sauce. Start with salmon fillets (instead of canned), and serve them with a bright lemon dill sauce.

22/24

Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce

This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

23/24

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

You can’t go wrong with a sweet and spicy chicken drizzled with a velvety cream sauce for dinner.

24/24

Weekday Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cooked “cacciatore” means a dish prepared “hunter-style” with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and seasonings. We add a touch of white wine to make ours northern Italian-style. —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Missouri

Originally Published: December 31, 1969