Are These 31 Old School Meals Better Than What We Eat Today?

Remember those meals we used to eat that somehow tasted way better than anything we make now? I’m talking about dishes that didn’t need fancy ingredients but always hit the spot. It’s like every bite took you back to your childhood, sitting at the dinner table without a care in the world. So now I’m wondering… do we need to make these old school meals the go-to again or are we just feeling a little nostalgic?

Southern Style Chicken And Biscuits

A close-up of a creamy chicken and biscuit casserole, with a spoon lifting a biscuit topped with herbs to reveal the savory filling underneath—perfect for fans of comfort food recipes. — Southern Style Chicken And Biscuits. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits is an old school Southern comfort food you need to try. Buttermilk biscuits top a creamy chicken filling.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Chicken And Biscuits

Southern Shrimp And Grits

A platter of shrimp and grits with two glasses of wine. — Southern Shrimp And Grits. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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Southern Shrimp and Grits are a classic with andouille sausage and shrimp added to a wine and cream sauce served over cheesy grits.
Get the Recipe: Southern Shrimp And Grits

Old Fashioned Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, made with tender chicken breasts, herbs, and veggies in a flavorful broth, perfect for low-stress, hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin

A serving of coq au vin — Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Coq Au Vin in the slow cooker gives you comfort food without having to heat up your kitchen. A French chicken stew with layers of flavor that would make Julia Child proud.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin

Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo (Under An Hour)

A warm and comforting Chicken and Sausage Gumbo made with a deep, flavorful roux, andouille sausage, and tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken And Sausage Gumbo (Under An Hour)

Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

A bowl of crawfish etoufee over rice next to a bowl of green onions. — Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This special old school dish with crawfish tails takes planning, but it’s 100% worth it. A seasonal recipe to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

Swedish Meatballs With Lingonberry Jam

A platter of Swedish meatballs over pasta. — Swedish Meatballs With Lingonberry Jam. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Swedish Meatballs with a creamy sour cream gravy, are great all by themselves or served over pasta with Lingonberry Jam.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs With Lingonberry Jam

Broccoli Chicken Divan With Curry

Chicken Divan over egg noodles. — Broccoli Chicken Divan With Curry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Broccoli Chicken Divan is an irresistible, chicken casserole with a creamy white wine cheddar sauce, flavored with curry.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Divan With Curry

Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy

A plate of chicken fried steak topped with creamy white gravy, served beside mashed potatoes, garnished with cracked black pepper and chopped herbs—a classic from southern recipes. A fork and knife rest on the plate. — Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crunchy, crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with a double-dipped coating and rich gravy is a Southern comfort food classic you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With G r avy

30-Minute Sloppy Joes

A close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with seasoned ground beef on a sesame seed bun, served on a red plate with pickle slices—classic old school meals at their best. — 30-Minute Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

Making this easy sloppy joes recipe will enhance flavor, reduce mess and cut down on dishes. Made with simple ingredients!
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Sloppy Joes

Brown With Béchamel Cheese Sauce

an individual serving or a Kentucky hot brown. — Brown With Béchamel Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Kentucky Hot Browns uses leftover turkey. It’s a quick meal you can make if you don’t have time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Brown With Béchamel Cheese Sauce

Easy Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms

Chicken marsala over egg noodles on a plate. — Easy Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This chicken marsala recipe easy with pasta that features mushrooms and prosciutto recipe with marsala wine, that’s effortless and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms

Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup

A spoon full of hamburger potato casserole. — Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This hamburger potato casserole is a hearty, homemade comfort food made with creamy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich sour cream and cheese sauce—no canned soup needed!
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup

Saltimbocca Recipe With Chicken & Artichokes

Tongs removing a serving of chicken saltimbocca — Saltimbocca Recipe With Chicken & Artichokes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

For the weeknights when you need a quick and healthy meal, whip up a delicious chicken saltimbocca with basil, artichokes and prosciutto.
Get the Recipe: Saltimbocca Recipe With Chicken & Ar t ichokes

Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

A serving dish of creamy beef stroganoff. — Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This one-pot Beef Stroganoff is made with ground beef and homemade mushroom soup for an extra flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

One Pot Lentils And Rice

This one-pot lentils and rice recipe is packed with caramelized onions, warm spices, and rich flavor. Easy, hearty, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lentils And Rice

Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Carrots And Potatoes

This fall apart, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker pot roast recipe is complete with veggies and gravy. Classic recipe for weeknights or Sunday supper.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Carrots And Potatoes

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole With Egg Noodles

A bite of chicken casserole on a fork. — Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole With Egg Noodles. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy recipe for cheesy chicken noodle casserole is a simple, comforting meal. Creamy, cheesy filling with egg noodles and chicken, and a crunchy, Panko crumb top!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole With Egg Noodles

Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe With Ground Beef

This traditional Shepherds Pie Recipe is a savory meat pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes. A classic comfort food for cold weather months.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe With Ground Beef

Southern Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (No Rice)

A plate of rice covered with poppy seed chicken. — Southern Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (No Rice). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Chicken poppy seed casserole made with a homemade creamy filling and a crispy poppy seed cracker topping is great for a potluck or weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (No Rice)

Butter Beans Recipe With Smoked Pork Shank

A bowl of cooked lima beans in a broth, topped with shredded ham and garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme, evokes the comforting flavors of old school meals, with a spoon resting in the bowl. — Butter Beans Recipe With Smoked Pork Shank. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

This butter beans recipe with smoked pork shank is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. A slow-simmered, cozy, Southern style dish that only gets better with time.
Get the Recipe: Butter Beans Recipe With Smoked Pork Shank

Tuna & Noodle Casserole Without Canned Soup

A serving spoon of tuna casserole. — Tuna & Noodle Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy, nostalgic tuna noodle casserole recipe skips the canned soup and includes a crunchy potato chip topping for a dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna & Noodle Casserole Without Canned Soup

Buffalo Chicken Casserole With Tater Tots

A serving being taken from a chicken casserole. — Buffalo Chicken Casserole With Tater Tots. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Satisfy your comfort food craving with this buffalo chicken casserole (or hot dish).It’s made with ground chicken, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and frozen tater tots.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Casserole With Tater Tots

Homemade Cornbread Hamburger Pie

A round ceramic dish with a floral pattern holds a partially eaten hamburger pie, featuring a mashed potato topping over a savory meat filling. A metal spatula rests in the dish. The background includes a navy blue cloth and a wooden board. — Homemade Cornbread Hamburger Pie. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Cornbread Hamburger Pie has a hint of spice from chili powder and a savory cornbread topping for a Southern take on Shepherd’s Pie.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cornbread Hamburger Pie

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe is back! Made with day old French bread and fresh sage, let the memories of yesteryear flood in!
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe

A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oatmeal

A close-up of a blue plate with succulent meatloaf slices drizzled in red sauce. A fork and knife are artfully placed beside the meatloaf on the plate, all set against a light blue table surface. — A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oatmeal. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This juicy Meatloaf is made with oatmeal for a heartier texture and flavor and paired with an elevated take on the classic ketchup glaze.
Get the Recipe: A Perfectly Moist Meatloaf Made With Oatmeal

Southern Chicken And Dumplings With Steamed Biscuits

A pot filled with chicken and dumplings. The dish features round, golden dumplings resting in a savory broth with visible carrots, herbs, and bits of chicken. The surface is garnished with chopped parsley. The pot sits on a blue-gray countertop. — Southern Chicken And Dumplings With Steamed Biscuits. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Make this classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings. It’s made with chicken thighs, veggies, a rich broth, and steamed biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken And Dumplings With Steamed Biscuits

Linda’s Old Fashioned Spaghetti

This old fashioned crock pot spaghetti is my mother in law’s signature dish and one we always look forward to whenever we visit!
Get the Recipe: Linda’s Old Fashioned Spaghetti

Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Broccoli Casserole with crispy bacon and cheese cracker topping—an irresistible twist on a classic everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole

Easy Goulash Recipe

Such an easy goulash recipe and so comforting, warm, delicious, filling and all done in a single pot! It’s a dinner miracle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Goulash Recipe

Cajun Sausage Spaghetti

Cajun Sausage Spaghetti is a creamy pasta recipe featuring andouille sausage, peppers, and a zesty kick, ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Cajun Sausage Spaghetti

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