Back in Time Today
Dinner in the 1970s was a time of casseroles, canned goods, and culinary creativity (for better or worse). Whether it came from a box, a can, or a slow cooker, these meals were staples in homes across America. If you grew up in the ’70s, these classic dinners will bring back delicious (and sometimes hilarious) memories.
1. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cream of mushroom soup. Canned tuna. Egg noodles. Baked to bubbling perfection with crushed potato chips on top—dinnertime didn’t get more ’70s than this.
2. Salisbury Steak
Smothered in brown gravy and paired with instant mashed potatoes, this TV dinner favorite made everyone feel fancy for a night.
3. Meatloaf
Ketchup-glazed and packed with breadcrumbs, this was mom’s go-to meal for stretching ground beef into a hearty feast.
4. Sloppy Joes
Ground beef in a sweet, tangy sauce served on a hamburger bun. Messy? Yes. Delicious? Always.
5. TV Dinners
Aluminum trays with compartments for meat, mashed potatoes, corn, and a brownie? Dinnertime and screen time combined—no complaints from kids.
6. Chicken à la King
Creamy and mysterious, this dish often came from a can and was poured over toast, rice, or biscuits. Pure comfort food.
7. Goulash
American-style goulash mixed elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce into one big, simmering pot of satisfaction.
8. Ham Steak with Pineapple Rings
This retro masterpiece was as much about presentation as taste. That shiny pineapple glaze meant it was a special night.
9. Shake ’n Bake Chicken
“It’s Shake ’n Bake, and I helped!” Crunchy coating made weeknight chicken taste (and sound) just a bit more exciting.
10. Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a mix of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. A colorful way to sneak veggies into the mix.
11. Swanson Pot Pie
A flaky crust hiding molten-hot chicken and veggie filling. Quick, easy, and perfectly paired with after-school cartoons.
12. Hamburger Helper
Boxed convenience that brought pasta and beef together in creamy or cheesy sauces. Moms loved it, and so did hungry kids.
13. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Jarred sauce or homemade, this Italian-American classic was a weekly ritual in many homes—often with garlic bread on the side.
14. Macaroni and Cheese (from a box)
Bright orange, unnaturally smooth, and 100% beloved. Kraft ruled dinner tables everywhere.
15. Hot Dogs and Baked Beans
A quick, no-fuss meal that filled bellies and left plenty of time for evening bike rides or homework.
16. Beef Stroganoff
Creamy, mushroom-filled sauce over egg noodles—this Eastern European dish became a ’70s dinner party regular.
17. Chili with Saltine Crackers
Hearty and spicy (but never too hot), chili night was all about big bowls, big flavor, and big leftovers.
18. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Boiled eggs, mayo, and a bit of mustard, served on soft white bread. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly nostalgic.
19. Tater Tot Casserole
Creamy meat filling topped with golden tater tots—what’s not to love? It was a casserole with serious kid appeal.
20. Spam and Eggs
Love it or mock it, Spam was a pantry hero. Served with scrambled eggs or pan-fried with pineapple, it was dinner in a pinch.