15 Hearty Depression-Era Meals That Stand the Test of Time

During the Great Depression, meals were simple, hearty, and focused on stretching ingredients as far as possible. Despite the challenges, people found creative ways to turn basic staples into filling dishes that brought comfort to the table. These Depression-era meals have stood the test of time, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious.

Potato Soup

Potato soup was a staple during the Great Depression because it required minimal ingredients but delivered a lot of warmth and comfort. To make it, you’ll need a few potatoes, onions, milk, and butter. Dice the potatoes and onions, and simmer them in water until tender. Then, mash them slightly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Add milk and butter, then season with salt and pepper. This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for cold days and can be stretched easily by adding more water or potatoes.

Cornmeal Mush

Cornmeal mush was a filling breakfast or dinner option, made with just cornmeal, water, and salt. Bring four cups of water to a boil, then slowly whisk in one cup of cornmeal. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and cook on low heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Add a pinch of salt for flavor, and serve it warm. During the Depression, it was often served with a drizzle of molasses or a little butter for added flavor. You can also fry leftover mush in slices for a crispy treat.

Hoover Stew

Hoover Stew was a frugal meal that combined pasta, canned tomatoes, and hot dogs—ingredients that were cheap and easy to find. Boil a pot of macaroni or elbow pasta, and in a separate pan, heat up diced hot dogs with a can of tomatoes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and mix it with the hot dog-tomato mixture. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. This one-pot dish is simple but filling, making it a Depression-era favorite that’s still enjoyable today.

Beans and Ham Hock

A pot of beans cooked with a ham hock was a common way to get protein and flavor without spending much. Rinse and soak dried beans overnight, then drain and add them to a large pot with a ham hock. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for several hours until the beans are soft and the ham hock has flavored the broth. Add salt, pepper, and a bay leaf for extra seasoning. This hearty dish is perfect with a slice of bread or cornbread on the side.

Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup was a simple, nourishing dish made with ingredients almost everyone had on hand. To make it, bring four cups of chicken broth to a simmer and stir in a beaten egg. As you stir, the egg will cook and create thin ribbons in the broth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or chopped green onions if you have them. This quick, easy soup is light but satisfying, perfect for a simple lunch or dinner.

Depression-Era Meatloaf

During the Depression, meatloaf was often made with fillers like oats or breadcrumbs to stretch the meat further. Mix one pound of ground beef with half a cup of oats, one chopped onion, an egg, and a little salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into a loaf and bake it in a 350°F oven for about 45 minutes. Serve slices with a bit of ketchup on top for added flavor. This meatloaf is both frugal and filling, and a classic dish that remains popular today.

Slumgullion

Slumgullion is a budget-friendly stew made from whatever ingredients were available, often ground meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Brown one pound of ground beef in a pot, then add diced onions, carrots, and potatoes. Stir in a can of tomatoes and a little water, then let it simmer until the vegetables are soft. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for flavor. This hearty stew can be made in large batches and reheats well for leftovers.

Mock Apple Pie

Mock apple pie became famous during the Depression because it didn’t actually contain apples—just crackers, sugar, and spices that mimicked the flavor of apples. Crush about two cups of crackers and mix with one cup of sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a quarter cup of lemon juice. Place the mixture into a pie crust and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a dessert that tastes surprisingly close to the real thing.

Chipped Beef on Toast

Chipped beef on toast, often called “SOS,” was a simple, savory dish made from dried beef and a creamy sauce. Start by making a roux with two tablespoons of butter and flour in a skillet, then slowly whisk in one and a half cups of milk. Once the sauce thickens, stir in chopped dried beef and a pinch of pepper. Serve over toasted bread for a quick, filling meal. This dish became a popular comfort food that’s easy to recreate today.

Johnnycakes

Johnnycakes are simple cornmeal pancakes that were popular during the Depression because they were cheap and filling. To make them, mix one cup of cornmeal, one cup of water, and a pinch of salt into a thick batter. Heat a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the hot surface, cooking each side until golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup, or even just a bit of salt, for a quick, satisfying meal that pairs well with breakfast or dinner.

Peanut Butter Bread

Peanut butter bread was a Depression-era treat made with pantry staples. In a bowl, mix one and a half cups of flour, a quarter cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of baking powder. Stir in a half cup of peanut butter and one cup of milk until combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. This bread is slightly sweet, rich in flavor, and perfect on its own or with a spread of jelly.

Poor Man’s Meal

Poor Man’s Meal combined potatoes, onions, and hot dogs for a cheap but filling dinner. Dice two potatoes and one onion, and fry them in a pan with a little oil until they start to brown. Add sliced hot dogs and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple dish is quick to make, and its hearty ingredients make it a perfect budget meal that’s still popular today.

Rice Pudding

Rice pudding was a sweet treat that used simple ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook one cup of rice in two cups of milk until tender, then stir in half a cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Simmer until thickened, then serve warm or cold. Rice pudding is creamy, comforting, and can be made with leftover rice, making it a resourceful dessert during tough times.

Vegetable Hash

Vegetable hash made use of leftover vegetables and potatoes, creating a hearty and frugal meal. Dice potatoes and leftover vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, and fry them in a skillet with a little oil. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are golden and the vegetables are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and a great way to avoid wasting food.

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding was a great way to use up stale bread and turn it into a sweet dessert. Tear up a loaf of stale bread and soak it in a mixture of two cups of milk, two beaten eggs, half a cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until set. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy, comforting dessert.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

15 Deli Counter Favorites That Don’t Live Up to Expectations

Deli counters are often the first stop for a quick lunch or an easy dinner solution. With so many choices, it’s tempting to grab familiar favorites, expecting a mouthwatering meal. Read More.

13 Quick and Easy Fall Breakfast Ideas

Fall mornings call for cozy, warm breakfast ideas that don’t take up much time but still taste amazing. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend, having a variety of easy recipes can make your mornings better. Read More.

14 Traditional Spice Cakes That Are Perfect for Cozy Evenings

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a spice cake baking in the oven, especially on a chilly evening. These traditional spice cakes, filled with warming ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, are the perfect treats to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Read More.