19 Traditional Sunday Dinners Your Grandma Used to Make

Those Sunday dinners at grandma’s were like a warm embrace after a long week, each one filled with dishes that somehow tasted like home. Every recipe had its own charm, each dish prepared with grandma’s special touch. Now, making these recipes brings a little piece of that legacy into your own kitchen, keeping those cherished Sunday traditions alive.

Pot Roast

A classic pot roast features tender beef simmered with vegetables and herbs. To prepare, season a 3-pound chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear in 2 tablespoons of oil until browned on all sides. Add 1 cup of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine, 2 chopped carrots, 2 diced potatoes, 1 sliced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.

Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken is a beloved Sunday dinner staple. Marinate 8 chicken pieces in 2 cups of buttermilk for at least 2 hours. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour, then fry in hot oil (350°F) for 10-12 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete meal.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf combines ground meat with seasonings, baked to perfection. In a bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 beaten egg, 1 chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Top with a mixture of 1/4 cup ketchup and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. This dish is a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a savory pie filled with chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. Cook 2 cups of diced chicken, then mix with 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots), 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of cream. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a pie crust, top with another crust, seal the edges, and cut slits for steam. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, until golden brown. This dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

Lasagna

Lasagna layers pasta with rich meat sauce and cheeses. Prepare the sauce by cooking 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until browned. Add 24 ounces of marinara sauce and simmer. In a separate bowl, mix 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Layer cooked lasagna noodles with meat sauce and cheese mixture in a 9×13-inch pan. Repeat layers and top with additional mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. This Italian favorite is a family dinner classic.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty dish with meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. Cook 1 pound of ground lamb or beef with 1 chopped onion until browned. Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots) and 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer until thickened. Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with 2 cups of mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, until the top is golden. This dish is a comforting meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners.

Roast Chicken

A simple roast chicken is both elegant and comforting. Season a 4-pound whole chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stuff the cavity with 1 halved lemon and 4 crushed garlic cloves. Roast at 425°F for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear. Let rest before carving. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Beef Stew

Beef stew is a slow-cooked dish with tender meat and vegetables. Brown 2 pounds of beef stew meat in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 4 cups of beef broth, 2 chopped carrots, 2 diced potatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, until the meat is tender. This stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and savory side dish. Boil and mash 4 cups of sweet potatoes. Mix with 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Pour into a baking dish. Top with a mixture of 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. This dish adds a touch of sweetness to any meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened, then mix in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Combine the pasta with the sauce, pour into a baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is a comforting and budget-friendly dish. Cook 3 cups of egg noodles until al dente and drain. In a bowl, mix 2 cans of tuna (drained), 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Combine with the noodles and pour into a baking dish. Top with 1 cup of crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. This nostalgic meal is both simple and satisfying.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a holiday favorite that pairs green beans with a creamy, crunchy topping. Combine 4 cups of cooked green beans with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir in 1 cup of fried onions and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, top with an additional cup of fried onions, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This dish offers both texture and flavor, making it a must-try side.

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert filled with spiced apples and a flaky crust. Peel and slice 6 cups of apples, then toss with 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Place the mixture into a pie crust, dot with 2 tablespoons of butter, and cover with another crust. Seal the edges, cut slits for steam, and bake at 375°F for 50 minutes. This dessert brings warm, nostalgic flavors to the table.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a simple, buttery bread that complements any meal. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg, stirring until combined. Pour into a greased 9-inch baking pan and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This golden bread is moist and slightly sweet, perfect for pairing with savory dishes.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a Southern classic with creamy grits and flavorful shrimp. Cook 1 cup of grits according to package instructions, adding 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end. Sauté 1 pound of shrimp in 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 minced garlic clove and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Combine the shrimp and their juices with the grits. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a vibrant, hearty meal.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a baked pasta dish layered with meat sauce and cheese. Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta until al dente. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef and mix with 24 ounces of marinara sauce. Layer half the pasta in a baking dish, top with half the sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly. This dish is ideal for family gatherings.

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken tetrazzini is a creamy pasta bake with tender chicken and mushrooms. Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and set aside. In a skillet, sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Mix with 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Combine with the pasta, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff combines tender beef with a creamy, tangy sauce. Sauté 1 pound of thinly sliced beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of butter until browned. Stir in 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Reduce heat and mix in 1/2 cup of sour cream. Serve over cooked egg noodles for a comforting meal with rich flavors.

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a wholesome dish filled with a savory mixture of meat, rice, and seasonings. Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers and remove seeds. In a bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stuff the peppers with the mixture, place in a baking dish, and top with more tomato sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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