19 Classic American Dinners That Never Go Out of Style

These classic family recipes bring back the warm and cozy feeling of a good old-fashioned dinner. They are simple, hearty meals that everyone around the table will love and enjoy. You will find creamy casseroles and filling stews that are perfect for feeding your whole family. These dishes are easy to put together and taste just like you remember from when you were a kid, maybe even a little bit better.

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Table of Contents

1 Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe
2 Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni
3 Tomato Soup
4 Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
5 Dutch Oven Chicken Stew
6 Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks
7 Buffalo Chicken Wings
8 Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
9 Lo Mein
10 Classic Beef Meatloaf
11 American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)
12 Chicken Pot Pie
13 Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
14 Baked Pork Tenderloin
15 Stove Top Johnny Marzetti Casserole with American Cheese
16 Easy Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops
17 Rigatoni al Forno
18 Oven Braised Meatball Stew
19 Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe

Salisbury Steak topped with mushrooms and served with potatoes and asparagus. — Salisbury Steak. Photo by Chew Out Loud

Tender patties made from ground beef are smothered in a flavorful mushroom gravy. Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak is a comfort food that is great for both company and weeknights.
Get the recipe: Salisbury Steak

Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni

A large pot filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with visible pieces of red peppers and ground beef. The macaroni is cooked and coated in a rich cheese sauce, creating a hearty, savory dish. — Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni. Photo by Cook Dinner Tonight

This one-pot meal is like a homemade version of the boxed dinner but much tastier. Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni mixes ground beef, noodles, and lots of melted cheese together.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni

Tomato Soup

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty and classic soup. Tomato Soup is an easy dish that is perfect for any time you want a warm meal.
Get Recipe: Easy Fresh Cherry Tomato Soup

Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti with red tomato sauce and meatballs, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh herbs. A fork rests on the side of the plate. — Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Beyond The Chicken Coop.

Let your slow cooker do all the work for this family favorite meal. Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs has meatballs that cook right in the sauce, making them extra tasty.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Dutch Oven Chicken Stew

Two bowls of creamy chicken soup with pieces of chicken, carrots, green beans, and zucchini are on a cloth. Fresh carrots and celery are nearby, adding a vibrant touch to the table setting. — Dutch Oven Chicken Stew. Photo by The Short Order Cook

Chunks of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables all cook together in a rich broth. Dutch Oven Chicken Stew becomes super tender and flavorful after simmering for a while.
Get the recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Stew

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of crispy fried chicken drumsticks arranged neatly. The drumsticks are golden brown with a crunchy texture. A cup of dipping sauce is on the side, and there is a white and black checkered cloth and some parsley garnishes around the plate. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks. Photo by JCP Eats

These Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks are a classic American meals that’s hard to beat. With a crispy texture outside and juicy chicken inside, you’ll love every bite!

Get Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings smothered with an orange buffalo sauce. — Buffalo Chicken Wings. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These classic Buffalo Chicken Wings are perfect for game day or a fun game night. Serve with blue cheese for dipping and lots of napkins. They are sure to be a hit!

Get Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Wings

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

A plate of beef pot roast topped with diced tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. The dish is saucy and served on a white plate, with a fork and knife beside it. A bowl of green beans is partially visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Swiss Steak. Photo by The Magical Slow Cooker

Round steak is cooked slowly with tomatoes and peppers until it is fall-apart tender. Slow Cooker Swiss Steak makes its own thick and delicious sauce as it cooks all day.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

Lo Mein

A plate of stir-fried noodles with sliced red bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, and chopped green onions. The dish is garnished with a light sauce, and a cloth napkin is partially visible on the side. — Lo Mein. Photo by 100 Days of Real Food

You can make this dish faster than ordering takeout from a restaurant. Lo Mein has chewy noodles and vegetables tossed in a savory sauce that everyone loves.
Get the recipe: Lo Mein

Classic Beef Meatloaf

Slices of meatloaf topped with a glossy red glaze are arranged on a white rectangular plate. The meatloaf is garnished with a small sprinkle of fresh herbs. — Classic Beef Meatloaf. Photo by On My Kids Plate

Every family needs a good meatloaf recipe, and this one is a keeper. Classic Beef Meatloaf is juicy and flavorful, with a sweet ketchup glaze on top.
Get the recipe: Classic Beef Meatloaf

American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)

Two bowls of chili mac are on a wooden surface. The dish features macaroni, ground meat, tomatoes, and beans, topped with freshly chopped parsley. A spoon is placed in the left bowl, which is being held by a hand. — American Goulash. Photo by The Forked Spoon

This meal cooks everything in one single pot, which makes cleanup very easy. American Goulash is a simple and filling dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and noodles.
Get the recipe: American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)

Chicken Pot Pie

A golden-brown, baked pie with a crimped edge rests on a white pie dish. The flaky crust is lightly sprinkled with herbs and shown from a slightly elevated angle. Edges are irregular and rustic, giving a homemade appearance. A beige cloth lies beside the dish. — Chicken Pot Pie. Photo by Budget Delicious

Using frozen vegetables and leftover chicken makes this a very easy dinner to put together. Chicken Pot Pie has a creamy filling and a flaky store-bought crust on top.
Get Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

A close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with a hearty meat filling on a sesame seed bun, served on a white plate next to a pile of potato chips. — Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe. Photo by Quiche My Grits

This is not the kind from a can; it tastes just like an old-fashioned homemade recipe. Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes have a sweet and tangy meat sauce that is great on soft buns.
Get the recipe: Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

Baked Pork Tenderloin

Sliced pork tenderloin in a cast iron skillet, topped with sautéed onions and herbs. A carving knife rests on the skillet. — Baked Pork Tenderloin. Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

This is a classic dinner recipe that is always a hit with the whole family. Baked Pork Tenderloin is full of flavor and works for both weeknights and special occasions.
Get Recipe: Baked Pork Tenderloin

Stove Top Johnny Marzetti Casserole with American Cheese

A pot of cheesy beef noodle casserole, featuring wide pasta noodles mixed with ground beef, bell peppers, and a melted cheese topping, set on a tiled surface near silver utensils. — Stove Top Johnny Marzetti Casserole with American Cheese. Photo by Butter and baggage

This casserole mixes ground beef, noodles, and cheese in a tomato sauce that bakes until bubbly. Johnny Marzetti is a hearty meal that disappears quickly at family dinners.
Get the recipe: Stove Top Johnny Marzetti Casserole with American Cheese

Easy Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

A golden-brown breaded pork chop on a plate, accompanied by roasted potato halves and vibrant green beans. — Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo by Dishes with Dad

A seasoned breadcrumb coating makes these pork chops come out crispy every time. Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops taste just like the boxed kind but are made by you.
Get the recipe: Easy Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Rigatoni al Forno

A plate of baked rigatoni with ground meat, tomato sauce, and parsley on a wooden table. A skillet with more pasta is next to it, and a fork and bread slices are nearby. A few uncooked rigatoni and parsley leaves are scattered on the table. — Rigatoni al Forno. Photo by Maple Wood Road

This baked pasta dish is like a heartier version of a classic baked ziti. Rigatoni al Forno has tube noodles that hold the rich sauce and get crispy edges in the oven.
Get the recipe: Rigatoni al Forno

Oven Braised Meatball Stew

Two bowls of beef stew with potatoes and carrots on a wooden table. A side plate with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes is visible in the background. A green napkin with forks is placed nearby. — Oven Braised Meatball Stew. Photo by Binkys Culinary Carnival

Meatballs, potatoes, and carrots all bake together in a tasty gravy in one dish. Oven Braised Meatball Stew is a complete meal that is also very easy to clean up after.
Get the recipe: Oven Braised Meatball Stew

Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

A juicy Salisbury steak covered in rich brown gravy with mushrooms, garnished with chopped parsley. A knife and fork are placed beside it, and a portion of mashed potatoes is visible in the background. — Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy. Photo by Dishes with Dad

This is a quicker version of the classic dish that is still full of flavor. Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy has a rich gravy that makes it feel special.
Get the recipe: Easy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy