Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes: 7 Classics You’ll Love
There’s something truly special about dinner recipes that remind us of Grandma’s kitchen — the smell of freshly baked casseroles, golden roast chicken, and hearty stews simmering on the stove. These are the meals that bring families together and turn ordinary evenings into cherished memories.
Today, we’re bringing back that warmth with seven Grandma approved dinner recipes — timeless classics made with simple ingredients, full of love, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you crave something creamy, savory, or soul-soothing, these dishes are guaranteed to comfort and satisfy.
Recipe 1: Classic Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, pepper, thyme
Timing
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Simmer vegetables in broth for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked chicken and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine flour, baking powder, milk, and butter to form dough.
- Drop spoonfuls into the pot, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until fluffy.
Why Grandma Approved: It’s hearty, flavorful, and brings that cozy homemade touch that never fails.
Recipe 2: Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Timing
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 50 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Shape into a loaf.
- Spread ketchup on top and bake for 50 minutes.
Tip: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
Why Grandma Approved: It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with nostalgic flavor.
Recipe 3: Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pie crust
Timing
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 40 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
Instructions
- Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk and broth until creamy.
- Add chicken and vegetables, then pour into a pie dish.
- Cover with crust, cut slits for steam, and bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
Why Grandma Approved: Nothing beats the flaky crust and creamy filling of this all-time classic.
Recipe 4: Hearty Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chunks
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, bay leaf
Timing
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions
- Brown beef in olive oil, add onions and tomato paste.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir well.
- Add broth, potatoes, and carrots. Simmer for 1 hour.
Why Grandma Approved dinner recipes: Slow-cooked comfort food that fills the house with rich, savory aromas.
Recipe 5: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper
Timing
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 25 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk in milk.
- Stir in cheese until melted, then combine with pasta.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
Why Grandma Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked — a timeless family favorite.
Recipe 6: Classic Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 300 g beef strips
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
Timing
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Sauté beef until browned, remove from pan.
- Add onion and mushrooms, cook until soft.
- Sprinkle with flour, pour in broth, and stir until thickened.
- Add sour cream and beef, then toss with noodles.
Why Grandma Approved: A creamy, hearty dish that tastes like pure comfort.
Recipe 7: Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper
Timing
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Cook beef with onion until browned. Add tomato paste and broth.
- Stir in vegetables, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes on top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Why Grandma Approved: A wholesome, complete meal layered with love and flavor.
Nutrition (Average per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Cooking Secrets from Grandma’s Kitchen
- Season as you go. Layer flavor early — salt and pepper bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Don’t rush. Many traditional recipes taste better when simmered or baked slowly.
- Use simple ingredients. Real butter, fresh herbs, and homemade broth make a big difference.
- Cook with love. The secret ingredient Grandma always used — patience and care.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chicken and dumplings with warm cornbread or biscuits.
- Pair meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Enjoy beef stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- Add a fresh salad to balance heavier meals.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat casseroles and stews slowly to preserve flavor.
- Freeze portions of meatloaf, pot pie, or stew for quick weeknight dinners.
Why These grandma approved dinner recipes Never Go Out of Style
Classic dinners stand the test of time because they’re built on simplicity and comfort. They don’t rely on trends — just good ingredients and reliable techniques passed down from generation to generation. These grandma approved dinner recipes are more than meals; they’re memories served on a plate.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving nostalgia, these seven timeless dishes will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes! Most of these dishes can be cooked a day before and reheated — they often taste even better the next day.
Q2: Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Meatloaf, stew, and shepherd’s pie freeze beautifully for easy reheating later.
Q3: How can I lighten up these recipes?
Use lean meats, low-fat dairy, and extra vegetables without losing that homemade flavor.
Q4: What side dishes go best with Grandma’s dinners?
Try roasted vegetables, green beans, mashed potatoes, or homemade bread rolls.
Q5: Can I substitute chicken for beef in some recipes?
Yes. Chicken works well in stroganoff, pot pie, or shepherd’s pie for a lighter twist.