17 comfort dishes straight out of the 70s that still hold up today

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These 17 comfort dishes bring the best of the 70s straight to your table. Each recipe is a nod to familiar, home-cooked meals that many grew up with, featuring the flavors and heartiness that still satisfy today. From classic casseroles to nostalgic sides, these dishes continue to remind us why certain recipes never go out of style. So gather around and relive the warmth and comfort of traditional meals that have stood the test of time.

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta combines pasta, creamy ricotta, and marinara, creating a meal that channels the hearty comfort of the 70s. Ready in just about an hour, this dish brings people together with its nostalgic and familiar flavors. The spinach adds a fresh touch while still holding onto that classic feel. Perfect for any gathering, it’s a dish to enjoy and remember.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy takes classic flavors and elevates them with a rich, savory gravy, ideal for comforting meals. This hearty dish, ready in under an hour, captures the essence of 70s dinners that brought families together. Each bite of these tender chops celebrates the simplicity and depth of traditional home cooking. This dish is an effortless classic that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

A lamb shepherd's pie served in a glass dish.
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie brings together savory lamb and creamy potatoes in a way that speaks to 70s comfort food roots. With each bite, this hearty pie delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a classic meal. Its familiar layers and rich flavors make it a timeless choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home. This dish is comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes offer the simple, rich comfort that defined 70s family meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, this side dish brings warmth and familiarity to any meal. Each spoonful provides a soft, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with any main dish. These mashed potatoes remind us why the basics are sometimes the best.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a comforting classic that captures the cozy flavors of home. With its flaky crust and creamy filling, it embodies the essence of 70s comfort food. The subtle hint of tarragon adds a distinctive flavor, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every bite. This dish is sure to bring warmth and happiness to any table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

A slow cooker filled with mac and cheese with a gooey, cheesy topping.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese brings a creamy, cheesy goodness that feels like a cozy throwback to 70s comfort meals. With minimal effort, this dish offers a timeless appeal perfect for family dinners. Each serving reminds us why macaroni and cheese has been a beloved staple for generations. This classic dish is both satisfying and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A picture of beef stew with mushrooms carrots and thyme.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew delivers tender meat and hearty vegetables, a nod to the slow-cooked, comforting dishes of the 70s. Filling the kitchen with rich aromas, this stew brings warmth to any day, especially on chilly evenings. Its familiar flavors make it a nostalgic choice for family gatherings. A bowl of this stew captures the comfort of simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole brings the classic creamy, cheesy taste of tuna noodle casseroles from the 70s back to the table. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple choice for family dinners and busy weeknights alike. This casserole also reheats well, making it a convenient option for anyone craving that familiar, comforting flavor. Each bite recalls memories of dinnertime favorites.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole layers bacon, sour cream, and cheddar, making it the perfect example of 70s comfort food. This creamy, satisfying dish is ideal for family meals, bringing everyone together with each bite. The combination of classic ingredients makes it a timeless favorite. It’s a dish that feels like a comforting hug in casserole form.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Apple Stuffing combines tart cranberries and sweet apples for a nostalgic taste that brings to mind holiday gatherings of the 70s. Using simple ingredients, it’s ready in about an hour and perfect for cozy dinners. Each bite carries the warmth and tradition of family meals from decades past. This dish is a beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole brings together tender broccoli and cheddar, embodying the comfort food classics of the 70s. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a reliable side dish that works for both family dinners and potlucks. This dish’s simplicity and cheesy richness make it easy to love. Each bite recalls the familiar taste of home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Individual Shepherd's Pie.
Individual Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Individual Shepherd’s Pie presents the classic flavors of a 70s shepherd’s pie in a convenient, portioned format. Made with seasoned venison, this pie captures the essence of a traditional meal with added ease. Perfect for cozy nights, it brings a familiar flavor to every bite. This dish feels like a comforting nod to simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Salisbury Steak in the Slow Cooker

White plate with salisbury steak on it and a mushroom on top of them.
Salisbury Steak in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Salisbury Steak in the Slow Cooker offers tender ground beef patties smothered in savory mushroom gravy, a true classic from the 70s. This dish, slowly cooked to perfection, delivers a nostalgic flavor perfect for cozy dinners. With minimal prep, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a timeless meal. The rich, hearty taste brings a comforting touch to any day.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak in the Slow Cooker

Chicken à la King

Chicken green beans mushrooms with biscuit.
Chicken à la King. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chicken à la King brings back the creamy, savory flavors of tender chicken, bell peppers, and mushrooms in a classic sauce. Traditionally served over biscuits or rice, it’s a dish that feels timeless and comforting. Each spoonful captures the richness of family dinners that were popular in the 70s. This is a true comfort classic that holds its place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken à la King

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Crockpot beef stroganoff with wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff brings tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce together in a slow-cooked take on a 70s favorite. This dish is a fitting choice for those who love comforting, time-tested meals. The slow cooker enhances the flavors, making it a satisfying choice for family dinners. Each bite is a perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Divan combines juicy chicken and crisp broccoli in a cheesy sauce, creating a dish that feels straight out of a 70s dinner spread. This casserole has a creamy richness that makes it a memorable choice for gatherings and weeknight meals alike. With easy preparation, it brings a vintage comfort that families have loved for years. This dish is a classic that continues to bring joy to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A spoon lifting out stuffed pepper casserole topped with mozzarella cheese.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole captures the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole, ideal for busy nights. Combining beef, rice, and cheese, it recalls the hearty dishes that were popular in the 70s. Ready in under an hour, it brings the same comforting feel as the original but with added convenience. This dish is the perfect choice for a nostalgic, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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