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We all live for a little bit of nostalgia, and the food we grew up eating can be one thing that can take us right back to the good ol’ days. It can also say a lot about the decade you were raised in. The Kitchn editors got to chatting recently about our most memorable childhood dinners, and we quickly learned that we ate a lot of the same stuff.
We’re talking boxed staples like Shake n’ Bake and Hamburger Helper, and homemade classics like spaghetti and meatballs. For a blast from the past, here are 20 nostalgic meals you might have eaten as a kid growing up in the ’80s and ’90s (plus our recipes to take them to the next level).
Christine, our senior recipe editor; Lindsay, our editor-in-chief, and I all grew up eating homemade pizzas — specifically made with store-bought Boboli crust. Skip the dough in this recipe and be transported back in time.
This one-pot casserole, made with ground beef and pasta in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, also brings back memories for Christine and Rachel, our culinary producer. Take it up a notch and ditch the box for our homemade recipe.
Meatloaf was a staple in Mara, our director of groceries & shopping, and Kristina’s, our deputy food editor, households. We bet that this version will convert even the biggest of skeptics of this retro dish.
Jan, our associate recipe producer, grew up eating lots of salisbury steak, seasoned ground beef that gets shaped into steak-like patties, browned, and braised in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. It’s comforting and hearty, and only takes 30 minutes to make.
Another popular staple dish in Mara’s household was this French-sounding but actually Swiss dish. Made with crispy breaded chicken, salty ham, and melty cheese, this dish is perfectly retro.
Lindsay also recalls eating lots and lots of beef stew. This version speeds things up with an Instant Pot, so dinner is ready in less than an hour.
Lasagna was another dish that many of our editors had when they were growing up. The layered pasta bake is comforting and classic and endlessly versatile.
Mara’s mom also often served rice pilaf as a side dish. In this recipe, we toast the rice and pasta to give it an extra boost of flavor.
When I was growing up, we always had homemade baked mac and cheese — especially at holidays and special events. It was kind of my mom’s signature dish, and kids and adults alike couldn’t get enough of it.
Like tacos but deconstructed, this was another fan-favorite in Lindsay’s household. This version rivals the one from your favorite restaurant.
