20 Dinner Recipes from the '80s That Give Us Serious Flashbacks (in a Good Way) (2024)

Home Recipes Meal Types Dinner

These '80s recipes are going to give you a serious case of dinnertime nostalgia. Bring a few of these dishes back to the future and serve them up tonight (they're just as delicious as they were back then).

Mom’s Swedish Meatballs

Get Recipe

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

Be sure to check out some of our favorite ’80s snack foods, too!

Sloppy Joes Sandwiches

You’ll love this quick, easy and economical homemade sloppy joe recipe. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York

As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York

Pepperoni Pan Pizza

I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida

Easy Beef Stroganoff

I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri

Walking Tacos

These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington

Chicken Tater Bake

You'll please everyone in the family with this inviting and filling chicken Tater Tot casserole. It tastes like a chicken potpie topped with Tater Tots. —Fran Allen, St Louis, Missouri

Chili Mac Casserole

This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

Slow-Cooked Chicken a la King

When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington

Cheesy Stuffed Peppers

This is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Classic Chicken Potpie

Our neighbors and a friend from back home are always after me to make "those yummy potpies". That's all the encouragement I need, since we really like 'em, too! —Ada May Smith, Citrus Springs, Florida.

Family-Favorite Italian Beef Sandwiches

With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

Chicken Divan

This tasty chicken divan recipe was given to me by a friend years ago, and it's been a family favorite ever since. My daughters enjoy making this dish in their own homes and get the same enthusiastic compliments I always do! —Mary Pat Lucia, North East, Pennsylvania

Zippy Breaded Pork Chops

Need a perky update for baked breaded pork chops? These chops with ranch dressing and a light breading will bring a delightful zing to your dinner table. —Ann Ingalls, Gladstone, Missouri

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky

French Bread Pizza

Slices of this hearty french bread pizza are guaranteed to please. I sometimes substitute spaghetti sauce for the pizza sauce, or add our favorite veggies to the toppings. —Sue McLaughlin, Onawa, Iowa

Orange Spiced Ham Steak

I turn orange marmalade, mustard and just a hint of ginger into a glaze for ham that comes together super quick but feels exceptional. And that makes it perfect for when I’m entertaining brunch guests! —Connie Moore, Medway, Ohio

Penne alla Vodka

This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

This hearty main dish is a favorite at our house. It really warms you up. —Kim Kidd, New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.