Family dinners used to be a nightly tradition, with certain meals making regular appearances on the dinner table. Whether it was a hearty casserole, a gelatin-based “salad,” or a simple meat-and-potatoes dish, these staples were once standard fare. But as tastes have changed, so have the meals we serve, and many of these once-common dinner staples have faded into history. Here are the everyday dinner staples from the past that have disappeared from modern tables—and why they might deserve a comeback.
1. Meatloaf with a Ketchup Glaze
Meatloaf was a go-to dinner in the past because it was cheap, filling, and easy to make in bulk. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs were mixed together, shaped into a loaf, and topped with a generous layer of ketchup before being baked to perfection. It was often served with mashed potatoes and canned green beans, making for a well-rounded (if not particularly exciting) meal. The Food We Know breaks down the surprisingly nuanced history of this dinner table staple – not to be confused with the singer.
These days, meatloaf has lost its status as a household staple, often replaced by more modern takes on ground beef, like burgers or tacos. While some families still make it, many younger generations see it as outdated or too heavy. But with the right seasoning and a fresh approach, meatloaf could easily make a comeback—just maybe with a more sophisticated glaze.
2. TV Dinners
In the ’60s and ’70s, frozen TV dinners were a lifesaver for busy families. Packaged neatly in divided aluminum trays, they featured classic combos like Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes or fried chicken with a brownie on the side. The novelty of eating a meal straight from a tray while watching television made them a hit with kids. For those wanting to sink their teeth into this dinnertime staple, History breaks down just who invented this culinary classic.
Today, frozen meals still exist, but they’ve shifted toward “healthy” or gourmet options, leaving the old-school TV dinner behind. The nostalgia is still strong, though—many would argue that nothing quite compares to the experience of peeling back the foil on a piping hot, slightly overcooked meal straight from the oven.
3. Gelatin Molds with Suspicious Ingredients
Gelatin salads were once a dinner table staple, often featuring a mix of Jell-O, canned fruit, cottage cheese, and even shredded carrots. Some versions took an even stranger turn, incorporating seafood, ham, or vegetables, all suspended in a wobbly, jiggling form. They were colorful, decorative, and a little bit terrifying. Even a subset, jello salad, has a colorful history, as outlined on Mental Floss.
As food preferences shifted, gelatin-based dishes fell out of favor, seen more as an odd relic of the past than a must-have dinner item. While they still make occasional appearances at nostalgic potlucks, most people today prefer their salads without a side of gelatin.
4. Potato Pancakes (Latkes Outside of Hanukkah)
Potato pancakes, or latkes, were once a common dinner side dish, especially in households that valued hearty, filling meals. Made from shredded potatoes, eggs, and onions, they were fried until crispy and served with sour cream or applesauce. Feed Your Soul Bakery shares that latke themselves went through quite the geographical and culinary journey across the centuries based on location and ingredient availability.
These days, they’re still popular in Jewish households for Hanukkah, but they’re rarely seen as an everyday dinner staple. With more emphasis on lighter side dishes like roasted vegetables or quinoa, the good old potato pancake has taken a backseat.
5. Casseroles Made with Canned Soup
The ultimate in comfort food, casseroles were a dinner mainstay for families looking to stretch ingredients and feed a crowd. A can of condensed soup (usually cream of mushroom or cream of chicken) served as the base, mixed with whatever meat, vegetables, and starch were on hand. Topped with breadcrumbs or cheese, casseroles were easy, affordable, and satisfying.
These days, many families have moved away from casseroles, favoring fresher, lighter meals over the heavy, creamy dishes of the past. But there’s something to be said for the convenience and heartiness of a well-made casserole—it’s no wonder some people are trying to bring them back.
6. Spam and Other Canned Meats
Spam, Vienna sausages, and other canned meats were once common dinner staples, especially in households that needed budget-friendly options. Spam could be fried, baked, or mixed into casseroles, offering a salty, savory boost to any meal. It was a pantry staple during wartime and beyond, thanks to its long shelf life.
While Spam still has a cult following in some parts of the world, it has mostly disappeared from modern dinner tables in favor of fresher protein options. Still, those who grew up on it often swear by its versatility and nostalgic appeal.
7. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole was one of those dishes that seemed to appear in every household at least once a week. A mix of canned tuna, egg noodles, condensed soup, and sometimes peas, it was easy to throw together and filled hungry stomachs on a budget. It was often topped with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
While tuna is still a popular ingredient, the idea of baking it into a heavy, creamy casserole has lost its appeal for many modern families. Fresh seafood and lighter pasta dishes have taken its place, leaving tuna noodle casserole as a distant memory.
8. Frozen Fish Sticks
Fish sticks were a childhood dinner staple, often served alongside macaroni and cheese or tater tots. They were easy to bake straight from the freezer and required little effort—just dip them in ketchup or tartar sauce, and dinner was served.
Now, with more emphasis on fresh seafood and healthier eating, fish sticks don’t have the same appeal. While they’re still around in grocery stores, they’ve been overshadowed by fresher options like grilled salmon or breaded fillets with fewer preservatives.
9. Liver and Onions
Liver and onions was once a regular part of the dinner rotation, particularly in homes where nothing went to waste. Packed with iron and protein, it was considered a nutritious meal—if you could get past the strong flavor and chewy texture. The onions were meant to balance out the taste, but even that wasn’t enough for some kids who dreaded liver night.
Over time, liver became a tough sell as people moved toward leaner, milder meats. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find it on the average family’s dinner table. But for those who grew up eating it, liver and onions remains a nostalgic—if polarizing—dish.
10. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff was a popular dish in the ’60s and ’70s, featuring strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles. It was a fancy-sounding dish that felt special but was simple enough for weeknight meals.
While it hasn’t disappeared completely, it’s much less common than it once was. Today’s families often opt for fresher, more globally inspired meals over the heavy, sour-cream-laden dishes of the past.
11. Deviled Ham Spread
Deviled ham was once a staple for quick lunches and simple dinners, often spread onto crackers or white bread. This canned, spiced meat product was easy to store and even easier to serve, making it a favorite for busy families.
However, as people moved toward fresh deli meats and homemade spreads, deviled ham slowly disappeared from dinner tables. While it still exists, it’s mostly found in nostalgic kitchens rather than everyday meals.
12. Hamburger Helper
In the ’70s, Hamburger Helper was a lifesaver for busy parents looking to stretch a pound of ground beef into a full meal. With boxed seasonings and pasta, it turned basic hamburger meat into a “gourmet” dinner with minimal effort.
Today, with more focus on fresh ingredients and homemade meals, Hamburger Helper has lost its appeal. But for those who remember it fondly, there’s still a certain charm in its simple, satisfying flavors.
Dinner in the past was all about simplicity, affordability, and making the most of what was available. While some of these dishes may seem outdated, they had a charm—and a heartiness—that’s worth remembering. Maybe it’s time to bring a few of them back, just for old times’ sake!
