7. Beef Stroganoff
This creamy, savory dish was a staple in many homes during the 70s. Tender beef strips are cooked in a rich sauce made with mushrooms, onions, and sour cream, served over egg noodles.
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- Egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
In a skillet, brown the beef strips and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until tender. Stir in flour and gradually add beef broth, cooking until thickened. Return beef to skillet, add sour cream, and serve over noodles.
8. Chicken à la King
This dish is a creamy chicken mixture served over rice or biscuits, combining the richness of the 70s with the comfort of home-cooked meals. It often features vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and mushrooms.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream or milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms and bell pepper until soft. Sprinkle in the flour, and then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cream. Add the chicken and peas and heat through. Serve over rice or warm biscuits.
9. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Nothing says 70s comfort food quite like a tuna noodle casserole. Packed with pasta, creamy soup, and, of course, tuna, this dish was a go-to for busy families.
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, soup, peas, cheese, and milk. Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Swedish Meatballs
These tiny, flavorful meatballs in a creamy sauce were a hit for dinner parties and family meals alike. Serve them with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
Mix together the beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and allspice, then form into small meatballs. Brown them in a skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add flour and broth, stirring until thickened. Stir in sour cream, then return meatballs to the sauce before serving.
11. Quiche Lorraine
This savory pie is filled with a rich custard, cheese, and crispy bacon. Quiche Lorraine was a favorite for brunch or dinner, often served with a simple salad.
- 1 pie crust
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Spread bacon and cheese in the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
12. Jell-O Salad
No 70s dinner table was complete without a colorful Jell-O salad. These gelatin-based dishes often featured fruit and nuts, adding a fun twist to the meal.
- 1 package Jell-O (any flavor)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup fruit (like mandarin oranges or crushed pineapple)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water, then stir in cold water. Add fruit and nuts if desired. Pour into a mold or serving dish and refrigerate until set. Serve as a side dish or dessert at your nostalgic dinner.
13. Beef Wellington
This show-stopping dish features a tender beef fillet coated with mushroom duxelles and pâté, all wrapped in flaky pastry. It was a favorite for special occasions and dinner parties.
- 1 lb beef tenderloin
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 4 oz pâté (optional)
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seer the beef tenderloin in a hot skillet until browned. Remove and let cool. In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms until moisture evaporates. Roll out the puff pastry, spread with pâté, add the mushrooms, and place the beef on top. Wrap the pastry around the beef, seal edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden.
14. Baked Alaska
This indulgent dessert combines cake, ice cream, and meringue, baked until the outside is golden. Baked Alaska was a popular way to impress guests after a hearty 70s meal.
- 1 sponge cake layer
- 2 cups ice cream (any flavor)
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Assemble the dessert by placing ice cream on the sponge cake and freezing until firm. Beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually adding sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the ice cream and bake at 450°F for 3-5 minutes until golden. Serve immediately.
15. Stuffed Bell Peppers
This dish features bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, making for a hearty meal that was both colorful and nutritious.
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. In a bowl, mix the meat, rice, tomatoes, and seasoning. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender.
16. Shrimp Scampi
This elegant dish features shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, and is often served over pasta. Shrimp scampi was a popular choice for special dinners.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Pasta of your choice, cooked
In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Pour in wine and simmer for a couple of minutes. Toss with cooked pasta and parsley before serving.
17. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This dish brings together tender beef and fresh broccoli in a flavorful sauce, capturing the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine that were gaining popularity in the 70s.
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
In a wok or large skillet, heat oil and stir-fry beef until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add broccoli and stir-fry until bright green. Add garlic and sauces, then return beef to the pan. Toss to coat and serve over rice.
18. Chicken Cordon Bleu
This classic dish features chicken breast wrapped around ham and cheese, breaded and baked or fried. It’s a deliciously indulgent meal that was perfect for special occasions.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast, roll up, and secure with toothpicks. Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
19. Vegetable Lasagna
A perfect option for vegetarians, this layered pasta dish is filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and a variety of vegetables. It embodies the comfort of 70s cooking while being hearty and satisfying.
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. In a baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta, spinach, zucchini, marinara, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
20. Clam Chowder
This creamy soup filled with clams, potatoes, and bacon was a beloved comfort food, especially in coastal areas. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cans clams, drained (reserve juice)
- 2 cups cream or milk
- 1 cup clam juice
In a pot, cook bacon until crispy, then add onion and cook until soft. Add potatoes and clam juice, simmering until potatoes are tender. Stir in clams and cream, heating through before serving. Season to taste.
21. Chocolate Fondue
Ending the meal with a chocolate fondue was a popular choice in the 70s. Guests could dip fruits, marshmallows, and pound cake into warm, melted chocolate for a delightful dessert experience.
- 8 oz chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples)
- Marshmallows and pound cake, for dipping
In a saucepan, heat cream until simmering, then add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Transfer to a fondue pot and serve with assorted dippers. Enjoy the fun of dipping while reminiscing about the 70s!
Conclusion
These 21 classic 70s dinner ideas not only bring a wave of nostalgia but also offer delicious and comforting meals that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a retro dinner party or simply craving the flavors of the past, these old-fashioned dinner recipes are sure to satisfy and impress. Dust off those recipe cards, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a taste of the 70s!