8 Old-School Recipes You Should Still Be Making

There’s something undeniably comforting about old-school recipes. They remind us of simpler times, of family gatherings, and the delicious aromas that filled our childhood kitchens. While food trends come and go, these classic dishes have stood the test of time. So, dust off your apron and get ready to whip up these 8 old-school recipes that deserve a spot in your modern kitchen!

1. Beef Stew

Few dishes warm the soul quite like a hearty beef stew. This classic recipe is a one-pot wonder, combining tender chunks of beef with carrots, potatoes, and savory broth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef cubes in oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Pour in the beef broth and wine, if using. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add the carrots and potatoes, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

2. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Forget the boxed stuff—homemade macaroni and cheese is a game-changer. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, this recipe is a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, you can customize it with different cheeses for a flavor explosion!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
6. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

3. Classic Meatloaf

Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. This old-school recipe combines ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, and a tangy tomato glaze for a meal that will transport you straight back to grandma’s kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, ketchup, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze.
5. Spread glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

There’s something magical about a flaky, golden crust atop a bubbling mixture of chicken and vegetables. This classic comfort food is perfect for using up leftover chicken and will have your family coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth and thickened.
4. Add chicken, vegetables, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Roll out one pie crust and line the bottom of a pie dish.
6. Pour chicken mixture into the crust.
7. Roll out the second pie crust and place on top. Pinch edges to seal and cut slits in the top crust.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

5. Deviled Eggs

A staple at potlucks and picnics, deviled eggs are a timeless appetizer that never goes out of style. The creamy filling with a hint of mustard and paprika is simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Peel hard-boiled eggs and cut in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a bowl.
2. Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture into egg white halves.
4. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
5. Chill before serving.

6. Potato Soup

Creamy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, potato soup is a classic recipe that will warm you up from the inside out. Serve with crusty bread for the perfect meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chopped chives for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine potatoes, onion, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
4. Add milk mixture to the potato pot. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth (or blend in batches in a regular blender).
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chopped chives if desired.

7. Homemade Pancakes

Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy, homemade pancakes. This old-school recipe is simple yet oh-so-delicious, especially when topped with butter and maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour milk mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (batter will be lumpy).
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Pour batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
7. Serve hot with butter and maple syrup.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies

No list of old-school recipes would be complete without the classic chocolate chip cookie. Chewy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and loaded with melty chocolate chips—these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp hot water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Dissolve baking soda in hot water, then add to batter along with salt.
5. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts.
6. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges are nicely browned.
8. Cool on wire racks.

Conclusion

These 8 old-school recipes are timeless classics that deserve a place in every kitchen. Whether you’re craving the comfort of a warm bowl of beef stew or the nostalgic sweetness of chocolate chip cookies, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and bring back memories of simpler times. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking! Your family and friends will thank you for it.