Popular Meals in the 1960s Families Had For Dinner

In the 1960s, the role of the housewife was still primarily centered around homemaking and cooking. In many households, the housewife was responsible for preparing meals for her family, often using simple ingredients and traditional recipes. Though many women were interested in making convenient meals, Julia Child’s famous cookbook released in 1961, Mastering the Art of French Cooking hit the stores and was also a major influence.  Here are some of the most popular meals a homemaker would cook in the 1960s and many of them remain popular today.

Meatloaf

meatloaf cut into half on a plate

Meatloaf was a classic American dish that was popular in the 1960s. It was often made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices and served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Chicken a La King

chicken and vegetables in a cream sauce

Chicken a la King or “king-style chicken” in english, was a popular meal in the 60s because it was an easy skillet, one-pan dish. 

Tuna Casserole

tuna casserole in a baking dish

Tuna casserole was a popular midweek meal in the 1960s. It was made with canned tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup and was often topped with potato chips for added crunch.

Pot Roast

beef, vegetables and potatoes in a pot

Pot roast was a hearty and comforting meal that was popular in the 1960s. It was made by slow-cooking a beef roast with vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes and was often served with crusty bread and butter.

Swedish Meatballs

swedish meatballs in a pan

Swedish meatballs, which were actually invented in Turkey, became a staple in American households. Swedish meatballs are cooked in a homemade cream sauce but the Americanized version began using cream of mushroom soup to make it a quicker meal. 

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken on a plate with french fries and sauce

Fried chicken was a popular comfort food in the 1960s. It was often made by coating chicken pieces in seasoned flour and then frying them in oil until crispy and golden brown.

Beef stroganoff

egg noodles with creamy ground beef on top for a beef stroganoff

Beef stroganoff was a rich and creamy dish that was popular in the 1960s. It was made with strips of beef, sour cream, and mushrooms and was often served over egg noodles.

Pork Chops

pork chop with mashed potatoes on a plate

Pork chops were a versatile and affordable meat that was popular in the 1960s. They were often seasoned with herbs and spices and then baked, fried, or grilled, and were often served with applesauce or mashed potatoes.

Jell-O Salad

colorful jello molds on a table
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Jell-O salad was a popular side dish in the 1960s. It was made by mixing fruit, vegetables, and nuts with flavored gelatin and then setting it in a mold.

Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon

Beef bourguignon was a classic French dish that became popular in the 1960s and was also one of Julia Child’s signature dishes. It was made by slow-cooking beef in red wine with vegetables such as carrots and onions and was often served with crusty bread and butter.

Ambrosia

ambrosia salad in a bowl
deposit photos

 

Ambrosia is a type of fruit salad that originated in the southern United States. Most ambrosia recipes include oranges, pineapple, coconut and marshmallows. Some ambrosia salads include gelatin and whipped cream, topped with maraschino cherries. 

Fondue

cheese fondu in a bowl with chunks of break being dipped
deposit photos

 

Dipping food in cheese fondue was a popular dish in the 60s. Fondue was also a must at most dinner parties during that time. 

More Recipes: Mouth Watering Ground Beef Meals

Jamaican beef patties on a black plate
deposit photos

 

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these easy ground beef recipes are sure to become go-to favorites that you’ll come back to time and time again. With a little creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up flavorful and hearty dishes that are perfect for any occasion.

12 Mouth Watering Ground Beef Meals

10 Chicken Dinner Recipes from Classic to Creative

chicken mulligatawny soup in a bowl feature

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or something more sophisticated to impress your dinner guests, chicken dinner recipes are the perfect solution. From classic comfort food dishes like roasted chicken to global flavors like chicken curry and stir-fry, there’s no shortage of delicious and satisfying chicken dinner recipes to choose from. Here is a list of chicken dinner recipes to add to your weekly dinner rotation.

10 Chicken Dinner Recipes from Classic to Creative

20 Sheet Pan Meals for Busy Weeknights

roasted chicken on a platter with plums and onions

Many families don’t realize although the sheet pan isn’t a flashy home appliance like an air fryer, it’s a baking tool that can make a quick and delicious dinner. Here are some  sheet pan meals that are great for those busy weeknights.

20 Sheet Pan Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights

10 Nutella Recipes to Whip Up When Chocolate Cravings Strike

Nutella in a dipping bowl
Image credit: © Spatula Desserts

For anyone unfamiliar with Nutella, it’s basically chocolatey goodness in a jar. More specifically, it’s a chocolate and hazelnut spread developed by the company that created Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Nutella is delicious as a spread on toast and goes perfectly as an ingredient in desserts. Here are some delicious dessert recipes with Nutella being a key ingredient.

10 Nutella Recipes to Whip Up When Chocolate Cravings Strike

Delicious Birthday Cake Recipes to Bake For the Next Party

a whole orange bundt cake
Image credit: © This Mom is On Fire

Do you love baking birthday cakes for family and friends but are tired of the same old plain vanilla or chocolate cake? You don’t have to stick with the traditional flavors any longer. Many inventive and flavorful cake recipes are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So take your baking to another level by making one of these unique and delicious birthday cake recipes for the next party.

Delicious Birthday Cake Recipes to Bake For the Next Party