13 “Forgotten” Family Dinners That Deserve a Spot At The Table Again

Some dinners were never trendy, just timeless, and that’s exactly what makes them worth revisiting. These cozy, often-forgotten family meals are simple, no-fuss, and made with comforting ingredients. They save time, ease mealtime stress, and somehow still get everyone to the table without complaints.

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken has all the creamy, cozy charm of a Sunday dinner but comes together in just one skillet, making it perfect for hectic weeknights too. With tender pan-seared chicken simmered in a garlicky tomato cream sauce, this recipe shows that some forgotten classics still deserve their moment. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that makes everyone linger around the table a little longer.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole is a simple, old-school favorite that feels like something your grandmother would’ve served, and that’s exactly why it deserves a comeback. Made with ground beef, green beans, and creamy cheese in one hearty bake, this budget-friendly dish brings a no-fuss solution to the dinner table. It’s comforting, familiar, and always gets cleaned off plates without a single complaint.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a back-pocket dinner that checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and family appeal. The crispy, cheesy coating on juicy chicken breasts makes it a recipe that used to be everywhere, and definitely needs to be again. This forgotten favorite feels fancy but is ridiculously simple, which is exactly what makes it worth reviving.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the kind of hearty, delicious meal that always hits the spot before everyone gets too busy to slow down. With tender beef, chunky vegetables, and a rich savory broth, this throwback dinner makes itself while you go about your day. It’s a low-effort way to bring back the kind of meal that made weeknights feel like an event.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Stuffed Chicken Breast deserves a permanent spot in the dinner rotation, and it’s one of those classic recipes that somehow fell off the radar. Filled with gooey cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, then baked until golden, it feels a lot fancier than the minimal effort it takes. It’s warm, filling, and exactly the dish that used to bring families together and still can.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Italian Beef is a forgotten gem that deserves to be front and center again for how ridiculously easy and delicious it is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away, then come back to perfectly seasoned, fall-apart tender meat that’s sandwich-ready. It’s bold, hands-off, and one of those humble dinners that quietly outshines the trendy stuff.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Chopped Chicken Salad

Chopped Chicken Salad might not sound nostalgic, but it brings the same delicious, no-waste approach that made classic family dinners great. Packed with protein and crunch, it’s a full meal in a bowl that reminds you how good “simple” used to be. This is one of those forgotten weeknight wins that makes life easier and keeps everyone full.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad

Rump Roast

Rump Roast is a slow-cooked dinner that used to mean something, simple, filling, and made with love. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, full of comforting herbs and spices, and exactly the meal that anchored family tables before takeout became the fallback. This roast brings the tradition back in the best way, and it deserves another chance to shine.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast

Apricot Chicken

Apricot Chicken brings together that sweet-and-savory combo old-school cooks nailed, and then somehow everyone stopped making. It’s baked in the oven with a sticky apricot glaze that coats juicy chicken pieces, all done in under an hour with hardly any stress. This one belongs on the table again, because sometimes forgotten dinners are the most unforgettable ones.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Pork Chops and Applesauce

Pork Chops and Applesauce is one of those sweet and savory combos that used to be a family staple, and honestly, it’s time to bring it back. The juicy, pan-seared pork chops paired with warm, spiced applesauce make for a no-fuss dinner that still feels special. It’s easy enough for any weeknight but delicious enough to make everyone slow down and savor.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce

Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed Meatloaf used to be the dish people looked forward to, and this cheesy, BBQ-glazed version makes a strong case for its return. The juicy beef gets filled with melty cheese and baked to perfection, turning a humble meal into something celebration-worthy. It’s comforting, filling, and exactly the kind of forgotten dinner that deserves to shine again.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Italian Salad

Italian Salad may not sound like a throwback, but this chopped, flavor-packed version brings back the simple sides that made family dinners complete. Crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and just the right amount of creamy, savory toppings make every bite feel like it belongs on a real meal table again. It’s the perfect companion to heavier mains and a reminder that salads used to be more than just an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salad

Lobster

Lobster is the ultimate forgotten fancy dinner, something that used to feel like a real treat but somehow got pushed aside. With a few simple tips, it’s easier than expected to prepare and makes an ordinary evening feel like a celebration. This is one of those classic dishes that absolutely deserves a comeback on the family dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Lobster