13 “Struggle Meals” Our Grandparents Made That Are Actually Genius

Our grandparents knew how to stretch a dollar without sacrificing flavor, and their “struggle meals” are the ultimate proof of that. Made from pantry staples and a little creativity, these old-school recipes are hearty, comforting, and surprisingly brilliant for today’s busy, budget-conscious cooks. They’ll remind you that good food doesn’t have to be fancy, just smart, simple, and made with love.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Homemade chicken pot pie brings that timeless taste of practicality and comfort together in one golden crust. Every flaky bite of savory chicken and vegetables reminds you why some old recipes never fade away. It’s hearty, homemade magic that turns a few leftovers into a dinner worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf is what happens when you mix old-fashioned thrift with a touch of creativity. Ground beef, cheese, and BBQ glaze come together for a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s both budget-friendly and family-approved. It’s classic comfort food reinvented, proving Grandma’s go-to recipes still have staying power.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan crusted chicken is the kind of humble meal Grandma would’ve made on a shoestring budget, and somehow made it taste gourmet. With its golden, crispy crust and juicy center, it turns a simple chicken breast into pure comfort. Ready in minutes and made from pantry staples, it’s proof that resourceful cooking can still feel indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Pork Chops and Applesauce

Pork chops and applesauce is the kind of sweet-meets-savory combo that made Depression-era dinners feel like a treat. The tender, herb-chopped paired with that cozy apple topping hit all the nostalgic notes. It’s simple, comforting, and just fancy enough to feel special without costing extra.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Stuffed chicken breast brings that old-fashioned, make-it-work spirit to modern kitchens, using simple ingredients to create something special. The creamy cheese filling tucked inside tender, seasoned chicken feels like something you’d get from a fancy restaurant, without the cost. It’s an easy way to turn an everyday dinner into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast

Italian Beef

Italian beef was the original slow-cooker genius move—simple, flavorful, and made to feed a crowd on a dime. Tender chuck roast cooked with peppers and Italian seasoning makes every bite rich and comforting. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward meal that would’ve made Grandma proud.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast is the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort food that our grandparents would’ve mastered on a Sunday afternoon. The slow simmered beef and tender veggies soak up all the rich gravy flavor while you do literally nothing. It’s slow living at its tastiest—and it still works just as well today.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken takes the same thrifty resourcefulness our grandparents had and turns it into a skillet full of creamy, dreamy flavor. With just a few basic pantry staples, you get a rich, tomato-garlic sauce that transforms humble chicken into something irresistible. It’s a modern comfort classic that would’ve fit right into Grandma’s rotation.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate example of old-school cooking wisdom, stretching simple ingredients into something rich and hearty. Each spoonful of tender beef, veggies, and broth feels like a warm hug after a long day. Affordable, effortless, and delicious, it’s everything a modern “struggle meal” should be.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Mexican Casserole

Mexican casserole channels that same practical, crowd-feeding energy our grandparents mastered. Ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey cheese all bake together for a meal that’s cheap, filling, and full of flavor. It’s a one-pan dinner that proves frugal food can still feel like a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Italian Mushroom Stew

Italian mushroom stew might sound fancy, but it’s actually a peasant-style dish that celebrates simplicity. A handful of mushrooms, herbs, and broth turn into a rich, rustic stew that feels both comforting and timeless. Served over bread, it’s the kind of budget meal that feels like a little bit of luxury.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Green bean hamburger casserole is one of those smart, stretch-the-grocery-budget meals our grandparents swore by. With ground beef, cheese, and veggies all baked into one creamy dish, it’s hearty, inexpensive, and guaranteed to feed a crowd. Every bite feels cozy, like a meal straight from a family dinner table decades ago.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Colossal Cheeseburger

Colossal cheeseburger takes a basic staple, ground beef, and turns it into something larger than life. Juicy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s an ode to those simple, hearty meals that never needed frills to be delicious. It’s a reminder that the best “struggle meals” are the ones that still make everyone smile around the table.
Get the Recipe: Colossal Cheeseburger