My Boomer Dad Shared 12 Dinners He Ate Growing Up (Which Do You Love?)

My boomer dad shared the dinners he grew up eating, hearty stick-to-your-ribs meals that everyone looked forward to in his house.

These classic comfort foods from the Boomer era bring back the nostalgia of gathering around the table, where simple ingredients came together to make the most satisfying dishes.

While these dinners aren’t exclusive to the boomer era, they became part of everyday life for my dad and many baby boomers. Many are still enjoyed today.

Whether you’re a boomer or from a different generation, which ones have you tried? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear what your favorites are.

1. Chicken Divan

This classic casserole combines chicken and broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese.

My dad remembers his mom making casseroles every week (like many Baby Boomers), but this one was his favorite.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

2. Swiss Steak

Cube steak simmers in a rich gravy until it practically falls apart with a fork, and it’s delicious served over mashed potatoes.

This dish was popular among the parents of baby boomers because it was an easy way to turn affordable, tough cuts of meat into something tender and hearty enough to feed the entire family.

Get the Recipe: Swiss Steak

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers

My dad remembers having all kinds of variations of stuffed peppers growing up, from simple ground beef and rice fillings to more creative versions his mom would try.

This will be your new go-to classic stuffed pepper recipe. The peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers

4. Traditional Meatloaf

Homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes (never out of a box) was a classic Sunday dinner my dad remembered from his childhood.

You’ll love this traditional meatloaf recipe; the homemade glaze has the perfect amount of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Traditional Meatloaf

5. Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole layers seasoned ground beef and vegetables with creamy mushroom soup, then tops it all with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s the kind of one-dish meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Get the Recipe: Tatertot Casserole

6. One-Pot Beef Stew

This hearty stew features tender chunks of chuck roast that simmer slowly with carrots and potatoes in a rich broth.

Whether it was a beef stew like this recipe or another hearty variation, stews were a common dinner growing up in the boomer era, since they stretched simple ingredients into a filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

7. Classic Lasagna

Lasagna was hands down my dad’s favorite Sunday dinner, and he still remembers how good the house smelled when his mom was making it.

This traditional lasagna recipe features layers of homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked until golden and bubbly.

Get the Recipe: Classic Lasagna

8. Salisbury Steak

Ground beef patties get pan-fried until golden, then simmered in a rich mushroom gravy that’s absolutely perfect spooned over mashed potatoes. This classic dish is still popular today because it’s so delicious!

Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

9. Tuna Casserole

This beloved casserole layers cream of mushroom soup with egg noodles and tuna, then tops it all with golden breadcrumbs and cheese. It’s the perfect example of how simple pantry staples can stretch a meal to feed the whole family on a budget.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole

10. Sloppy Joes

While my dad hasn’t had sloppy Joes in years, they were one of his favorites as a kid, and he used to make them for me growing up, too.

This recipe skips the packet mix and is made completely from scratch, and if you’ve never tried them that way, you’ll definitely want to.

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

11. Momma’s Pot Roast

This Dutch oven pot roast cooks in beef stock alongside carrots and potatoes for a satisfying dinner. Debi from Quiche My Grits shares her momma’s secret for getting the most tender pot roast.

Get the Recipe: Momma’s Pot Roast

12. Chipped Beef on Toast

Chipped beef on toast, also known as SOS, is made with dried beef in a creamy white sauce, served over thick slices of toasted bread.

My grandpa had his fill of this dish in the military, so my dad only ate it occasionally. However, for many baby boomers, it was a regular staple at the dinner table growing up because it was so inexpensive to make.

Get the Recipe: Chipped Beef on Toast