15+ 1950s Recipes to Bring Retro Flavors to Your Table

The 1950s were a unique time for cooking, reflecting the tastes and trends of an entire generation. Many recipes from this era have become classics, known for their comfort and simplicity.

From hearty meals to fun desserts, 1950s recipes offer a glimpse into the culinary traditions of that time. These dishes are not just about nostalgia; they also showcase community and togetherness around the dinner table.

Whether you’re planning a themed party or just want to try cooking something new, there’s plenty to explore in this delightful decade of food.

1) Easy Beef Stew

Easy beef stew is a comforting dish that is simple to make. You can enjoy its rich flavors on any chilly day.

Start by browning chunks of beef in a pot. This helps to lock in the flavor. Then, add chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes for a hearty meal.

Pour in some beef broth and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours at 300°F (150°C). The beef will become tender and delicious.

Your stew is ready when the vegetables are soft. Serve it warm with some bread for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a pot.
2. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes.
3. Pour in the beef broth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Simmer for 1.5 hours at 300°F (150°C).
6. Serve warm with bread.

2) Vegetarian Stir Fry

Vegetarian stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can enjoy any night of the week. This colorful dish lets you use your favorite vegetables, cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes!

Start by gathering your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.

You’ll need soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavor. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a filling dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Pour in soy sauce and mix well.
5. Serve over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy!

3) Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese

Making homemade spaghetti bolognese is simple and tasty. You will enjoy the rich flavors that come from using fresh ingredients. This dish combines ground beef with a mix of vegetables and tomatoes.

You will start by cooking onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil. This mixture is called soffritto and adds depth to your sauce. After that, add ground beef and cook until browned.

Mix in canned tomatoes and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti, and top with cheese if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) diced tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spaghetti

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

4) Classic Roast Chicken

Classic roast chicken is a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The aroma of roasting chicken fills your kitchen with warmth.

To start, you’ll need a whole chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Placing it in a hot oven gives you a crispy skin, while the inside remains juicy.

Roast your chicken at 425°F (about 220°C) for about an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear. A golden brown skin is a sure sign that your dish is ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (around 3-4 lbs)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Clean and pat the chicken dry.
3. Rub salt, pepper, and olive oil all over the chicken.
4. Place herbs inside the chicken cavity.
5. Roast for about 1 hour, until juices run clear.

5) Quick Shrimp Tacos

Quick shrimp tacos are a delicious option for any weeknight meal. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can have them ready in about 15 minutes.

Start with juicy shrimp, seasoned with your favorite spices. Warm up some tortillas to hold all the tasty fillings. Top with fresh ingredients like cabbage, salsa, or avocado.

These shrimp tacos are satisfying and fun to make. Whether you use corn or flour tortillas, the choice is yours.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb (225 g) peeled, uncooked shrimp
• 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings like cabbage, avocado, and salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
3. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink.
4. Warm the tortillas in another pan.
5. Assemble your tacos with shrimp and toppings. Enjoy!

6) Simple Vegetable Curry

This Simple Vegetable Curry is perfect for a cozy meal. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.

Start by heating oil in a pot. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Next, include garlic and your choice of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas.

Sprinkle in spices like curry powder and cumin for flavor. Pour in coconut milk for creaminess and let it simmer until the veggies are tender.

Serve it warm with rice or bread.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like potatoes, carrots, and peas)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and mixed vegetables.
4. Add curry powder and cumin, mixing well.
5. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Cook until vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and serve with rice or bread.

7) Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy mushroom risotto is a delightful dish that brings the comfort of the 1950s right to your table. This dish combines Arborio rice with fresh mushrooms, creating a rich and flavorful meal.

To make your risotto, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Then, add the mushrooms until they are soft. Next, stir in Arborio rice and cook it slowly, adding broth until it becomes creamy.

You can finish it off with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish is perfect as a main or side, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Add Arborio rice and stir to coat.
5. Gradually add broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently.
6. Cook until rice is creamy and tender, about 20 minutes.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

8) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is a warm and comforting dish that you can enjoy any day of the week. This hearty recipe brings together sweet flavors from the potatoes and the richness of black beans.

To make this chili, you start by sautéing onions and your favorite spices. Then, add diced sweet potatoes and black beans for a filling meal. You can spice it up with some jalapeños or keep it mild, depending on your taste.

This chili is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until they are soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced sweet potatoes and cover them with water.
5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add black beans and cook for another 10 minutes.

9) Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon

Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon is a tasty and easy dish to make. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or a light dinner. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs really enhance the salmon.

To start, you need fresh salmon fillets. You will marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This adds a wonderful flavor to the fish.

Grill the salmon skin-side down on a hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is golden and flaky.

This dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (375°F / 190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the salmon fillets in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
4. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill.
5. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.

10) Feta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Feta and spinach stuffed chicken is a delicious dish that is easy to make. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful filling, perfect for any dinner.

To start, you will need to prepare the chicken by creating a pocket for the filling. Cook fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil and garlic until wilted. Mix in crumbled feta cheese for a tasty blend.

Stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach and feta mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, then add garlic and spinach; cook until wilted.
3. Mix in crumbled feta cheese.
4. Cut pockets in chicken breasts and stuff with the spinach-feta mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

11) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a great alternative to traditional pasta. They are light, healthy, and easy to make.

To prepare, spiralize your zucchini into noodle shapes. Then, you can toss them with fresh pesto. This dish is quick to make and only requires a few ingredients.

You can serve it right away for a fresh and tasty meal. Adding white Cheddar cheese or garbanzo beans can make it even more satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup fresh pesto
• 1/2 cup white Cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup garbanzo beans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the zucchinis.
2. Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles.
3. In a large bowl, combine the zoodles and pesto until well coated.
4. If desired, add cheese and garbanzo beans.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

12) Classic Chicken Alfredo

Classic Chicken Alfredo is a comforting dish that has been loved for generations. It features tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta for a satisfying meal.

To make this recipe special, you can use fresh fettuccine for a better texture. The original Alfredo sauce combines butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich flavor.

You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for a cozy night in or when hosting friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
• 6 oz unsalted butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 8 minutes.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3. Add the cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

13) Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and tasty dish. It features tender beef paired with fresh broccoli, all tossed in a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a busy night when you want something delicious.

You’ll need thinly sliced beef, fresh broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce. The preparation takes about 30 minutes, making it a family favorite. Serve it over hot rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of beef, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (150g) of broccoli florets
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Cooked rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add sliced beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar. Pour over beef and broccoli.
6. Stir until the sauce thickens. Serve over rice. Enjoy!

14) Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is a classic dish that many remember from the 1950s. It combines simple ingredients to create a comforting meal. You can make this dish with items you likely have on hand.

Typically, the main ingredients include tuna, egg noodles, and cream of mushroom soup. It’s easy to prepare and cooks quickly. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

The creamy texture and soothing flavors make it a family favorite. You can even add peas or other vegetables for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 bag egg noodles
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked noodles, soup, tuna, and peas.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

15) Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A chickpea salad sandwich is a great choice for a tasty lunch. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. You’ll love how quickly you can throw it together.

Start with canned chickpeas, which you can mash with a fork. Mix in some diced vegetables, like celery and bell peppers, for crunch. Add your favorite herbs to enhance the taste.

Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a hearty sandwich. You can spread some vegan mayo for creaminess or even a bit of mustard for a zing. Enjoy this delicious dish as a fun and healthy meal at any time.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread of choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl.
2. Then, add diced celery and bell pepper.
3. Mix in vegan mayo and dijon mustard.
4. Next, season with salt and pepper.
5. Finally, spread the mixture onto your bread and enjoy!