What does your ideal weeknight dinner look like? If you are like many people, it combines comfort, nostalgia, and balance. There’s something special about coming home to the smell of a hearty meal that warms the heart. No one understands that feeling better than Grandma. With her collection of love-filled recipes, you can recreate the essence of family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Here’s a lineup of Grandma-approved dinner recipes to grace your table every night of the week. Each dish is steeped in tradition and comfort, bringing a taste of home to your kitchen. Let’s jump into this culinary journey, beginning with a classic casserole to kick off your week!
Monday: “Ugly” Chicken Casserole
Perhaps the most unassuming dish on the list, this casserole is a delightful reminder that appearances can be deceiving.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, frozen vegetables, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top it Off: Spread the remaining cheese over the top, followed by the crushed crackers for some added crunch.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.
This casserole not only fills you up but also wraps you in nostalgia perfect for a busy Monday evening.
Tuesday: Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
This recipe has been passed down through generations, holding the essence of family togetherness.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Season: Add black pepper and any veggies you wish to include.
- Pour into Dish: Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Nothing beats the richness of this chicken and rice casserole, and it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal planning.
Wednesday: Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole
Quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, this hamburger casserole is perfect for a middle-of-the-week treat.
Ingredients
Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the tomato soup and cooked macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, fold in half of the cheese and sprinkle the remainder on top.
- Bake: Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. If desired, add breadcrumbs on top for an additional crunch before serving.
This dish encapsulates the essence of comfort food, and it’s simple enough to whip up even on your busiest evenings.
Thursday: Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. This recipe transports you to Grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Here are the necessary items:
- 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme or rosemary) to taste
Instructions
- Make the Broth: In a large pot, place the chicken and cover with chicken broth. Bring it to a boil and then simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Add the carrots, celery, and onions to the broth.
- Add Noodles: Once the vegetables are tender, add the egg noodles and cook until soft.
- Shred the Chicken: While the noodles are cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the soup.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and herbs to taste, and let it simmer a few more minutes before serving.
This soup is like a warm hug—perfect for enjoying over a cozy dinner.
Friday: Grandma’s Favorite Chicken
As the week winds down, treat yourself to this delightful chicken dish that Grandma used to whip up.
Ingredients
Gather the components:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Add Vegetables: Place the vegetables in a baking dish along with the seared chicken.
- Mix Cream and Broth: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and garnished with your favorite herbs.
This recipe stands as a testament to family love, offering flavor and comfort on a Friday night.
Saturday: Grandma’s Creamy Ham Casserole
Ham lovers will adore this rich and creamy casserole perfect for a quiet weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works best)
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Get your oven ready at 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ham, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, and half of the cheese.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased dish and top with the rest of the cheese and crushed potato chips.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser and brings a bit of indulgence to your weekend dinner plans.
Sunday: Grandma’s Best Pot Roast
As a grand finale to your week, enjoy a comforting pot roast that makes Sunday feel special.
Ingredients
Here’s your list:
- 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth
- 6 medium potatoes, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves)
Instructions
- Season the Roast: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any herbs you prefer.
- Sear the Meat: In a large Dutch oven, sear the beef on all sides over medium-high heat.
- Add Ingredients: Add the broth, onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots to the pot.
- Simmer: Cover and cook at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Serve: Slice the roast and serve it with the vegetables, drizzled with some of the cooking juices.
This dish fills your home with the wonderful aroma of family and tradition, making Sunday dinner a cherished occasion.
Conclusion
Creating meals that echo the love of Grandma’s kitchen doesn’t need to be complicated. With these seven recipes, you can ensure each evening feels special and nostalgic. Whether it’s a comforting casserole, a warm soup, or a hearty pot roast, these meals are designed to bring family together and allow you to savor the moments spent at the dinner table.
So why not try your hand at these dishes this week? Your dinner table will thank you!
