20 Cheap Meals From the Past That Are Now Trendy
These old-school meals were once made to save money, but now, they are making a comeback in modern kitchens.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Many meals that used to be seen as cheap or basic are popular again today. People are bringing back dishes like tuna casserole, Sloppy Joes, and rice pudding. These recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and remind us of home. They also show how simple cooking can still be delicious.
1. Tuna Noodle Casserole
B.D.’s world on Wikimedia Commons
Creamy, crunchy, and packed with pantry staples, this dish was a favorite in many homes. It mixes tuna, egg noodles, and a can of soup into something cozy and filling. The potato chip topping adds just the right amount of crunch to every bite.
2. Ground Beef and Cabbage
Judgefloro on Pexels
This dish is made by cooking ground beef and cabbage together with a few spices. It is hearty, low-cost, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Many people today love it for its simplicity and satisfying flavor.
3. Homemade Sloppy Joes
Buck Blues on Wikimedia Commons
Sloppy Joes bring back memories of school lunches and family dinners. The beef is simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, then piled onto soft buns. It is messy, tasty, and now showing up at food trucks and casual restaurants.
4. Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
Neil Conway from Oakland, USA on Wikimedia Commons
This version of stroganoff uses ground beef instead of pricier cuts. It is rich, creamy, and served over wide noodles for a filling meal. People are bringing it back because it is easy to make and still feels fancy.
5. Hamburger and Potato Casserole
MOs810 on Wikimedia Commons
This casserole layers thin slices of potato with ground beef and cheese. It is baked until bubbly and golden on top. Families love it for being both affordable and comforting.
6. Five-Can Soup
Scott Teresi on Wikimedia Commons
You only need five cans to make this simple soup, which means no chopping or fuss. Just pour, heat, and enjoy a bowl that feels homemade. It is perfect for busy nights when you still want something warm and filling.
7. Ground Beef and Rice with Cheese
Missvain on Wikimedia Commons
This one-pan meal combines ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. It is a favorite for anyone who wants something quick and satisfying. The flavors are simple but hit the spot every time.
8. “I Don’t Know” Casserole
Meg H on Wikimedia Commons
This dish got its name because families made it from whatever was on hand. It often includes potatoes, beef, cheese, and canned vegetables. Even though it started as a last-minute fix, it became a go-to favorite.
9. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Maggie Hoffman on Wikimedia Commons
This sandwich uses just bread, butter, and cheese, but it never gets old. It is now served in trendy cafés with fancy cheeses and sides. The crispy outside and melty inside always feel just right.
10. Depression Cake (War Cake)
Lee Khatchadourian-Reese on Wikimedia Commons
This cake has no eggs, milk, or butter, yet it turns out moist and delicious. It was invented during hard times when supplies were low. Today, people love it for being naturally vegan and full of flavor.
11. Poor Man’s Meal (Potatoes and Hot Dog Slices)
Benreis on Wikimedia Commons
Chopped hot dogs, potatoes, and onions are cooked in one pan for this filling meal. It started during the Great Depression but is still a hit in many homes. It is simple, salty, and surprisingly satisfying.
12. Mock Apple Pie
Nick Quaranto on Wikimedia Commons
This dessert looks and tastes like apple pie, but there are no apples inside. People used crackers or vegetables like zucchini or carrots to fake the filling. It shows how creative cooks could be with limited ingredients.
13. Tuna Mornay
BrokenSphere on Wikimedia Commons
Tuna Mornay is a creamy white sauce dish served over pasta or rice. It is a budget-friendly way to make a rich, comforting meal. Many people are bringing it back into their weekly dinner rotation.
14. Beef Stroganoff (Classic Cut)
Alpha @ Flickr on Wikimedia Commons
Instead of ground beef, this version uses slow-cooked cuts like brisket or chuck. The beef becomes tender in a creamy mushroom sauce. It feels like a luxury meal without the high price.
15. Pumpkin Soup and Rice Pudding
Ross Berteig from Monrovia, California, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Pumpkin soup is warm and cozy, while rice pudding offers a sweet ending to the meal. Both use simple ingredients you probably already have. These dishes are perfect for cold nights or quiet evenings at home.
16. Black Bean Toast
Andy Li on Wikimedia Commons
This dish is made by smashing black beans onto toasted bread, then adding toppings like cheese or salsa. It is quick, filling, and great for using up pantry items. Many people now treat it as a trendy breakfast or lunch.
17. Cabbage Braise or Rolls
avlxyz on Wikimedia Commons
Cabbage was often cooked low and slow or used as a wrap for meat and rice. It is healthy, filling, and very budget-friendly. These recipes are back in style because they are both delicious and easy to make.
18. Hamburger Helper Stroganoff
Di (they-them) on Wikimedia Commons
This boxed meal was a weeknight hero for many families. Today, people are recreating it from scratch with fresh ingredients. It still delivers the same creamy comfort everyone remembers.
19. Cherry Jello Salad with Mayo “Frosting”
Shadle on Wikimedia Commons
Olives are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making them a great anti-inflammatory food. They help improve heart health and may even aid in reducing inflammation associated with arthritis.
20. Scalloped Potatoes with Ham or Goulash
Vegan Feast Catering on Wikimedia Commons
Thin slices of potato baked with ham in a creamy sauce make this dish a family favorite. Goulash, made with noodles and ground beef, is another budget hit from the past. Both are filling, flavorful, and back on the menu.