These 19 updated retro recipes are all about bringing the best of the past into your present-day kitchen. We’re talking about those classic dishes that take you back to simpler times but with a modern touch that makes them perfect for your busy lifestyle. Think of the comfort food you grew up with, now quicker to make and just as great to eat.

Baked Ravioli

Step up your dinner game with this Baked Ravioli, a solid choice when you’re craving that lasagna vibe but need something that fits into your fast-paced life. Grab some frozen cheese ravioli, throw them in a dish with marinara sauce and a heap of cheese, and you’ve got yourself a great meal. This is old school comfort with a new school twist, all ready in about an hour. Perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty meal but don’t have the time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Here’s a spin on an old favorite that’s just right for today’s busy life: Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It’s got all the comfort you remember, boiled down into a one-pot wonder that’s straightforward to make. With regular ingredients and no complicated steps, you’ll have a creamy, hearty soup that’s great for a family dinner. It’s old school meets new school, where you get that classic taste without standing over the stove all day. And the best part? You’re only an hour away from dishing out this crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and Sausage is a comforting dish that brings back memories of mom’s kitchen in just 25 minutes. This simple, hearty meal features sliced smoked sausage, cabbage, onions, and garlic, perfect for a quick dinner when you want something filling and nostalgic after a long day. Old school meets new school in this updated classic that uses pre-cooked sausage for a faster cooking time. Enjoy it as is, or serve it over rice or potatoes for a more substantial meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a throwback to classic dinners, updated for today’s fast pace. In less than an hour, you can enjoy a hearty casserole with egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with cheese and breadcrumbs that brings back familiar flavors in a convenient, modern way. The updated recipe uses canned cream of mushroom soup to streamline the sauce prep. Serve this comforting casserole with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a no-stress, flavor-packed meal that combines old school comfort with modern convenience. With minimal prep of diced onions, carrots, celery, and ham, plus dried split peas and broth in a slow cooker, you can enjoy a rich, comforting soup that feels like grandma’s cooking. It’s a perfect lazy dinner classic updated with a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking process. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and a sprinkle of black pepper on top.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

This 45-minute Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole gives you the taste of classic stuffed peppers without all the work. With familiar flavors like ground beef, diced bell peppers, rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings in an easy casserole format, it’s a perfect example of old school meets new school. The updated recipe skips the time-consuming step of stuffing individual peppers, making it faster and easier to prepare. Serve this hearty casserole with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top and a side of garlic bread for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

This quick, 30-minute Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole updates a veggie favorite with cheese, bacon, and a crispy topping for an easy way to get your greens. It’s a comfort food classic that brings everyone to the table smiling, ready to enjoy a modern spin on a childhood favorite. Old school meets new school in this lazy dinner hit that uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower for faster prep. Serve as a side dish or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

These shake-and-bake pork Chops are a great lazy dinner classic that combines old school flavor with modern convenience. A quick coating of breadcrumbs, seasonings, and parmesan cheese, followed by 25 minutes in the oven, gives you crispy pork chops, perfect for busy weeknights. The updated recipe uses boneless pork chops for a faster cooking time and easier prep compared to the original. Serve with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans for a complete, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Revamp your mealtime with this Crock Pot Taco Soup, where a quick prep meets the slow-cooked flavor. Just brown some ground beef, then let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with cream cheese, tomatoes, and a punch of spices. It’s a great way to get that taco night feel without all the work. After a few hours, you’re ready to ladle out a soup that’s got all the comfort of the classics, updated for your current-day hustle. Top it off with some shredded cheese and a scoop of sour cream, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Broccoli Casserole

This straightforward Broccoli Casserole is a simplified version of the classic that’s still big on comfort, ready in 50 minutes. With just frozen broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and buttery cracker crumbs, it’s perfect for nights when you’re craving something hearty but easy, keeping traditions alive even on your laziest days. Old school meets new school in this updated lazy dinner classic that uses frozen broccoli for faster prep. Serve as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or pork chops for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

In less than an hour, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of chicken, corn, and veggies in a creamy broth, all made in one pot. It’s simple to make and clean up, but the taste is still unbeatable. Add potatoes or swap the corn for your favorite veggie to keep things interesting. This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can enjoy the flavors even longer.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a simple, updated version of hearty oven-baked meals, great for when you want to take it easy but still eat well. With sliced smoked sausage, peppers, zucchini, and broccoli tossed with oil and seasonings, plus a 30-minute bake time and endless customization options, this old school meets new school classic is a go-to for lazy dinners. The updated recipe uses pre-cooked sausage for a faster cooking time. Serve it straight from the sheet pan for a no-mess, family-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Spinach Chicken Bake

Combine chicken, spinach, cheese, and spices, bake for 30 minutes, and you’ve got a dish that brings back the best of mom’s cooking without all the effort. Try adding mushrooms or using kale instead of spinach for a different spin. This comforting bake reheats well, so leftovers taste great. Serve it straight from the oven with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple salad for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Garlic Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a perfect example of old school meets new school. In just 30 minutes, this dish comes together in one pan, with chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s simple yet special for any night, reminding you of those classic, comforting meals but with a stress-free approach. Serve it over pasta or rice, and add some veggies like spinach or asparagus to mix things up. Leftover chicken can be easily stored and makes a great addition to salads or sandwiches for a quick meal. Try serving this chicken with quinoa or couscous, and consider mixing in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

Ready in 30 minutes, this Italian Sausage Soup mixes traditional flavors with quick, modern cooking. Packed with sausage, herbs, cream cheese, and tomatoes, this soup makes for a hearty and easy meal. Spice it up with some hot sausage, or throw in some kale for variety. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and have it ready whenever the craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful dish of cabbage, bacon, and onions. Pre-cooked bacon and pre-sliced cabbage make it even easier. A splash of vinegar or sugar adds a sweet and tangy touch. Leftovers reheat well for a quick meal the next day, and the recipe serves four, so it’s perfect for family dinners or lunch leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a 30-minute version of classic beef and rice dishes. Cauliflower rice keeps it light but filling, while the creamy beef mixture brings back memories of comforting boxed dinners but with a homemade version. This quick and hearty meal is great for leftovers, as it keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily for stress-free meals later on.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a perfect example of old school meets new school. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish that’s like the hearty meals mom used to make but with less work. Serve it hot from the oven for a cozy, nostalgic meal. Feel free to play around with different spices or swap the beef for ground turkey. This casserole is also great for meal prep, as it stores and reheats well, making busy weeknights a bit easier.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

With just a few ingredients and about an hour of cooking time, you’ll have a hearty soup that’s both comforting and a little spicy, like the tomato soups and bisques that Mom used to simmer on the stove but quicker to make for your busy schedule. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley really make the flavors pop. This soup stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup