21 Forgotten Dishes Your Grandparents Haven’t Let Go Of

Some recipes stay in the family long after trends change. These 21 forgotten dishes are the ones your grandparents never stopped making. Each is built on simple, familiar ingredients and flavors that stand the test of time. From comforting casseroles to savory mains and soups, they’re worth keeping in rotation.

A bowl of hearty vegetable soup with beans, corn, potatoes, and red peppers. — Three Sisters Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

A plate of pasta with mushrooms and sprigs of dill. — Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Mushroom leek pasta kugel takes about 1 hour to bake with pasta, leeks, mushrooms, eggs, and seasonings. The leeks bring mild sweetness while the mushrooms add earthy depth. The eggs bind it into a firm yet tender casserole. It’s a savory twist on a classic kugel that holds up as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

A baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro in a white rectangular dish. — Chicken Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Chicken tortilla casserole is ready in about 50 minutes with shredded chicken, tortillas, cheese, and salsa. Layers bake together into a cheesy, savory dish with a mild kick from the salsa. The tortillas soften into the sauce while still giving body to each slice. It’s a filling family favorite that’s easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Casserole

My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

A delightful slice of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream graces a decorative black and white plate. A fork rests invitingly on the cake while a white and blue cup peeks from the background, almost like the perfect ending to a recipe for an unforgettable carrot casserole. — My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

My grandmother’s carrot casserole bakes in 45 minutes with carrots, eggs, breadcrumbs, and light seasoning. The texture is soft with a golden crust on top. Its flavor is mildly sweet from the carrots and works with both savory and sweet pairings. This humble side is as reliable as it is familiar.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

Colombian Rice Pudding

A glass jar filled with rice pudding sits on an orange textured fabric next to two dark wooden spoons. — Colombian Rice Pudding. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Colombian rice pudding takes about 1 hour with rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar cooked until creamy. The texture is smooth and slightly thick, with the cinnamon adding warmth to its gentle sweetness. It’s satisfying without being heavy. This dessert is simple to make yet rich in comfort.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Rice Pudding

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

A white plate holds a serving of cheesy casserole garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a blue-striped cloth next to a wooden spoon, an onion, and green leafy parsley in the background. — French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French onion chicken and rice casserole bakes in around 1 hour using chicken, rice, caramelized onions, broth, and cheese. The onions add sweetness while the broth infuses savory depth. Rice soaks up the flavors for a hearty finish. It’s a casserole that delivers both comfort and richness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Homemade Corn Casserole

Two rectangular slices of light golden-brown cake with a slightly crumbly texture are placed side by side on a patterned plate. — Homemade Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Homemade corn casserole takes about 50 minutes to make with corn, eggs, milk, and butter. The inside is moist and tender, with a light sweetness from the corn. A golden crust forms on top during baking. It’s a versatile side that works year-round.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

A close-up image of a casserole dish filled with a cheesy cabbage casserole. The top is golden brown and crispy, with a serving spoon lifting a portion, revealing melted cheese and tender cabbage underneath. — Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy cabbage casserole with cracker topping bakes in about 45 minutes with cabbage, cheese, cream, and crushed crackers. The cabbage softens into the creamy sauce while the crackers add a crunchy finish. The flavor is mild, savory, and satisfying. It’s a no-canned-soup recipe that feels fresh but still nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup)

Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A hashbrown casserole in a white baking dish. — Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Egg sausage breakfast casserole takes about 50 minutes with eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, and cheese. The eggs bake into a fluffy base while the sausage brings savory flavor. Hashbrowns add heartiness and texture. It’s a breakfast dish that easily works for brunch or dinner, too.
Get the Recipe: Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole

My Grandma's Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon

A slice of brown bread topped with three pieces of cured fish and three small white onions on a round, dark plate. The plate is placed on a wooden surface. — My Grandma's Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

My grandma’s recipe for Russian cured salmon takes about 48 hours to prepare with salmon, salt, sugar, and dill. The fish becomes firm yet silky, with a balanced salty-sweet cure. Dill adds freshness that cuts through the richness. It’s a delicacy served thinly sliced, often alongside bread or potatoes.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma's Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon

Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella bakes in about 1 hour using chicken, prunes, olives, capers, and herbs. The prunes lend sweetness that contrasts with the briny olives and capers. The result is a tender, juicy chicken dish with layers of flavor. It’s a classic that still feels special for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

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Ajiaco Colombiano

Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup. — Ajiaco Colombiano. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Ajiaco Colombiano takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes with chicken, potatoes, corn, and guascas herbs. The broth is rich and slightly earthy, with potatoes adding creaminess and texture. Corn gives sweetness that balances the savory depth. It’s a hearty Colombian soup meant for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Colombiano

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli rice casserole bakes in about 45 minutes with broccoli, rice, cheese, and cream. The rice holds the creamy sauce while broccoli brings freshness and color. Cheese melts throughout, giving a rich, savory taste. It’s a dependable side dish that works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Easy Skillet Cheese Tortellini with Ham & Peas

Easy skillet cheese tortellini with ham and peas comes together in about 20 minutes with tortellini, diced ham, peas, and cream sauce. The tortellini stays tender while the ham adds saltiness and the peas give sweetness. The sauce coats everything for a satisfying finish. It’s quick enough for weeknights but still hearty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Cheese Tortellini with Ham & Peas

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

A white bowl filled with a red kidney bean stew, including visible pieces of meat or vegetables, sits on a dark cloth napkin with a fork and spoon beside it. A small bunch of parsley is on the table nearby. — Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooker baked beans with bacon take about 6 hours to cook with beans, bacon, brown sugar, and tomato sauce. The bacon adds smokiness while the sugar balances the tang of the sauce. The beans become tender and full of flavor. It’s a set-and-forget side that’s perfect for cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with cooked green beans and thin, crispy French fries, with a spoon lifting a portion of the mixture. Some fries and beans are coated in a dark sauce. — Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Green bean casserole bakes in about 40 minutes with green beans, cream sauce, and crispy onions. The beans stay tender while the sauce is rich and savory. Crispy onions add crunch and a hint of sweetness. It’s a holiday staple that never seems to disappear from the menu.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet potato casserole with hazelnuts takes about 50 minutes to make with sweet potatoes, cream, sugar, and toasted hazelnuts. The potatoes are smooth and naturally sweet, while the nuts add a crunchy, nutty topping. The balance of textures makes it memorable. It’s a side that stands out on any table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce

A baked dish with roasted cauliflower florets covered in a green herb sauce is displayed in a white ceramic baking dish. A sprig of fresh parsley garnishes the top. A small bowl of olive oil and a few scallions are placed beside the dish. — Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roasted cauliflower bake in green herb sauce takes about 40 minutes with cauliflower, fresh herbs, cream, and cheese. Roasting adds nuttiness, while the herb sauce is bright and slightly tangy. Cheese ties it together with creaminess. It’s a fresh yet comforting vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce

Three Sisters Soup

Three sisters soup cooks in about 40 minutes with corn, beans, squash, and broth. The vegetables give natural sweetness and earthy depth. The broth stays light yet satisfying. It’s a plant-based soup rooted in tradition and hearty enough for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Three Sisters Soup

Chicken Goulash

A white bowl of macaroni pasta in tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a white cloth. A fork rests on the side of the bowl. — Chicken Goulash. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Chicken goulash takes about 50 minutes with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, paprika, and onions. The sauce is rich and mildly spiced, coating the tender chicken pieces. Peppers add sweetness while paprika gives warmth. It’s a simple one-pot dish that delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Goulash

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

A white bowl filled with a sweet potato and ground beef dish, garnished with a green herb. Surrounding the bowl are a sweet potato, green pepper, and red pepper on a cloth. — Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Ground beef and sweet potato hash cooks in about 30 minutes with ground beef, sweet potatoes, onions, and spices. The beef is savory while the potatoes bring natural sweetness. Onions add a bit of sharpness for balance. It’s a skillet meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

Chicken Noodle Casserole

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta mixed with breaded chicken pieces, peas, carrots, and a sprinkling of herbs. — Chicken Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken noodle casserole bakes in about 45 minutes with noodles, chicken, cream sauce, and breadcrumbs. The noodles are soft and coated in a savory, creamy sauce. Breadcrumbs add crunch on top for texture. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s been on family tables for years.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole