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30+ Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes

May 1, 2025
•
Amelia [Writer]

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Ready for some Grandma-approved comfort food dinner recipes that are basically a hug on a plate? Get cozy and dig in—these meals are packed with all the comforting goodness you crave!

30+ Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes

When it comes to dinner, nothing beats the cozy, comforting flavors of Grandma’s cooking, right? Enter these Grandma-approved dinner recipes—hearty homemade meals that bring everyone to the table. Simple, satisfying, and full of that nostalgic, made-with-love magic. Vegan, Gluten-free + Dairy-free Options.

Collage of grandma approved recipes

From pasta bakes, pot pie, mac + cheese, and even a cozy chicken noodle soup, these recipes are packed with flavor and heart. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to customize, make ahead, and guaranteed to bring that comforting, homemade vibe to your table—just like Grandma used to do.

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Why You Will LOVE Grandma-Approved Dinner Recipes

  • Hearty, homestyle meals that bring comfort with every bite
  • Packed with flavor, just like Grandma’s kitchen
  • Simple, easy-to-follow recipes perfect for busy nights
  • Perfect for feeding the whole family
  • Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs
  • Make-ahead options for stress-free dinners

Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes

Up close shot of the lasagna soup in a bowl with a spoon.

1. Comforting Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

Warm up your taste buds with our Comforting Vegetarian Lasagna Soup! This soul-warming dish takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a cozy soup. Each spoonful is a cozy hug in a bowl. Whether you're a vegetarian or just craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Gluten-free + Vegan Option.

Up close shot of stuffed peppers on a serving tray with a spoon.

2. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Get ready to dig into these Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers! They're filled to the brim with seasoned quinoa + brown rice, boasting a garlic kick, and topped with gooey, golden mozzarella cheese. But wait, there's more – they're crowned with a zesty kick from lemony herb olive oil tomatoes. These peppers are the ultimate meatless treat, brimming with a fresh taste that makes them a must-have dish year-round. Completely Gluten-free. Vegan Option.

Sliced Cheese Sheet Pan Pizza

3. Grandma’s Cheese Sheet Pan Pizza

An easy, delicious dinner option perfect for family pizza night, complete with a fluffy homemade soft crust, twice the cheesy goodness. Gluten-free option. 

Up close shot of spaghetti in a pink plate.

4. Grandma's Weeknight Spaghetti

This timeless recipe is a cherished family favorite, promising a bowlful of delicious nostalgia in every bite. Completely Vegetarian. Gluten-free + Vegan Option.

Two black bowls with Hamburger Helper on a brown wood table and a spoon.

5. My Childhood Homemade Hamburger Helper

A rich, creamy sauce and hearty turkey that’ll make you feel right at home. Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Beef Option.

Image of chicken parmesan on a plate.

6. Chicken Parmesan with Vodka Sauce

Imagine crispy, golden chicken topped with gooey mozzarella and that irresistible vodka sauce—it's comfort food at its finest. Gluten-free Option.

Plate with porks chops and mac and cheese with a fork and side of greens.

7. Southern Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops

They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without the mess of frying. Completely Gluten-free, Pan Fried, + Oven Options.

Up close shot of pizza sliced.

8. Vegetarian BBQ Meatball Pizza

This Vegetarian BBQ Meatball Pizza is the best meatless pizza you'll ever taste! It comes based in a spicy-sweet marriage of BBQ + Sriracha sauces, maple syrup and is loaded with mozzarella cheese for a beautiful gooeyness in every bite. It’s the perfect vegetarian and weeknight meal for the entire family and it’s bursting with savoriness and flavor. Easy homemade crust, well seasoned, and made in just 30 short minutes. Vegan + Gluten-free option.

Skillet enchilada with a spoon and toppings.

9. My Family's Fave Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Each bite is a mouthwatering mix of creamy, savory, and slightly crispy edges—ideal for a cozy family dinner that everyone will love! Gluten-free + Make-ahead Options.

Baked spaghetti in a baking dish with two serving spoons on a brown wood table.

10. Weeknight Baked Spaghetti

It’s packed with cheesy, veggie goodness that’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting and delicious. Completely Vegetarian. Gluten-free, Vegan + Meat Option.

Pan of Tomato Kale Ravioli Bake

11. Weeknight Tomato Kale Ravioli Bake

A twist on traditional pasta bake----this Weeknight Tomato Kale Ravioli Bake is perfect for the entire family! Packed with bold, savory flavors, this pasta recipe is the perfect vegetarian option that is made with filling ravioli, roasted herb tomatoes, chunks of kales, and topped with well-seasoned tomato sauce, and generous amounts of freshly-grated Mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese. Make ahead option.

Up close shot of stuffed shells in a skillet with two spoons.

12. Weeknight Jerk Chicken + Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Gooey mozzarella cheese stuffed into pasta shells, combined with slightly spicy jerk chicken, all smothered in a savory + herby tomato sauce. Gluten-free option.

Up close shot of seafood gumbo in black bowls with a spoon.

13. Cajun Seafood Gumbo

It's soulful, spicy, and simmered to perfection. Gluten-free + Slow Cooker Options.

Skillet enchilada with two spoons, lime wedges, and toppings.

14. Skillet Meatless Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

These vegetarian enchiladas are a mouthwatering treat you won't want to miss. Gluten-free + Make Ahead Option.

Up close shot of broccoli cheddar pot pie in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

15. Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie

Think tender chicken, roasted broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy filling all tucked into a flaky cheddar herb biscuit crust. Gluten-free Option.

Mac and cheese in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

16. My Childhood Velveeta Mac and Cheese

It’s irresistibly rich and perfect for satisfying your cravings for a classic, delicious blast from the past. Gluten-free Option.

Up close shot of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken with a wooden spoon.

17. Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

This rich stew is sure to become a family-favorite dinner during the week. Gluten-free.

Closeup of a bowl of Nourishing Chicken Noodle Soup

18. Nourishing Chicken Noodle Soup

A great weeknight option or weekend addition, this soup boasts of it’s major flavor factor. Slow Cooker + Gluten-Free options.

Up close shot of plate with red beans and rice, cornbread, a drink, and a fork.

19. Good Ole’ Cajun Red Beans + Rice

A little Southern charm—perfect for cozy nights when you want to bring a taste of the South right to your kitchen! Slow Cooker, Dairy-free, Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

Overhead shot of a bowl of Rigatoni Meatball Soup topped with cheese

20. Easy Flavorful Rigatoni Meatball Soup

Bold tomato flavors and a hint of cheesy goodness as a topping! Slow Cooker, Vegan + Gluten-Free options.

An image of baked bolognese gnocchi on a plate with utensils on a wood table with a drink.

21. Baked Bolognese Gnocchi

Easy to make and even easier to devour! Dairy-free, Gluten-free + Meatless Option.

Curry chicken in a black plate with two forks and a side of drink.

22. Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken

If you have ever had Jamaican food, you know it’s all about flavor + spice! Completely Dairy-free + Gluten-free.

Baked pasta with a wooden spoon.

23. Spicy Vodka Rigatoni Pasta Bake

A flavorful vegetarian pasta bake that's ideal for cozy nights or entertaining with a twist! Gluten-free, Make-Ahead + Less Spicy Option.

Up close shot of baked mac and cheese in a skillet with a spoon.

24. Baked White Mac + Cheese with Bacon

Experience the velvety blend of mozzarella + cream cheese entwined with the rich, crispy candied bacon, all nestled in delicious shell pasta. Gluten-free + Vegan Option.

Up close shot of alfredo in two white plates with a drink, side of parmesan cheese, and three forks on a black table.

25. Weeknight Creamy Chicken Alfredo

The perfect easy weeknight dinner on any given day for the entire family that comes based with a deliciously creamy Alfredo sauce, Italian seasonings, and paired with semi-thick pasta and chunks of cooked chicken. Meatless, Dairy-free + Gluten-free options.

Up close shot of cooked black eyed peas in a yellow bowl with rice and utensils on a wood table.

26. Southern Black Eyed Peas

This Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe is bursting with bold Cajun flavors, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of spice. It's easy to make and totally packed with flavor. Trust me y'all, it’s a dish that hits the spot every time! Gluten-free + Meatless Option.

Up close shot of sausage and peppers with a wooden spoon.

27. Andouille Sausage + Peppers

Dive into the deliciousness of this Andouille Sausage + Peppers recipe! This dish brings together spicy andouille sausage with a medley of colorful bell peppers, creating a savory, satisfying dish with layers of bold flavors. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty addition to your dinner spread, this combination delivers both comfort + taste in every bite. Completely Gluten-free.

7-layer taco salad in a trifle bowl.

28. 7 Layer Taco Salad

This 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe is a plant-based dream! Packed with layers of fresh veggies, creamy toppings, and flavorful plant-based meat crumbles, it’s the ultimate healthy and delicious meal. Whether you're meal-prepping or serving it up for taco night, this salad brings all the bold taco flavors you love in a lighter, meat-free way. Meat + Dairy Option.

Smothered chicken in a white pot with a wooden spoon.

29. Southern Smothered Chicken

Get set to dive into a Southern classic with our Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken recipe! This dish is pure Southern comfort, featuring succulent chicken bathed in a rich, flavorful gravy. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles + empty plates. Gluten-free Option.

Seafood boil on a baking sheet with a side of mac and cheese, drink, and cornbread.

30. Cajun Seafood Boil

Spice up your kitchen with My Favorite Cajun Seafood Boil. It's packed with bold flavors like Cajun seasoning, and smoky Andouille sausage, and loaded with succulent lobster, shrimp, crab + sweet corn, this dish is a true feast. And don't forget the incredible buttery sauce that drowns and smothers all that hearty goodness! This finger-licking-good recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Gluten-free.

Plate of Hot Honey Fried Chicken

31. Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken

Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken made from completely in the oven with chicken thighs and drumsticks, seasoned in two layers (both base + coating), coated with cornflakes and breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, and drenched in a deliciously sweet + spicy hot honey sauce makes for the perfect meal addition. You won’t believe how flavor-packed and CRISPY this chicken is! Gluten-free, Air Fryer, + Make Ahead options.

Bowl of Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

32. Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is a cozy twist on a classic, perfect for chilly days. Loaded with herb-roasted tomatoes, mellow roasted garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs and seasonings, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect on its own or paired with a gooey grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. Vegan Option.

Spoon stirring a skillet of Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Herb Biscuits

33. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Herb Biscuits recipe. Experience the timeless childhood favorite of a classic chicken pot pie with a twist! This delectable dish boasts shredded chicken, mixed veggies, and white beans, all nestled in a creamy extra cheesy filling. But the real magic lies in the flaky cheddar herb biscuits on top, offering a perfect blend of flakiness and cheesy goodness. It's bound to become a new favorite weeknight dinner in your household. Vegan + Gluten-Free options.

That's A Wrap On This Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes Roundup!

And that's a wrap on this Grandma-approved dinner recipes roundup! Whether you’re craving something cozy, classic, or just plain delicious, these meals have you covered. Time to gather the family and enjoy some comforting homemade goodness!

More Roundups You Will LOVE

So if you loved this roundup of 30+ Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes then be sure to check out more of my roundups on my fave recipes!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried any of the 30+ Grandma Approved Dinner Recipes from this list or any other recipe on my website please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below or tag me on Instagram @Orchidsnsweettea_. I love hearing from you.

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