It's fun to try new recipes, but sometimes you can't beat a time-tested classic. These old-fashioned food recipes might seem like a blast from the past, but they still hold up today.
48 Old-School Recipes That Deserve a Comeback
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Grandma’s Chicken ‘n’ Dumpling Soup
I’ve enjoyed making this rich homemade dumpling recipe for over 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
If you’re looking for something sweet, check out how to make these lemon-frosted fruit bars from the 1940s.
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Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
3/48
Pinwheel Steak Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 365 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
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Triple Chocolate Fudge
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It’s the ultimate yummy gift! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 64 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Chicken Tetrazzini
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend shared a version of this recipe with me 35 years ago. I pay it forward by bringing the second casserole to friends when they are unable to cook. —Helen McPhee, Savoy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 576 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 814mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Old-Fashioned
Who says you have to venture out to a bar to get an old-fashioned? This simple cocktail recipe will make you a 5-star home bartender in no time. If whiskey isn’t your favorite, try a tequila old-fashioned or brandy old-fashioned, instead.
By the way, here’s what Angostura bitters actually are.
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Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Steve, loves this stuffed pepper recipe. They’re so filling and easy to prepare. I serve them with mashed potatoes and coleslaw for a no-fuss supper. —Karen Gentry, Somerset, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 430 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1182mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
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Apricot Fluff
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It's sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 194 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Green Bean Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes—it’s so easy to put together! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 163 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Old-Fashioned Goulash
This old-fashioned goulash recipe is a savory, satisfying dinner that cooks up in a single pot.
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Steamed Carrot Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe, passed down from my Canadian grandmother, has been in my family for at least three generations. It's been a favorite wintertime dessert for us and is always served for Easter and other holiday meals. —Ann Searcey, Kettering, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup sauce: 570 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
This old-fashioned pound cake is another classic dessert you should try.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cordon bleu is a great, fast dinner for two. It's easy to fix and makes an elegant entree. — Betty Palmesino, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 441 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
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Apple Cider Beef Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Grandma’s Rice Dish
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother often made this casserole when I was young. I forgot about it until one day I found myself adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 719 calories, 37g fat (18g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1397mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein.
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Sugar Cream Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 418 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Grandma’s Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my grandmother’s. Originally, she even made the tomato juice in it from scratch! Gram had this recipe cooking on the stove every time I visited her. She enjoyed making this tomato soup and other favorite dishes for family and friends, and she made everything with love. —Gerri Sysun, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Corn Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 435 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Crisp Waldorf Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This crunchy salad is a perfect side to accompany a heavy meal. With it's light and crisp flavors, it'll be the hit of the party.—Susan R Falk, Eastpointe, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Creamy Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy potato soup is one of my favorite recipes that uses wholesome milk—an important product we produce on our dairy farm. It’s rich and delicious…even the kids gobble it up!—Janis Plagerman, Ephrata, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Homemade Bread Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
If you'd like to learn how to bake bread, here's a wonderful place to start. This easy white bread bakes up deliciously golden brown. There's nothing like the homemade aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 102 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 222mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone eats for comfort during the holidays, but comfort foods aren't necessarily healthy. To make a classic comfort food dish healthier, I came up with this lovely take: butternut squash shepherd's pie with ground turkey. It's perfect for putting out on your holiday buffet table. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
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Southern Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This old southern banana pudding recipe features a comforting custard layered with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, then topped with meringue. I serve it year-round. —Jan Campbell, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
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Three-Cheese Fondue
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
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Steak Diane
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 2 tablespoons sauce: 358 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
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Oysters Rockefeller
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Chicken and Dumplings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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German Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup syrup: 428 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
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Crown Roast of Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork rib plus stuffing: 404 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
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Creamed Spinach & Pearl Onions
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a culinary student, this creamy dish wowed me, and I don't even like spinach. This side is a keeper! —Chelsea Puchel, Pickens, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 307 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Dutch oven pot roast recipes are the ultimate comfort food. When juicy pot roast simmers in garlic, onions and veggies, everyone comes running to ask "When can we eat?" The answer? Just wait—it will be worth it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1 cup vegetables and 3 tablespoons sauce: 459 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
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Slow-Cooked Chicken a la King
From the Recipe Creator:
When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
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Ambrosia Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
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Beef Wellington
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for holidays, this beef Wellington recipe is also impressively easy. Find ready-made puff pastry sheets in the frozen food section. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 945 calories, 51g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 866mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 10g fiber), 48g protein.
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Pork Chops ‘n’ Pierogi
From the Recipe Creator:
The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 730 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
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Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 405 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 1340mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
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German Red Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned version of ham and bean soup starts with dried navy beans, but you could start with great northern beans instead. The first soak of the beans softens them, but they won’t get tender until after they are simmered in the second step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
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De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 313 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
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Sloppy Joe Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
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Porcupine Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
These well-seasoned porcupine meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are one of my mom's best main dishes. I used to love this meal when I was growing up. I made it at home for our children, and now my daughters make it for their families. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1317mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
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Broccoli Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Beef Cabbage Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a little girl, I helped my parents work the fields of their small farm. Lunchtime was always a treat when Mother picked fresh vegetables from the garden and simmered them in her big soup pot. We loved making this delicious recipe. —Ethel Ledbetter, Canton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 116 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Swedish Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
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Salisbury Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn't able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 581 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 1960mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
