These 17 Retro Recipes Helped Me Get My Kids Off Their Screens At Dinner

What’s better than family dinner without the tech distractions? These 17 retro recipes are the secret to getting everyone involved without any eye rolls. A few classic dishes, a bit of nostalgia, and suddenly dinner becomes the highlight of the day. And best of all? Everyone’s eating without their phones glued to their hands.

Cattle Drive Casserole

This dish has a way of keeping everyone engaged at the table. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together without much effort. Cattle Drive Casserole delivers in flavor while keeping things simple. It’s perfect for a meal that doesn’t need much attention but still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Egg Salad

If you’re looking for something quick that still feels like a real meal, Egg Salad might be just what you need. It’s easy to put together and can keep the conversation going. No need for elaborate steps, but it’s always fulfilling. This one is sure to bring everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Cheese Ravioli

Want to get the kids off their screens? Cheese Ravioli has a way of doing just that with its familiar, no-fuss appeal. The rich filling makes it a go-to choice when you want something filling and comforting. It’s the type of dish that gets eaten before the conversation starts.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Eggnog French Toast

If you want to switch things up for a breakfast that’s not just about the usual, try Eggnog French Toast. It gives the meal a nice twist with its creamy texture and comforting feel. A great option when you need to keep things fun and relaxed. It’s simple but hits all the right notes when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog French Toast

General Tso’s Chicken

For a dinner that’s a crowd-pleaser, General Tso’s Chicken always does the job. It’s not too complicated but delivers a punch of flavor everyone can get behind. This one’s a hit for family dinners when you need something fast but still feels special. It’s just the right balance of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Dense Bean Salad

Dense Bean Salad might not be flashy, but it’s one of those meals that sticks with you. It’s great for a filling side or even a main dish when you want something hearty. The texture makes it stand out and keeps people engaged at the table. A no-fuss option for when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

German Chocolate Cake

When dessert needs to impress without being over-the-top, German Chocolate Cake is the way to go. It’s rich without feeling too heavy and is perfect for fulfilling that sweet tooth. This cake has been a classic for a reason and is always a crowd favorite. You can count on it to finish the meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Easy Chicken Tenders

For an easy and crowd-pleasing meal, Easy Chicken Tenders never fail. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t take long to make but always satisfies. It’s perfect when you’re looking for something familiar and comforting. A simple go-to that doesn’t need much more than a good dip to make it shine.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Funeral Potatoes

When you need something that feels like home, Funeral Potatoes deliver every time. This dish brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that everyone ends up asking for more of. Quick to make and a favorite at the table, it’s perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Charcuterie Board

Setting up a Charcuterie Board is a fun way to bring everyone to the table. You can mix and match flavors without much hassle. It’s an easy fix when everyone’s in a rush but still needs something to munch on. Great for dinner when you need a break from cooking.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

When dinnertime rolls around and you want something hearty, Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes is the answer. This dish has the right balance of heat and sweetness to keep it interesting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect when you need to please everyone. Even the kids will leave their screens for this one.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Cheese Grits

If you’re in the mood for comfort food, Cheese Grits is always a solid choice. It’s rich, creamy, and makes everyone happy at the table. Kids love it, and it’s easy enough to prepare without a fuss. You can even sneak in a few extra ingredients for variety.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Easy Chow Mein

Easy Chow Mein is a go-to when you want dinner that’s quick and flavorful. It’s a great way to use up ingredients you’ve got lying around. The kids will love the texture and taste, and it’s a dish you can whip up in no time. Plus, it’s the perfect meal to get them to focus on something other than their screens.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Crunchy Onion Rings

Who can resist crispy Crunchy Onion Rings? They’re the perfect side for a fun dinner, especially when you need something satisfying without too much effort. Pair them with any main dish, and you’ve got a winning combo. It’s a hit every time, and the kids will devour them.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Garlic Bread

Garlic Bread is an easy crowd-pleaser that pairs well with almost anything. It’s simple to make and always a hit when you need to round out a meal. The garlic aroma will have the kids flocking to the dinner table in no time. It’s one of those classic comfort foods everyone can get behind.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Easy Bibimbap

When you need something a little different, Easy Bibimbap is a great option. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings all the flavors together in one bowl. Perfect for when you want something healthy but still filling. It’s also an easy way to get the kids off their devices and around the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Cheeseburger

A classic Cheeseburger is always a good idea when dinner has to be quick and easy. The best part is it doesn’t need to be fancy to be loved by everyone. The kids can even help put it together, which keeps them engaged. It’s a simple meal that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger