In kitchens across TikTok, chefs and home cooks are rallying to the moment, by offering tutorials on how to make cheap, easy meals that were popular during the Great Depression. Dishes like Hoover Stew, chipped beef on toast, and pasta with peas, are making a comeback as a new generation faces the challenge of small grocery budgets, amid high prices on staples like beef.
The hashtag #depressionerameals brings up a whole menu of bygone recipes, demonstrated by chefs who often have heartwarming anecdotes and memories to share, of the grandparents who passed down these hard-time comfort recipes.
We’re absolutely loving this trend, not just because these frugal recipes ease the strain on our wallets, but because good old fashioned comfort foods offer a sense of nostalgia and togetherness.
Hoover Stew
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Named after President Herbert Hoover, this dish was the ultimate Depression-era concoction. Whatever meat was available, often canned, went into the pot. Macaroni, and whatever vegetables happened to be on hand, were added. Then it was stretched with as much water as was needed to meet the family’s needs, and all simmered together for a warming, fragrant meal.
Macaroni and Cheese
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Macaroni and cheese was a frugal go-to meal for families on a small budget, even back in the 1800’s. It again became a staple meal during the Great Depression, thanks to its low cost and comforting appeal. Today, macaroni and cheese is a nostalgic favorite, especially when made from scratch with breadcrumbs sprinkled over it, for that crispy, crunchy topping.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (S.O.S.)
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Originally a military favorite, this creamy, salty dish was a Depression-era sensation. Spread over toast, it made a cheap but satisfying meal. Today, it’s often made with turkey or chicken for a frugal, and slightly healthier twist.
Potato Soup
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Potatoes are inexpensive and versatile, making them ideal during lean times, both then and now. Classic potato soup combines milk, butter, and onions for a creamy, warming dish that’s still perfect for chilly evenings. The most frugal versions of this skip the butter and milk altogether, relying on onion for flavor, and the potato for a filling creaminess. It’s good either way!
Beans and Cornbread
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
A humble combination with deep Southern roots, beans and cornbread provided protein and sustenance when money was tight. Modern recipes often add spices, herbs, or smoked bacon for richer flavor.
Meatloaf
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
During hard times, steaks and roasts become a luxury, so ways to stretch small amounts of meat were a lifesaver. Depression-era meatloaf often combined ground beef with breadcrumbs, oatmeal, or even grated vegetables. Don’t forget the ketchup or tomato sauce on top, for that savory, glazed topping that we all love.
Chicken and Dumplings
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
A dish that epitomizes comfort, chicken and dumplings offered protein and carbohydrates in one pot. Stewed chicken with fluffy dumplings became a go-to meal for families during tough times.
Sloppy Joes
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Sloppy Joes arrived on the scene in the early decades of the 20th century, and quickly became a favorite. They made use of inexpensive ground beef, tomato sauce, and onions, and were reminiscent of 1800’s struggle meals where leftover meats were mixed with some type of sauce, and served with a “penny roll”. Served on a bun or even toast, they were a quick, filling, and slightly messy comfort food.
Cabbage and Noodles
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
This simple combination of cooked cabbage, noodles, and butter was a staple for frugal households. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and can be seasoned to taste, making it a timeless comfort dish.
Pasta and Peas
This simple and beloved dish could stretch a few inexpensive ingredients into a hearty meal. Cooked pasta tossed with peas, a little butter, and a pinch of salt is comfort in its purest form. It’s easy to find tutorials for all of these Depression-era favorites on TikTok, but this lesson in making Pasta and Peas from “Clara’s Kitchen”, filmed when Clara was 91, is truly a must-watch. There’s nothing like learning to make meals from the Great Depression, from someone who experienced it firsthand!
@claragreatdepression Pasta and Peas This was the very first video Nana and I published. We had no idea that it would go on to connect with millions of people on YouTube. Nana very much enjoyed the notoriety but the real joy we had was off camera, drinking coffee, playing cards and joking about how funny it was for her to get famous in her nineties. Here is the official video from our YouTube page for you to enjoy on TikTok! We still make this and always do half lemon/lime and half Vanilla. Thanks for watching! #clara #depressioncooking #greatdepression #nana #grandma #heartwarming #wholesome #claraskitchen #missed ♬ original sound – Clara’s Kitchen Official
These Depression-era meals remind us that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Now, more than ever, there’s a growing appreciation for the humble dishes that kept families nourished during one of America’s toughest decades. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic bite, or a cheap recipe to get through til payday, these recipes are a reminder that old fashioned “struggle meals” can carry stories as rich as their flavor.
