DIY Classic TV Dinners

Updated September 23, 2016
Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

TV dinners used to be quick ready-made meals that were popped in the microwave or the oven before everyone gathered around the tube to watch some prime-time television. These meals were classic meat and two's or comforting casserole dishes like baked macaroni and cheese. Because the nostalgia is too delicious to pass up, these DIY meals are the perfect solution for that TV dinner craving without the pre-made packaging or iffy ingredients. 

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Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

At less than 200 calories per serving, you can feel good about serving this comforting salisbury steak meal to your family.

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Master Turkey Meatloaf

Credit: Daniel Agee, Styling: Rishon Hanners and Audrey Davis

Master Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This is the ultimate, foolproof, turkey meatloaf that is every kind of comforting that you would want a meatloaf to be. This just may be the only meatloaf recipe you'll ever need. Not only is this dish absolutely delicious, but it's also gluten-free. This flavorful meatloaf features bacon for added flavor and richness, and includes a special factor with a trio of tomato sauces and condiments to create an updated version of the traditional meatloaf topper. To make this meal even better, try enjoying it on a sandwich the next day. 

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Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Credit: Kelsey Grace Harrison

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Make an easy chicken dish topped with a savory mushroom sauce for a tasty meal that's ready in minutes.

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Once you've made your own veggie-packed pot of chicken noodle soup, you won't go back to the canned, supersalty stuff again.

$10.79 for six servings

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King Ranch Chicken

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Kay Clark

King Ranch Chicken Recipe

Hailing from an era when casseroles were king, this Tex-Mex dish still reigns supreme at church suppers and neighborhood potlucks. Though not an invention of the famed King Ranch--it's more likely the creation of a ladies' Junior League--the spicy flavors of chili powder, roasted peppers, and toasted cumin never fail to please.

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Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ultimate Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Kids, adults, college students, neighbors, and even teenagers will love this must-try spaghetti recipe.

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Speedy Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Speedy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Making the most of supermarket convenience items gets this family favorite on the table in a flash. Precut matchstick carrots are easier to chop into small pieces quickly, and using prepared mashed potatoes for the topping is a good trick for when you don't have leftover mashed potatoes on hand.

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Lean Lasagna

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Karin Olsen

Lean Lasagna Recipe

Our favorite recipe from the Cooking Light column, this lightened-up lasagna tastes every bit as flavorful as the traditional version.

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Seared Steaks with Red Wine, Mushrooms, and Onions

Credit: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr

Seared Steaks with Red Wine, Mushrooms, and Onions Recipe

Serve with blue cheese mashed potatoes and broccoli.

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Classic Beef Pot Roast

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Classic Beef Pot Roast Recipe

If you're looking for a traditional pot roast recipe, try this 5-star, no-fail version. Cuts of beef that perform well for pot roasting go by many different names: Blade roast, cross-rib roast (or shoulder clod), seven-bone pot roast, arm pot roast, and boneless chuck roast are all acceptable cuts. Either way, this roast beef recipe will become unbelievably tender and flavorful in the Dutch oven. Make this pot roast on a cold, rainy day for a cozy dinner that the whole family will love. For a slow-cooker version of this beef chuck roast, check out our crock-pot recipes.

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Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie

Credit: Maria Robledo; Styling: Anna Last

Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie Recipe

Who needs butter? This pie gets its velvety richness from olive oil, wine, low-fat milk, and a double dose of vegetables.

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David's Chicken-Fried Steak with Redeye Gravy

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Annette Joseph

David's Chicken-Fried Steak with Redeye Gravy Recipe

Cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and buttermilk punch up the flavor to David's Chicken-Fried Steak with Redeye Gravy.

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Extra Cheesy Grilled Cheese

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Extra Cheesy Grilled Cheese Recipe

Love grilled cheese sandwiches? Then this recipe is for you. Spread a mixture of butter and grated Parmesan cheese on slices of Italian bread, then top with high-quality provolone and mozzarella.

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