7 Popular Dishes from the ’70s That Came Straight from a Can

1. Tuna Casserole

Shutterstock

Tuna casserole was a staple in many homes during the ’70s, especially for busy weeknights when convenience was key. Often made with canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen peas, it was an easy, no-fuss dish that the whole family could enjoy. The beauty of tuna casserole was that you could add in a variety of other canned ingredients, like sweet corn or mushrooms, to mix things up. Top it all off with a handful of breadcrumbs and cheese, and you had a comfort food that was both filling and simple.

Even though the dish might seem a bit dated now, it still carries that nostalgic vibe that many of us remember. Whether served at a potluck or as a family dinner, tuna casserole was the perfect blend of budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Over time, home cooks got creative by adding other canned goods, like olives or canned onions, to give it an extra burst of flavor. But in the ’70s, it was all about easy-to-assemble ingredients, and canned tuna was the star of the show.

2. Spaghetti with Canned Meatballs

Shutterstock

Canned spaghetti with meatballs was a go-to meal for those looking for a quick and satisfying dinner in the ’70s. All you had to do was heat up a can of SpaghettiOs or Chef Boyardee, and you had an instant meal. It wasn’t about gourmet cooking, it was about getting something on the table that was easy and filling. The canned meatballs, while not exactly high-end, were surprisingly tasty when paired with the sweet and tangy tomato sauce.

While many families leaned on this canned creation during the week, some were convinced that it was a fun, kid-friendly meal for busy weekends. For a touch of fanciness, you could even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the top and serve it with a side of store-bought garlic bread. Though it might not be the healthiest option, it sure hit the spot for those craving something warm and comforting.

3. Beefaroni

Flickr

Beefaroni, another canned pasta favorite, found its way into homes all across America in the ’70s. A variation on the classic SpaghettiOs, Beefaroni combined pasta with seasoned ground beef and a thick, tomato-based sauce. The convenience of just popping open a can made it a favorite among families looking for a cheap, quick meal that still felt hearty. Whether you ate it straight out of the can or warmed it up, Beefaroni was a symbol of ’70s convenience cooking.

Though it’s easy to forget about it now, Beefaroni was one of those meals that parents could depend on when they needed something to feed the kids fast. The canned version might not have had the same homemade touch as a fresh recipe, but it made up for that with its rich, flavorful sauce. For a time, Beefaroni was part of the standard pantry stock, a simple solution to feeding the family after a long day.

4. Canned Chili

Flickr

Canned chili was a beloved dish in many households during the ’70s, especially for people who wanted to enjoy a warm, spicy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Brands like Hormel’s Chili with Beans made it easy to just heat and serve. A hearty, flavorful meal could be ready in minutes, and it was a common option for those on the go or looking for a comforting winter dish. Canned chili had the perfect combination of beef, beans, and spices that made it filling and satisfying.

While you could serve it on its own, many people jazzed up their canned chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions. It was a versatile meal that could be eaten with crackers, poured over rice, or even served in a bowl topped with corn chips for a quick chili pie. Whether you had it at a family gathering or as a late-night snack, canned chili was the kind of dish you could always rely on.

5. Instant Mashed Potatoes

PICRYL

Instant mashed potatoes came into their own in the ’70s as a quick and convenient alternative to the real deal. The boxes often came with powdered potatoes and a packet of seasoning, and all you had to do was add hot water and stir. It wasn’t the same as mashing fresh potatoes, but it was a quick and easy side dish that still managed to satisfy the craving for comfort food. Plus, they paired perfectly with other canned or pre-cooked dishes, like canned meats and gravy.

Even though the taste might not have matched up to mashed potatoes made from scratch, instant mashed potatoes became a pantry staple. Families who were short on time loved that they could make a sizable portion of mashed potatoes in minutes without peeling a single potato. And for those who liked a bit more flavor, adding butter or cream cheese was a way to elevate the simple dish.

6. Canned Fruit Salad

Flickr

Canned fruit salad was a common dessert or side dish that appeared on dinner tables in the ’70s. The mixture often contained a medley of canned fruits like peaches, pears, and pineapples, sometimes combined with a bit of syrup to sweeten the deal. People loved the convenience of not having to peel, chop, or prepare fresh fruit, and it was especially useful for large gatherings or when you needed something to serve at a potluck. It might not have been as fresh as a homemade fruit salad, but it certainly saved time.

For many, canned fruit salad was an easy, no-fuss way to offer something light and refreshing after a heavy dinner. Some even got creative and added a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of marshmallows to make it feel a little more special. As simple as it was, canned fruit salad became a reliable dish in many kitchens, often appearing at family picnics and summer barbecues.

7. Canned Soup

Wikimedia Commons

Canned soups, particularly the ones from Campbell’s, were huge in the ’70s and became a go-to meal for many families. Whether it was tomato, chicken noodle, or vegetable, these soups could be served as a quick lunch or dinner with minimal effort. Some people even turned them into casseroles by adding canned vegetables or meats to the mix. It wasn’t just about heating up a can; it was about making it your own and adding ingredients to stretch it further.

Though some thought of it as a basic, no-frills meal, canned soup was a reliable solution when time was tight, and you needed something comforting. Plus, there was a sense of nostalgia that came with each slurp, as many of us grew up with that familiar taste. It was perfect for when you weren’t in the mood to cook, and the best part was that it only took a few minutes to get it to the table.

Scroll to Top