There was a time when a dollar could go a very long way at the dinner table. In the 1960s, many families were careful with their money, but that did not mean they had to skip a good meal. Simple foods like meatloaf, soup, beans, and sandwiches could feed an entire family without costing much.
Prices were much lower than they are today, and many people cooked at home instead of eating out. Some meals cost well under a dollar. Dive into 15 simple meals that cost less than a dollar in the 1960s.
1. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
Meatloaf was a popular choice for families because a small amount of beef could feed several people. Families could also use leftover meatloaves for sandwiches the next day.
2. Beans & cornbread
Beans were one of the cheapest foods around. A pot of cooked beans could feed several people, especially when served with homemade cornbread. Some families added onions, bacon, or ham for extra flavor.
3. Grilled cheese & tomato soup
Bread, cheese, and butter were all that was needed. A bowl of tomato soup made the meal feel more complete. Canned soup was also easy to keep in the pantry, making this a useful meal when there was not much time to cook.
4. Spaghetti with tomato sauce
Spaghetti was another low-cost family favorite. It was cheap, easy, and popular with children.
5. Tuna salad sandwiches
Canned tuna was an affordable way to add fish to the family menu. Mixed with mayonnaise, chopped celery, or pickles, it could make several sandwiches.
Trending on Wealth Gang
6. Potato & onion soup
Potatoes and onions were cheap ingredients that could be turned into a warm soup. Milk, butter, or a little cream could be added to make it richer. This type of meal was especially useful during colder months.
7. Macaroni & cheese
Macaroni and cheese was a low-cost meal that was easy to prepare. Families could make it with macaroni, milk, butter, and cheese. Some families added peas, leftover meat, or bits of bacon when they had them.
8. Fried egg sandwiches
Eggs were an affordable source of protein. A fried egg placed between two slices of bread made a quick sandwich.
Sign up for our newsletter
9. Hot Dogs with baked beans
Hot dogs were cheap and easy to cook. Some people added mustard, onions, or ketchup.
10. Chicken & rice
A whole chicken could be used in several meals, which made it a smart choice for families trying to save money. The leftover chicken could then be used in soup, sandwiches, or casseroles.
11. Pancakes with syrup
Many families served them for dinner when money was tight. Flour, eggs, milk, and a little baking powder could make a large stack of pancakes. Syrup or butter added flavor without making the meal much more expensive.
12. Potato & egg hash
Leftover potatoes could be turned into a new meal by frying them with eggs and onions. It was a good example of how people avoided wasting food.
13. Hamburger patties with potatoes
Ground beef was often used instead of more expensive cuts of meat. Simple hamburger patties could be cooked in a frying pan and served with potatoes. Adding onions and gravy helped make the meal more filling.
14. Vegetable soup with bread
A simple vegetable soup could be made with potatoes, carrots, onions, or cabbage. Families could use whatever they already had at home.
15. Rice pudding
Milk, sugar, rice, and a little cinnamon were enough to make the dessert. It was a cheap way to end a family meal.
Looking for similar content?
If you enjoy remembering the dishes that filled family tables, 15 Foods Grandma Made That People Rarely Make Anymore looks at old recipes like chicken and dumplings and stuffed cabbage rolls. For a look at what people ate to lose weight, 15 Diet Fads That Failed Us in the ’80s and ’90s covers the Cabbage Soup Diet, SlimFast, and other big trends that didn´t last. And 15 Deliciously Shocking Facts about Thanksgiving shares surprising stories behind the holiday, from the first feast to the invention of green bean casserole.
