Contrary to how we’d like to picture it, food in the '60s was not some vintage artistry of fancy meals. For most families, especially the poor, it was about survival, eating whatever was available and making it last. Money was tight, and the ingredients were basic. Creativity often meant throwing whatever was left in the pantry into a pot and hoping for the best.
Some of these meals became classics, while others are best left in the past. Either way, they kept families fed when options were few. Here are a few meals that defined survival cooking in the '60s.
Chipped Beef on Toast
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Families with tight budgets often settled for dried beef slices cooked in a thick white sauce and poured over toast. This dish was salty, filling, and, most importantly, cheap. The military called it “SOS” (Stuff on a Shingle) because a little beef went a long way.
Creamed Tuna on Toast
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Canned tuna on toast was another white sauce meal that gained popularity in the 60s. Fresh meat was too expensive, so this alternative was quick, easy, and affordable. The creamy sauce was used to mask the strong tuna flavor and made it easier for kids to eat.
Hot Dogs and Beans
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This protein-packed meal included sliced hot dogs mixed with canned baked beans. It became popular because it stretched ingredients and fed multiple people without much effort or cost. Some families added brown sugar for extra flavor.
Spam and Eggs
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Poor families couldn’t afford fresh meat back in the day. That gave rise to fried Spam with eggs, which became a go-to meal for most people. Spam’s long shelf life made it a must-have ingredient in the pantry. It was salty and packed with protein. The dish could be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Bologna Sandwiches
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A slice of bologna between two pieces of white bread was a common lunch. Some added mustard or mayonnaise for extra flavor. Fried bologna offered variety when cold sandwiches got boring.
Macaroni and Cheese
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This warm and filling meal involved elbow macaroni mixed with processed cheese sauce. Some made it from scratch, but boxed versions became popular because they required fewer ingredients and less effort.
Goulash
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To save time and money, many poor families stuck to goulash as their go-to meal. This recipe included ground beef, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes and was prepared as a one-pot meal.
Rice and Beans
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Rice and beans provided protein, fiber, and essential nutrients at a low cost. Many families seasoned it with salt, pepper, or whatever spices they had. This dish was easy to make in large batches and worked for lunch or dinner.
Tuna Casserole
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This baked dish combines canned tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce. Breadcrumbs on top added texture. It was a popular way to use cheap pantry ingredients while making dinner feel a little more complete.
Potato Soup
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Potato soup was a common choice when other vegetables weren’t available. It was also a great alternative to expensive fresh meat recipes. The original recipe combines potatoes, onions, and milk (or water) to make a simple but filling soup.
Cornbread and Milk
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People used crumbled cornbread and added it to a glass of milk to prepare an instant meal. This was often enjoyed with a spoon. Not only did it save a lot of money, but it was easy to prepare and kept them full when money was scarce.
Boxed Meal Kits
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Hamburger Helper came out in 1971, but similar meal kits existed before that. These boxed mixes combined pasta with a seasoning packet. Ground beef was added to create a quick and affordable dinner.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
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Peanut butter and jelly on white bread was one of the cheapest meals possible. Peanut butter provided protein, while jelly added sweetness. Kids loved it, and parents appreciated how long the ingredients lasted.
Depression Cake
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This cake did not contain milk, eggs, or butter. The flavors were achieved by adding raisins, applesauce, and spices. It started during the Great Depression but remained popular in the '60s because it was cheap to make.
