There are many dinner ideas that can be considered classic because they are universally popular and enduring family favorites. Although people develop their own recipes and personal adaptations of classic dinners, the basics tend to remain the same. Dishes that are considered "classic" vary by region but the main ingredients are basic essentials widely available at every grocery store.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a true American classic, and simple to make. Ground beef, pork or a mixture of the two simply need to be blended with a few other ingredients, either by hand or in a food processor. Common additions to the meat are chopped vegetables, tomato ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs and eggs to bind the meatloaf together. A loaf pan makes the classic shape, but mini-meatloaves can be formed by hand and baked on a cookie sheet as an alternative. Some recipes call for the addition of tomato-based sauces on top of the meatloaf. Leftovers from a classic meatloaf dinner make great sandwiches the next day.
Roast Chicken
A whole roast chicken is an enduring classic dinner and is simple to cook. Wash the chicken and sit it breast-side-up in a roasting pan. You can add extra flavoring ingredients to the pan, the skin and inside the body cavity, like garlic, onion and lemon, or just salt and pepper the bird---it will be delicious either way. Simply cook it in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes per pound, plus 20 minutes or until the juices run clear. If the skin starts to get too brown before the meat is cooked, cover the chicken with foil. Serve roast chicken with side dishes, from hearty roast vegetables and gravy to a basic green salad.
Ribs
Barbecued beef or pork ribs are a classic that can be cooked in many different ways. You can replicate slow-barbecued ribs by starting them in the oven and finishing them on an outdoor grill. Place a rack of ribs covered with a layer of thinly sliced onions and lemons with a little water or wine on a large cookie sheet and cover it with foil. Bake this in a 250 degree F oven for at least 2 hours to make the meat soft and tender. Cut the rack into one or two rib portions and grill them while basting with barbecue sauce until they are a little blackened around the edges. Side dishes that go well with ribs include baked sweet potatoes, coleslaw and other classic salads.
Tags: barbecue sauce, beef pork, chicken with, considered classic, cookie sheet, degree oven