5 Hearty & Frugal Fall Recipes Inspired by the Great Depression

The Great Depression was a time when people had to make do with what little they had, and their ingenuity led to many resourceful recipes that remain comforting and budget-friendly to this day.


As the cooler fall months roll in, these hearty, simple meals inspired by that era can warm both body and soul while being easy on your wallet.


Here are five tried-and-true frugal fall recipes inspired by Great Depression cooking:

1. Potato and Cabbage Soup

A filling and frugal classic, this soup relies on affordable root vegetables and cabbage, a staple during the Great Depression.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • ½ head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

  1. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, cooking until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes, cabbage, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with bread for a complete meal.


Tip: You can add a small amount of bacon or sausage if you have it, but the recipe is hearty even without meat.



2. Hoover Stew

Named after President Hoover, this stew was popular for being filling and using inexpensive ingredients like pasta, canned vegetables, and whatever meat was available.


I also included this dish in 3 Great Depression Era Cooks & Their Best Recipes.

Image Credit: Kent Rollins

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can corn or mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup of hot dogs or any leftover meat, sliced
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes.
  2. Stir in diced tomatoes, canned vegetables, and hot dogs or leftover meat. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the pasta is cooked through.
  3. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.


Tip: You can substitute any canned or frozen vegetables you have on hand for extra flavor and nutrition.



3. Depression-Era Lentil Loaf

Lentils were a staple protein source during the Depression when meat was often unaffordable. This hearty lentil loaf is the perfect budget-friendly alternative to meatloaf.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils, cooked
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, oats, onion, carrot, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Press the mixture into the loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until firm and golden on top.
  4. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or gravy.


4. Cornbread and Milk

This simple, hearty meal was a go-to for many families during the Great Depression. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for chilly fall days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • Whole milk (for serving)


Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add milk, egg, and oil or melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. To serve, crumble a piece of cornbread into a bowl and pour cold milk over the top. Eat with a spoon for a comforting, budget-friendly meal.


5. Poor Man’s Apple Pie

Apples were often a readily available fruit during the Great Depression, and this simplified version of apple pie uses basic ingredients to create a delicious, frugal dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 4 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (for the bottom only)


Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust into a greased pie pan.
  2. In a bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice.
  3. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and cover with foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the apples are soft and juicy.
  4. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.


Tip: If you don’t have a pie crust, you can top the apples with a simple crumble made from flour, sugar, and butter.

Final Thoughts

These Great Depression-inspired recipes show that simple, frugal ingredients can still create comforting and delicious meals. They’re perfect for fall when you’re looking to save money while enjoying warm, hearty dishes.


Do you have any frugal fall recipes to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Comments
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2 of 3 comments
  • Debbie Debbie on Sep 25, 2024
    Can’t make it for the cost of premade ones, especially store brand
  • EmmaSurf EmmaSurf on Sep 26, 2024
    Poor m Man's apple pie is usually made without apples, otherwise that's just an apple pie.
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