Welcome to the land of lakes and hot dishes – Minnesota! When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty, bubbling hot dish straight from the oven. Whether you're a born-and-raised Minnesotan or just curious about this Midwestern culinary tradition, you're in for a treat.
In this blog post, we'll explore the best Minnesota hot dish recipes that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. From classic combinations to unique twists, get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that Minnesotans hold dear to their hearts. So grab your apron and let's dive into the world of Minnesota hot dishes!
1. Minnesota Hot Dish
Minnesota Hot Dish is a classic comfort food that originates from the Midwest. This casserole-style dish combines ground beef, onions, celery, rice, and peas, all baked together with cream of mushroom and chicken noodle soup.
The addition of soy sauce adds a savory depth of flavor. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
2. Tater Tot Hotdish
Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic Minnesota comfort food dish that combines ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, corn, peas, and colby jack cheese.
Topped with crispy tater tots, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for cold weather. It may not be the healthiest option, but it is a beloved favorite among Minnesotans.
3. Hamburger Rice Hot Dish
Hamburger Rice Hot Dish is a classic Minnesotan comfort food that is perfect for cold winter nights. Made with ground beef or turkey, celery, onion, soy sauce, rice, and cream of mushroom soup, this dish is easy to make and budget-friendly.
It is a filling and satisfying meal that brings a taste of home, making it a favorite among college students. The addition of dried parsley adds a pop of color to the dish. Overall, Hamburger Rice Hot Dish is a delicious and comforting recipe that captures the essence of Minnesota cuisine.
4. Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish
Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish is a classic Midwestern comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. This savory dish combines ground beef, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and a generous layer of crispy tater tots on top.
It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving or any time of the year, this hotdish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
5. Chow Mein Hotdish
Chow Mein Hotdish is a classic Minnesota comfort food that combines ground beef, rice, and creamy soup, topped with crunchy chow mein noodles. It is a simple and easy-to-make casserole that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
The dish has a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. If you're looking for a taste of Minnesota, this Chow Mein Hotdish is a must-try!
6. Chili Tater Tot Bake
Chili Tater Tot Bake is a delicious twist on the traditional Minnesota Hot Dish. This casserole combines a chili base with layers of corn, tater tots, and melted cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for meat and potatoes lovers.
The recipe is versatile and can be made with leftover chili, making it a great option for repurposing leftovers. Overall, Chili Tater Tot Bake is a tasty and budget-friendly dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.
7. From-Scratch Tater Tot Hotdish
From-Scratch Tater Tot Hotdish is the ultimate comfort food for Minnesotans. This recipe takes the classic hotdish to new heights by ditching canned soup and creating a homemade cream sauce.
Packed with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, crispy tater tots, and cheddar cheese, this dish is full of flavor and loved by all. A cozy and easy dinner option that will satisfy any hungry family.
8. Hot Dish
The First Hot Dish Recipe is a classic and straightforward Minnesota casserole that has stood the test of time. It combines ground hamburger, onions, Creamette rotini pasta, tomato soup, canned diced tomatoes, peas, celery, and seasonings.
This no-frills dish provides a balanced meal with protein, starch, and vegetables. While it may not be my personal favorite, I can see why it became a staple in busy households. Overall, it's a reliable and budget-friendly option for feeding a family.
9. Southwest Sweet Potato Tater Tot Hotdish
The Southwest Sweet Potato Tater Tot Hotdish is a spicy twist on the classic Minnesota hot dish. It features a flavorful combination of sautéed garlic, poblanos, mushrooms, peppers, black beans, and corn, all topped with a layer of sweet potato tater tots.
The dish is made even more delicious with a cheesy queso-fundido base. It's a satisfying and comforting meal that brings together Tex-Mex flavors with the beloved tater tot hot dish.
10. Vegetarian Tater Tot Hotdish
The Vegetarian Tater Tot Hotdish is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic Minnesota hot dish. This meatless version replaces ground beef with extra veggies and savory mushrooms for a satisfying umami flavor.
Topped with crispy tater tots and a cheesy layer, this casserole is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers. It's a must-try for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
11. Hamburger Hotdish – Tater Tot Casserole
Hamburger Hotdish – Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is popular in the Midwest, particularly in Minnesota. It consists of a creamy ground beef and vegetable filling topped with crispy tater tots.
The dish is easy to make and can be customized with different vegetables and soup flavors. It's a nostalgic and satisfying meal that is perfect for indulging in some good old-fashioned comfort food.
12. Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole
Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic meatloaf. It features a flavorful meatloaf base topped with a ketchup and BBQ sauce glaze, crispy tater tots, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon.
This hearty dish is perfect for cold weather and is packed with flavor and texture. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying ground beef dinner.
13. Holiday Casserole
Holiday Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish that utilizes leftover ham, turkey, or chicken from holiday dinners. It's a versatile recipe that can be made with various meats, making it a great option for using up leftovers.
The addition of nutmeg adds a unique and woodsy flavor to the casserole. With a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is perfect for chilly weather. Overall, Holiday Casserole is a delicious way to transform one main course into a completely different and satisfying dish.
14. Hot Brown Casserole
Hot Brown Casserole is a flavorful dish that combines turkey, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It is reminiscent of the classic Hot Brown Sandwich from Louisville, Kentucky.
The casserole features toasted bread cubes as the base, giving it a savory bread pudding-like texture. It can be assembled ahead of time and is perfect for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion when you're craving the flavors of a Hot Brown Sandwich.
15. Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a hearty ground beef Italian casserole with lots of cheese and a thick, rich tomato sauce. It originated at Marzetti's in Columbus, Ohio and is a popular comfort food.
This version includes pasta, ground beef, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, and three types of cheese. It is a satisfying dish that can feed a crowd and leftovers reheat well. Overall, Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a delicious and filling option for those seeking a comforting hot dish.
16. Low Carb Tuna Casserole
The Low Carb Tuna Casserole is a reinvented version of the classic Midwest Cheesy Tuna Casserole. It replaces traditional pasta with spaghetti squash, making it a low-carb option.
The creamy sauce is made with coconut milk, and nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. This recipe is gluten, grain, and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Overall, it is a delicious and satisfying comfort food option.
17. Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
This Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Minnesota Hot Dish. Packed with beans, veggies, and topped with crispy tater tots, it's a comforting and satisfying dish. The recipe uses a lighter approach by incorporating lots of vegetables and beans, making it a healthier option.
The combination of flavors from the sautéed onion, bell peppers, and spices creates a delicious base, while the melted cheese and crispy tater tots add a delightful texture. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this vegetarian tater tot casserole is a must-try comfort food.
18. Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that is a must-have at holiday meals. It features green beans coated in a creamy sauce and topped with French fried onions.
The recipe can be customized with variations like adding cheese or other cooked veggies. Overall, it is a simple and delicious dish that pairs well with turkey, ham, or other main courses.
19. Turkey, Apple and Brie Panini
The Turkey, Apple and Brie Panini is a delightful fall-inspired sandwich that combines fresh turkey, granny smith apples, and creamy brie cheese. It's a simple and flavorful combination that makes for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
The tartness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory turkey and creamy brie. This panini is easy to customize to your taste preferences, making it a versatile choice. Overall, the Turkey, Apple and Brie Panini is a must-try for those looking for a tasty and satisfying sandwich option.
20. Gluten-Free Turkey Noodle Soup
Gluten-Free Turkey Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This easy stove-top recipe features gluten-free noodles, chopped vegetables, and shredded turkey in a flavorful chicken broth base.
It's a great option for those following a gluten-free diet and can be customized with your favorite noodle shape. Overall, this soup is a satisfying and hearty meal for cold winter days.
