9 Minnesota Casserole Recipes That Quietly Steal The Spotlight At Dinner
Minnesota winters call for warm, comforting dishes that bring families together around the dinner table.
Casseroles have long been the unsung heroes of Midwestern kitchens, combining simple ingredients into hearty, satisfying meals.
Creamy potato bakes, zesty Tex-Mex creations, and classic pasta layers showcase the best of Minnesota’s comfort food tradition.
1. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Fluffy mashed potatoes get a magnificent makeover with this crowd-pleasing dish. Simply mix four cups of prepared mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese and crumbled bacon, then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
2. Baked Ziti
Weeknight dinners become special occasions with this pasta masterpiece. Cook one pound of ziti pasta until al dente, then combine with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese in a large bowl.
Layer half the mixture in a baking dish, add mozzarella, repeat layers, and finish with Parmesan on top. Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 more minutes.
3. Spaghetti Casserole
Pasta night gets a fun twist when spaghetti transforms into a sliceable sensation. Mix cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs and Parmesan to form a crust in your baking dish.
Spread with a layer of cottage cheese, top with seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until set in the middle.
4. Sloppy Joe Casserole
Kids jump for joy when this playful dish appears on the table! Brown one pound of ground beef with onions, stir in sloppy joe sauce, then pour into a casserole dish.
Top with tater tots in a single layer, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Add a final sprinkle of chopped pickles before serving for an authentic sloppy joe flavor.
5. Tex Mex Casserole
Spice up your dinner routine with southwestern flair that warms you from the inside out. Layer tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
Cover with Mexican cheese blend and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream before serving to eager eaters.
6. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Sneak veggies onto picky eaters’ plates with this cleverly disguised nutritional powerhouse. Mix shredded rotisserie chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and cooked rice with cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
Pour into a baking dish, top with crushed butter crackers mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling at the edges.
7. Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Got 30 minutes? Whip up this magical meal that tastes just like your favorite fast food! Brown one pound of ground beef with onions, drain, then spread in a pie plate.
Whisk together Bisquick, milk, and eggs, pour over meat, and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. Add cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking until melted and irresistible.
8. Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Cold winter evenings practically beg for this soul-warming classic on your dinner table. Sauté ground lamb (or beef) with onions, carrots, and peas in savory gravy, then transfer to a baking dish.
Spread mashed potatoes over the top, creating peaks with a fork, and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Brush with melted butter before serving for an extra-golden, crispy top.
9. Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas
Modern technology meets traditional flavor in this revolutionary preparation method! Fill flour tortillas with shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and green chiles, then roll tightly.
Place in a small casserole dish that fits your air fryer, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese. Air fry at 320°F for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp up beautifully.
