Tuck in to these stick-to-your-ribs casseroles from across the Midwest. They're creamy, comforting and perfect for chilly nights!
31 Creamy Midwestern Casseroles We Crave
Updated on Jul. 15, 2024
Chili Mac Casserole
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family’s favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
1/31
2/31
Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
3/31
Broccoli Tuna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
4/31
Cauliflower Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces and crushed cornflakes. Leftovers were rare. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
5/31
Monterey Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 311 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
6/31
Creamy Mushroom-Potato Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The day I first made this, we'd invited a neighbor—a bachelor farmer—over, and I wanted to fix something hearty. It was a hit instantly. These days, our three sons enjoy it as a change from regular mashed potatoes. We've found that it's best served with beef...either with or without gravy. —Kathy Smith, Granger, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 141 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
7/31
Quick Tater Tots Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13×9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
8/31
Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After I tasted this chicken salad at a women's luncheon, I left with the recipe in hand. I was our city clerk for several years, and on election days I brought this to serve our poll workers for lunch. It got everyone's vote of approval! I've found it is also delicious stuffed in a tomato. —Ruth Glabe, Oronoco, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 1003 calories, 83g fat (23g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1697mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
9/31
Scalloped Corn
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
10/31
Sweet Potato Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 282 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
11/31
Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 509 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
12/31
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
13/31
Crescent Turkey Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 453 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
14/31
Ham and Noodle Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe when I had leftover ham to use up. You'll find it's the perfect little casserole for any night of the week! —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 326 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
15/31
Chicken Tetrazzini
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend shared a version of this recipe with me 35 years ago. I pay it forward by bringing the second casserole to friends when they are unable to cook. —Helen McPhee, Savoy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 576 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 814mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
16/31
Broccoli Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of ham and cheese creates a wonderfully smoky flavor. I also love that I can cook an entire meal—vegetable and all—in one standout dish. —Denell Syslo, Fullerton, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 309 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
17/31
Cheesy Potatoes
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served these cheesy potatoes for weddings, family dinners and special occasions. They've become a favorite of many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 358 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
18/31
Turkey Rice Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for this creamy and comforting casserole came from my aunt as a way to use leftover turkey. I love it so much, however, that I don't wait for leftovers to make it. The green chiles provide the memorable flavor. —Tamy Baker, Kearney, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 294 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
19/31
Seafood Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A family favorite, this rice casserole is filled with plenty of seafood and veggies. It's hearty, homey and so easy to make. —Nancy Billups, Princeton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 585 calories, 34g fat (5g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
20/31
Hash Brown Broccoli Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a perfect dish for a potluck or holiday buffet. It goes well with fish, poultry, pork or beef. Cheddar cheese can be substituted for Swiss. Often, I double the recipe to serve a crowd. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 216 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 334mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
21/31
Chicken & Swiss Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's nice to have an alternative to the traditional baked ham on Easter. This comforting casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Using rotisserie chicken from the deli makes prep simple. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 551 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
22/31
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
23/31
Beef & Tater Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The entire family will enjoy this heartwarming, all-in-one dinner. Plus, it offers easy cleanup! —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 400 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
24/31
Sweet Potatoes au Gratin
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, sweet potato casserole couldn't be any easier to make—or more delicious to eat! —Patti Kirchhoff, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 412 calories, 31g fat (19g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 385mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
25/31
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend and her family went through a really difficult time, and I felt so awful for them. Bringing over this casserole was the one thing I could think of to help them out in a tiny way and let them know I was thinking of them. —Lin Krankel, Oxford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 446 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 820mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
26/31
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic, savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy. The basil adds just the right flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish bakes. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 393 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1313mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
27/31
Special Squash Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Squash has traditionally been a food our family passes up, but this luscious casserole is an exception to the rule. You won't find it among our Thanksgiving leftovers—it's one of the first dishes to go back to the kitchen empty. —Kathleen Cox, Wyoming, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 279 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
28/31
Shrimp and Grits Bake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On chilly days, I doctor up grits and top them with shrimp for a comfy meal. If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 360 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
29/31
Angel Hair Pasta and Shrimp Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked angel hair pasta casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 340 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
30/31
Greek Spaghetti with Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavorful spaghetti surely provides a comforting dinner. Featuring chicken, spinach and two types of cheese, this is a crowd-pleaser. —Melanie Dalbec, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 594 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
31/31
Chinese Beef Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy chow mein noodles top this twist on chop suey that’s sure to be a family favorite. Willie DeWaard - Coralville, IA
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 461 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1233mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
