75 Recipes That Help Midwesterners Survive Winter

Wintertime Braised Beef Stew

This easy beef stew is incredibly rich. Since it’s even better a day or two later, you may want to make a double batch. —Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California

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Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls

My husband and I both love these cheeseburger rolls. I often serve them with broccoli and cheese. They must be good because this recipe won a first-place prize at the Iowa State Fair! —Jessica Cain, Des Moines, Iowa

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Warm, cozy and delightfully sweet, these hot cocoa bombs are an easy treat for a cold winter's day.

Irish Onion Soup

The inspiration behind this recipe came from my father, who owned a restaurant and created the original dish. This version stars contemporary ingredients but still serves the same popular robust flavor. —Theresa Miller, Sault St. Marie, Michigan

Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmers Breakfast

This hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs is just right for any breakfast. &mdash:Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan

Chicken & Dumplings

After a very long week, I needed some comfort food, so I made this meal on a whim. Cayenne pepper gives it a little kick and rotisserie chicken drastically cuts the prep time, so we don't have to wait long for dinner to be ready. — Jessica Rehs, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich

Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese!—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

Pancakes

With tall, fluffy, golden stacks like these, our pancake recipe might as well be listed under the word “pancake” in the dictionary.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sweet, savory and pleasantly tangy, this comforting sloppy joe casserole gets warmed to bubbly goodness in the slow cooker. Serve it with a simple green salad or a colorful crudités platter.

Banana Pudding Cake

Turn classic banana pudding into a fluffy, moist banana pudding cake topped with swirls of whipped cream, whole Nilla wafers and banana slices.

Chicken-Fried Steaks

My husband asks me to prepare this easy chicken fried steak recipe regularly. I like it because it's so simple to make. —Denice Louk, Garnett, Kansas

Pecan Brownies

Indulge in the rich, complex flavors of these chewy, gooey pecan brownies, where rich chocolate meets caramel-tinged pecans in a symphony of decadence.

Chicken Crouton Casserole

This Chicken Crouton Casserole recipe has practically made my mom famous. When she takes it to get-togethers, it's loved by all who taste it. Whenever she serves it to family, the dish is empty by the end of the meal. —Beth Gramling, Warren, Pennsylvania

Sausage and Kale Soup

This is my family’s absolute favorite soup, and I can have it on the table in less than 45 minutes. I usually double the recipe so the flavors can blend, making the soup even better the next day. —Dawn Rohn, Riverton, Wyoming

Scotch Old-Fashioned

This classic scotch old-fashioned cocktail has satisfied the Scotch drinkers for many generations—it's a real classic.—Test of Home Test Kitchen

Blue Plate Beef Patties

A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms. —Phyllis Miller, Danville, Indiana

Baked Ziti with Sausage

This is my husband's favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.—Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas

Cinnamon Muffins

Made with a dash of nutmeg in the batter, these moist cinnamon muffins are sweet, buttery and delicious.

Creamy Bacon Mushroom Soup

I’ve always enjoyed cooking and recently created this rich bacon soup. It’s always a hit. You can also garnish it with chopped green onion tops or shredded Swiss cheese. For a creamier, smoother consistency, try pouring the soup through a strainer. —Nathan Mercer, Inman, South Carolina

Slow-Cooker Mulled Wine

For a festive holiday drink or something to keep you warm during those winter months, you'll love sipping this warming wine.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Turkey Leg Pot Roast

Well-seasoned turkey legs and tender veggies make an ideal dinner for a crisp fall day. And the recipe couldn't be easier! —Rick and Vegas Pearson, Cadillac, Michigan

Meat-and-Potato Casserole

For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first.—Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa

Whipping Cream Pound Cake

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of whipping cream pound cake. This classic dessert has a tender crumb and subtle citrus notes. Top with fresh fruit for a special treat.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

You say comfort food, we say loaded mashed potato casserole. Topped with melted cheese and crunchy bacon, this spin on mashed potatoes is about to become your potluck dish of choice.

Fried Tuna Patties

These fried tuna patties are as quick to prepare as your favorite hamburger. My husband likes his topped with melted Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard. Salmon can be substituted for a more elegant variation, if you like. —Joann Brasington, Sumter, South Carolina

Sausage Potato Soup

I rely on this thick, chunky Sausage Potato Soup on busy weeknights when I'm too tired to spend a lot of time preparing dinner. The whole family enjoys the wonderful flavor of the smoked sausage. —Jennifer LeFevre, Hesston, Kansas

Pot Roast with Gravy

My family loves this tangy, slow-cooked beef roast with gravy. We always hope for leftovers that I turn into a tasty sandwich spread.—Deborah Dailey Vancouver, Washington

Rotisserie-Style Chicken

My mother used to fix this rotisserie-style chicken when I lived at home, and we called it Church Chicken because Mom would put it in the oven Sunday morning before we left for church. When we got home, the aroma of the roasted chicken would hit us as we opened the door. —Brian Stevenson, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Southern Mac and Cheese

Southern mac and cheese is an uncomplicated comfort food favorite that uses affordable ingredients for a super rich dish.

Slow-Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Here's a stick-to-your-ribs type of slow-cooker beef and barley soup. I've also used a chuck roast, rump roast and London broil that's cut into bite-sized pieces with tremendous success.—Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

Gooey Butter Cake

A friend gave me a quick version of this gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I came up with my own. My family can't get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona

Salisbury Steak

Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn't able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This hearty six-ingredient chicken and stuffing casserole is a breeze to make, requiring just five minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights and group gatherings.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Get ready to dig into a nostalgic favorite with our chili cheese dog casserole. With a golden cornbread crust and filling loaded with chili, hot dogs and cheese, it doesn't get much better than this.

Chicken Noodle Soup

You don’t need a whole chicken to make homemade chicken noodle soup. Here's how to make it with bone-in chicken, chewy egg noodles and an aromatics-infused broth.

Hot Chocolate

It is time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.

Turkey Biscuit Stew

This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota

Root Vegetable Pot Roast

During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We've scarfed it down before and after shopping, and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina

Bacon-Beef Barley Soup

Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan

Hot Buttered Cider Mix

Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strudels

These get the morning off to a cheery start! Sometimes I assemble the strudels ahead and freeze them individually, then bake them as needed. —Jo Groth, Plainfield, Iowa

Chili

Take your chili game up a notch with this recipe from Taste of Home’s Culinary Director, Sarah Farmer. She'll show you how to make chili like the pros.

Apple-Honey Dutch Baby

I love to make this treat on Sunday morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm right out of the oven...and the apple honey filling is yummy! —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois

Turkey a La King

This is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin

Chicken Mushroom Stew

The flavors blend beautifully in this pot of chicken, vegetables and herbs as it simmers slowly. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois

Cranberry Bourbon

The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage

Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan

Beef Brisket in Beer

One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow-cooker split pea soup is so easy, all you have to do is dump everything into the cooker. This soul-warming soup comes together in a snap!

Spaetzle Dumplings

These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can serve them with chicken gravy or simply butter them and sprinkle with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves

This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad when I make it because I give her a loaf and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois

Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip

I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio

Lemon-Batter Fish

Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

Mini Sausage Pies

The simple ingredients and family-friendly flavor of these little sausage cups make them a go-to dinner favorite. And everyone gets their own pies—which makes them even better! —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan Meal

I grew up with this meat loaf recipe, but I adapted it to mini meat loaves so that it would bake quicker. The sauce topping is always a hit. I added the potatoes and asparagus to make the meal complete. —Deanne Johnson, Reading, Pennsylvania

Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

I needed a new holiday cookie, so I tweaked an old 4-H recipe. This updated oatmeal cookie with cranberries and nuts is my family’s all-time favorite. —Tammy Hoggatt, Omaha, Nebraska

Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup

When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois

Mulled Wine

Our mulled wine recipe smells just like Christmas! A heady brew of red wine, brandy, aromatic fruits and spices will keep everyone warm during your holiday festivities.

Caramel Apple Coffee Cake with Walnuts

I created this recipe after a trip to an orchard with my family. This moist cake is full of hearty apples and nuts, while the caramel topping adds a delectable finish. —Sharon Cable, Dyersville, Iowa.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

At our house, Saturday morning always means pancakes for breakfast. I make the menu special by servings up stacks of these fluffy buttermilk treats studded with mini chips. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Potato Chowder

There's no topping a savory potato chowder on a chilly day—especially if it's garnished with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives. This slow-cooker recipe is easy to assemble and so comforting to come home to.

Mushroom & Leek Strudel

This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota

Fruit & Nut Baked Oatmeal

In my part of the Midwest, baked oatmeal is a Mennonite specialty. My daughters are always delighted if we have leftovers for them to take home.—Fancheon Resler, Albion, Indiana

Apple Amaretto Sours

An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina

Comforting Beef Barley Soup

When the weather outside is nippy, we want a bowl of soup that’s chock-full of beef, barley and veggies. It's the most delicious way to warm up. —Sue Jurack, Mequon, Wisconsin

Maple Butter Twists

My stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana

Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast

I came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota

Oatmeal S'more Cookies

I can't count how many times I have made these cookies—they are our favorites. I love to bake all kinds of goodies with my two daughters, and my husband loves to sample the treats. —Carmen Rae, New Haven, Indiana

Best Lasagna

What makes this classic lasagna recipe so spectacular? Homemade meat sauce and plenty of cheese. Best of all, it's easy to make lasagna ahead of time so dinner can be ready in a flash.

Sunday Chicken Supper

I make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio

Creamy Turkey Casserole

I sometimes make turkey just so I have the extras for this casserole! —Mary Jo O'Brien, Hastings, Minnesota