Midwestern winters don't mess around! We've rounded up cozy recipes, from rib-sticking meats to toe-warming soups. Think traditional dishes, some updated classics and plenty of cheese.
40 Midwestern Recipes That Will Keep You Warm All Winter Long
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast
Wow! The wine-warmed flavors in this recipe are amazing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special dish all ages will like. Serve with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last drop of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas
1/39
2/39
Apple Butter Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother’s best recipes! I’m sure your family will be delighted with it, too. Serve it as a dessert or a very special breakfast treat. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 433 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
3/39
Turkey Stew with Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love dumplings, and this mild-tasting, homey dish has flavorful ones floating on a tasty turkey and vegetable stew. It hits the spot on chilly fall and winter days. —Rita Taylor, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 255 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
4/39
Tater Tot Casserole
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 13x9-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.
5/39
Badger State Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family will love the contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Feel free to use your favorite beer or dried fruit to make the dish your own. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 271 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
6/39
Ground Venison Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even folks who aren’t fans of ground venison recipes will enjoy these zippy burgers, deliciously topped with pepper cheese and a cool lime-mustard mayonnaise. My son, who’s an avid hunter, gave me this super venison burger recipe. —Jerry Honeyager, North Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 442 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
7/39
Breakfast Apples
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I have handed out this recipe to more people than any other. It has a delicious nutty flavor. Use it to top waffles or pancakes. Or mix with vanilla or plain yogurt for a light and quick dessert.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 133 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
8/39
Cheesy Wild Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
We often eat easy-to-make soups when there’s not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice requested in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix to make it even faster. —Lisa Hofer, Hitchcock, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 464 calories, 29g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1492mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
9/39
Cast-Iron Loaded Breakfast Biscuits
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These loaded breakfast biscuits are full of hearty breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, mushrooms and cheese! They are perfect to bake up on the weekends, then freeze for a quick weekday breakfast. A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the all-purpose flour. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 356 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
10/39
Cast-Iron Banana Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 330 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
11/39
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bread bowl): 422 calories, 32g fat (19g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
12/39
Cauliflower Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It’s so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top after 30 minutes of baking. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
13/39
Pork Chops ‘n’ Pierogi
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 730 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
14/39
French Dip Sandwich
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want to impress company, these satisfying sandwiches are my first pick for the menu. I serve them au jus, with the cooking juices in individual bowls for dipping. —Florence Robinson, Lenox, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 399 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
15/39
Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These blueberry cornmeal pancakes are one of my family's favorite breakfasts. No time to make it from scratch? No problem! My grandmother's standby of store-bought corn muffin mix makes quick work of the job. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 251 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
16/39
Cheesy Garlic Herb Quick Bread
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 slices)
From the Recipe Creator:
This could be the perfect bread for any dish. The sharp cheddar cheese makes it irresistible.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 233 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
17/39
Beef Burgundy Over Noodles
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 376 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/39
Chocolate Babka
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/39
Chicken Bulgur Skillet
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've altered it slightly to suit our tastes. We like it with a fresh green salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 412 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 12g fiber), 36g protein.
20/39
Turkey Biscuit Stew
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stew with 1 biscuit: 345 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
21/39
Apples ‘n’ Cream Pancake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 265 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
22/39
Pizza Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 casseroles (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
23/39
Skillet Potato Medley
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The pretty potatoes I had just harvested from my garden inspired me to mix them up for dinner. The results: a wonderful side dish. —Lori Merrick, Danvers, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 211 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
24/39
Butternut Squash Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will brighten your buffet table. Plus, I've found this recipe is a wonderful way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 135 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/39
Hamburger Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
At family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. It has robust flavor and plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables, and it's so easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
26/39
Sunday Pot Roast
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 217 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
27/39
Deluxe Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 301 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
28/39
Grandmother’s Toad in a Hole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have fond memories of my grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called The Boat. Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 336 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
29/39
Chunky Applesauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
There's just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 157 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein.
30/39
Tillie's Ginger Crumb Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe goes back at least as far as my grandmother, who was born in the early 1900s. Our sons and I enjoy eating it in a bowl with milk poured on it—much to the dismay of my husband, who prefers it plain! —Kathy Nienow Clark, Byron, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 330 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
31/39
Bacon Pasta
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
32/39
Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmers Breakfast
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs is just right for any breakfast. &mdash:Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 364mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
33/39
Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We punch up our pasta with smoked sausage and fire-roasted tomato sauce. It's an easy recipe to switch up—use whatever noodles and spaghetti sauce are in your pantry. —Jean Komlos, Plymouth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 463 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1634mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
34/39
Ranch Pigs in a Blanket
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who knew you could amp up the fun factor for pigs in a blanket? Sprinkle ranch seasoning on top before you bake. And if you still can't get enough of that tang, dip 'em in ranch dressing before you take a bite. Holy cow, it's good! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
35/39
Instant Pot Corn Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time by using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
36/39
Beef Daube Provencal
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is perfect on cold winter days, especially after we have been out cutting wood or white-tail hunting. If you are lucky enough to have venison, try it here for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 237 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
37/39
Best Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
38/39
Roast Pork
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Meet the Cook: We used to raise our own hogs. This recipe was given me by a fellow farmer who also had pork on the dinner table a couple of times a week.
I'm a dietitian at the local VA hospital. Cooking, of course, is one of my top pastimes! My husband and I have four children and one grandson.
-Denise Collins, Chillicothe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 280 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
39/39
Slow-Cooker Minestrone
Total Time
6 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it's even better when your slow cooker will do most of the work for you! This minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 165 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
