15 Cozy Midwest Comfort Foods for Family Dinners

If you’re craving something easy, cozy, and really satisfying, you’re in the right place! This collection is packed with Midwest-style comfort foods that just feel like home. You have the classics plus there are also fun, weeknight-friendly hits like taco tater tot hotdish that make dinner feel a little more exciting without any extra effort. Take a scroll through and see what catches your eye... you’ll probably find more than one dish you’ll want to make right away.

Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat)

A sandwich bun filled with loose ground beef and topped with pickle slices, held in a hand. — Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat). Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat) is a simple Midwest classic that’s all about savory, seasoned beef on a soft bun. It’s messy in the best way and super satisfying without being complicated. You can throw it together quickly, which makes it great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat)

6-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a white dish with a wooden spoon and a blue striped towel nearby. — 6-Cheese Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This 6-Cheese Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast because it’s just so comforting. Perfect for family dinners when you want something extra cozy on the table.
Get the Recipe: 6-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Taco Tater Tot Hotdish

hotdish with a spoon in the casserole dish. — Taco Tater Tot Hotdish. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This Taco Tater Tot Hotdish is fun, hearty, and packed with bold flavor. The crispy tater tots on top make it extra satisfying and comforting. It’s the kind of easy dinner that everyone at the table digs into happily.
Get the Recipe: Taco Tater Tot Hotdish

Bierock Sandwich (Runza Copycat)

A bierock cut in half and shingled, with crinkle cut fries. — Bierock Sandwich (Runza Copycat). Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This Bierock Sandwich (Runza Copycat) is soft, savory, and filled with a beef and cabbage mixture wrapped in dough. It’s comforting, portable, and really filling. A great homemade version of a Midwest favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bierock Sandwich (Runza Copycat)

Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

This Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry is one of those cozy meals that just makes dinner feel calm and comforting. You get tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a creamy sauce all tucked under a flaky, golden crust. It’s simple, warm, and perfect when you want something homemade without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

These Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon are sweet, smoky, and full of deep flavor. The bacon adds a nice savory balance that makes every bite better. It’s a great side dish for cookouts, potlucks, or easy family meals.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and noodles. It’s one of those classic dinners that feels familiar in the best way. You can serve it on a weeknight when you just want something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes for a Crowd

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ll email it to you for later, and periodically send recipes and updates.

These Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes for a Crowd are sweet, tangy, and super easy to make. Everything simmers together until the flavors come together perfectly. It’s a great option when you’re feeding a group or just want leftovers for later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes for a Crowd

Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup)

This Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup) is a fresher take on the classic dish you probably grew up with. It’s creamy, comforting, and topped with a nice crunchy finish. It works just as well for holidays as it does for a simple weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole (No Canned Soup)

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is sweet, a little tart, and topped with a buttery oat crumble. It’s warm, cozy, and really easy to love. Perfect for summer days or anytime you want a simple homemade dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Chili Mac and Cheese

This Chili Mac and Cheese is rich, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice. It’s basically two comfort foods in one bowl, which makes it hard to resist. Perfect for chilly nights or casual family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are creamy, soft, and baked until golden and bubbly. The cheesy layers make them extra comforting and rich. They’re a great side dish for almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

This Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a hearty mix of beef, pasta, and sauce baked together with melted cheese. It’s simple, filling, and full of nostalgic comfort. A reliable family dinner that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Meatloaf with Stuffing Mix

This Meatloaf with Stuffing Mix is juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet glaze. The stuffing mix keeps everything tender and adds extra flavor without much effort. It’s perfect for an easy, comforting dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Stuffing Mix

Baked Corn Casserole

This Baked Corn Casserole is creamy, slightly sweet, and baked until golden on top. It’s one of those easy side dishes that fits right in at potlucks or holiday dinners. Simple, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Corn Casserole