What Makes Minnesota Hotdish Different From Southern Salads?
While southern potato or pasta salads are typically served cold with vinegar- or mayonnaise-based dressings, the Minnesota hotdish is baked and served hot. It’s hearty and filling, more akin to a baked comfort meal than a side salad. It blends savory, creamy, and crispy textures in a way that Southern salads simply don’t aim for.
Classic Minnesota Hotdish Ingredients
- Protein: Ground beef is the classic choice, but turkey or chicken work well.
- Starch: Tater tots are the iconic topping, but some use hash browns or even cooked pasta.
- Vegetables: Canned green beans, corn, or cream of mushroom soup mixed vegetables.
- Creamy Binder: Cream of mushroom soup is traditional, sometimes combined with sour cream or cheese.
- Cheese: Cheddar or a cheese blend adds rich flavor.
- Seasoning: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step-by-Step Method to Make the Real Minnesota Hotdish
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the hotdish cooks evenly, melding all flavors and crisping the topping just right.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef.
- Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Cook, breaking the meat apart, until no pink remains (about 8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the browned beef with:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery for a twist)
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, but adds creaminess)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) drained green beans or mixed vegetables
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Mix everything well until combined.
Step 4: Assemble in a Baking Dish
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Top with a generous layer of tater tots — about 2 to 3 cups, enough to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake the Hotdish
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top and the filling is bubbly.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
- For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle an additional ½ to 1 cup shredded cheese over the tots during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
- Remove the hotdish from the oven.
- Allow it to rest for 5 minutes — this helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Scoop onto plates and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that Minnesotans love.
Why This Dish is More Than Just Food
Minnesota hotdish is more than a recipe — it’s a tradition. It embodies the Midwestern values of practicality, warmth, and community. Passed down through generations, families tweak their hotdish recipes but always keep the same spirit. It’s the dish that welcomes friends and family at holidays, church suppers, and potlucks. It brings people together with its hearty, familiar flavors.
If you’re used to southern salads or lighter sides, give the Minnesota hotdish a try. It’s the real deal — a warm, satisfying staple that defines Minnesota’s culinary identity.
Ready to bring a true taste of Minnesota to your next holiday? Gather your ingredients and start your own hotdish tradition today!
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