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Tim Walz’s Hotdish

When it comes to internet trends and food, I’m trying it! And Tim Walz’s Hotdish did not disappoint. The one-dish meal is perfect for chilly fall days and makes excellent leftovers.

Tim Walz's hotdish in a casserole dish.

In the days leading up to being confirmed as Kamala Harris’s vice presidential running mate, Minnesota governor Tim Walz tweeted one of his family’s turkey hotdish recipes. The tweet sent the internet into a frenzy, gaining over a million views. Since then, he has shared even more recipes, including this hot dish featuring juicy bratwurst.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Water: Use enough water to cover the brats.
  • Bratwurst: Boil and chop one package of bratwurst.
  • Beer: Boil the brats in a mix of water and one bottle of your favorite beer. In honor of Tim Walz, I use Schell’s like he does.
  • Filling: The filling is simple—add the boiled brats, diced veggies (yellow or white onion and celery), cheddar soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
  • Cheese: Add some shredded sharp cheddar to the now-famous “Tim Walz’s Hotdish.”
  • Spices: Enhance the flavor with salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Tater Tots: And finish it off with a bag of frozen tater tots—it wouldn’t be hotdish without them!

Additions and Substitutions

  • Mix up the veggies. Replace the vegetables or add corn, green beans, and peas. You can even use a frozen bag of mixed vegetables to reduce the preparation time.
  • More than tots. While many versions are topped with tater tots, that’s not always the case. Finish the meal with cooked pasta or creamy mashed potatoes like my jalapeno mashed potatoes for some heat.

How to Make Tim Walz’s Hotdish

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Boil water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the beer and brats. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the brats with tongs and set them aside.

Bratwurst in a pot.

Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare a baking dish with butter and preheat the oven to 350℉(176℃). Combine the chopped veggies, cheddar soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, and spices in a mixing bowl.

Hotdish filling in a bowl.

Step 3: Chop the bratwurst into bite-size pieces and transfer them to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Hotdish filling in a bowl.

Step 4: Pour the mixture into the dish and arrange a layer of tater tots over the top.

Hotdish lined with tater tots.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese over the top and cook for 10 minutes. 

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Hotdish baking in the oven.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tim Walz's hotdish in a casserole dish.
Tim Walz's hotdish in a casserole dish.

If you enjoy Tim Waltz’s hotdish, try more oven-baked recipes!  

Tim Walz's hotdish in a casserole dish.

Serving Suggestions 

Hotdish is a hearty meal all on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even better. Serve it with a simple arugula spinach salad or vegetables like green beans, corn on the cob, carrots, asparagus, or air fryer Brussels sprouts.

Want to make it extra cozy? Spoon it over baked or grilled sweet potatoes. Try buttery dinner rolls, flaky biscuits, or a side of vinegar coleslaw for a Midwestern touch.

What to do with the Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Let the dish cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Tim Walz’s hotdish freezes for 2-3 months, though the texture may change once frozen.
  • Thaw: Defrost the meal in the refrigerator overnight
  • Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or bake uncovered in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a hotdish and a casserole?

Many Midwesterners will tell you that a casserole refers to the dish it’s baked in, not the meal itself. The difference with hotdish is that it’s always a complete meal, packed with vegetables, meat, carbs, and a creamy sauce to bring everything together.

Where did hotdish originate?

While Tim Walz’s hotdish recipe is delicious, he didn’t create the meal. Hotdish is a Midwestern staple—with everyone and their grandma toting their secret family recipe.

If you’re heading to a potluck or cookout in the Midwest, chances are you’re bringing a casserole dish brimming with warm hotdish.

More Quick Dinner Ideas:

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Tim Walz's hotdish in a casserole dish.

Tim Walzs Hotdish

Tressa Jamil
When it comes to internet trends, I'm trying it! Tim Walz's hotdish with bratwurst did not disappoint. The one-dish meal is the perfect comfort food.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 297 kcal
Ingredients
  
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
  • 1 package bratwurst (about 5 links)
  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup celery, diced (2-3 celery stalks)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 package tater tots
Instructions
 
  • Boil water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the beer and brats. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the brats with tongs and set them aside.
  • Meanwhile, prepare a 9×13 baking dish with butter and preheat the oven to 350℉(176℃). Combine the chopped celery, onions, cheddar soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
  • Chop the bratwurst into bite-size pieces and transfer them to the bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the mixture into the dish and arrange a layer of tater tots over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese over the top and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Recipe Credit: Governor Tim Walz
 
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 297 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 23 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Cholesterol: 61 mg | Sodium: 892 mg | Potassium: 295 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 323 IU | Vitamin C: 2 mg | Calcium: 146 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
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