Frank-Macaroni Medley
A comforting baked macaroni and frankfurter dish with cheesy flavors, topped with chili sauce—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for kids and families alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pot, boil 1 quart of water.
- Add macaroni and cook for 8 minutes until tender.
- Drain the macaroni.
- In the same pot, add milk, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Cheddar cheese; stir until cheese is melted.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Split each frankfurters almost through lengthwise.
- Cut the frankfurters in half crosswise.
- Arrange the frankfurters on top of the macaroni mixture.
- Fill the slits in the frankfurters with chili sauce.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey or chicken frankfurters instead of traditional pork to lighten the dish. You can substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or using a spicy chili sauce. This dish can also benefit from a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Frank-Macaroni Medley makes for a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Sandy's Broccoli Casserole for added greens. A slice of crusty bread can also complement the dish nicely, perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank-Macaroni Medley contains roughly 178 calories, with 9g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 930mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a flavor boost. Mixing different cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile in your dish.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. Alternatively, mixing soy sauce with a dash of vinegar can mimic the tangy flavor. Keep in mind that this may alter the taste slightly, but it will still be tasty.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).