Frankfurter Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty and creamy spaghetti casserole featuring frankfurters, bell peppers, and cheese, perfect for a comforting family meal with savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound frankfurters ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup Pet milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup American cheese, grated ⓘ
- 3/4 cup spaghetti, cooked and broken ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook bell pepper and onion in margarine until tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in flour, oregano, salt, and pepper, then add water.
- Add milk, Worcestershire sauce, and grated cheese.
- Stir over low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Cut frankfurters into penny-sized pieces and add them along with cooked and broken spaghetti to the sauce.
- Pour into a greased 1-quart casserole dish.
- Top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of Pet milk. You can substitute turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Macaroni Hawaiian Salad for a fun twist. For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frankfurter Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 886 calories, with 18g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2537mg per serving (110% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the frankfurters with vegetarian sausages or omit them completely and add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian casserole that still has great flavor.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If you don't have American cheese, try using cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and provolone. These cheeses will melt well and create a creamy texture similar to American cheese, enhancing the dish's overall flavor.
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).