Franks And Spaghetti
A hearty and savory dish featuring frankfurters, green peppers, and olives in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. frankfurters, cut into 1/2 to 1-inch slices ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce with cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin (optional) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced, pimento-stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until tender, then drain.
- Saute frankfurters, chopped onion, and green pepper in butter until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin; simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced, pimento-stuffed olives to the sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using kielbasa or turkey franks as alternatives to traditional frankfurters. You can also incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting veggie dogs. Cooking the spaghetti al dente ensures it retains its texture when mixed with the sauce. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for enhanced flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Zucchini-Chive Biscuits for a delightful contrast. This dish is perfect for casual family dinners or a quick weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the dish to prevent it from drying out. Microwave it covered on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franks And Spaghetti contains roughly 958 calories, with 22g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (187% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2631mg per serving (114% 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 sauce and cook the spaghetti in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked spaghetti for the best texture.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce with cheese?
If you can't find tomato sauce with cheese, use regular tomato sauce and add a bit of shredded cheese or cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture. You can also use a marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the franks and spaghetti dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
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).