Franks-N-Ramen
A savory and cheesy dish featuring frankfurters, ramen noodles, and creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a quick, comforting meal with bold flavors and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. frankfurters, cut in half diagonally ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves, fresh, crushed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 10 3/4 ounces cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 packages Ramen noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In an ovenproof skillet, brown frankfurters in butter.
- Add chopped onion and crushed basil; cook until tender.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Stir in the soup, milk, chopped tomatoes, cooked noodles, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper; add Tabasco if desired.
- Heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and place the skillet on the top rack of the oven.
- Bake until the cheese just turns brown, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute frankfurters with turkey or veggie hot dogs for a lighter option. Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil if fresh isn't available, but use half the amount. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. This dish is versatile, so feel free to incorporate leftover vegetables from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with additional parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of Microwaved Vidalia Sweet Onions to enhance the meal. A simple green salad or crusty bread can complement the richness of the ramen. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Best Southern Pancakes for a satisfying brunch experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franks-N-Ramen contains roughly 587 calories, with 36g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2310mg per serving (100% 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 use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Ramen noodles with other types such as udon or rice noodles, but cooking times may vary. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before mixing them with the other ingredients. Each type adds a different texture and flavor, making this dish versatile.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it's possible to freeze the dish, the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider storing the sauce separately from the noodles. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and cook fresh noodles to maintain the best texture.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can enhance the protein content by adding cooked chicken, tofu, or even beans. These additions not only boost nutrition but also introduce new flavors and textures. Adjust seasoning accordingly if you add more ingredients to maintain balance in the dish.
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).