Southwest Frankfurters
A hearty, flavorful dish featuring frankfurters in a savory tomato macaroni casserole with corn and relish, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked spiral shaped macaroni ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 pound frankfurters, slashed ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 can (about 8 oz.) vacuum packed whole kernel corn, undrained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Stir in condensed tomato soup, cooked spiral macaroni, sweet pickle relish, prepared mustard, and undrained corn.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish (10 x 6 x 2-inch).
- Top with slashed frankfurters.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don't have spiral macaroni, any pasta shape will work. You can substitute the frankfurters with veggie hot dogs for a vegetarian version or use leftover cooked chicken for added protein. Make sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Delicious Chess Squares for dessert. For a fun twist, top with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Frankfurters contains roughly 1281 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1063mg per serving (46% 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 pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral macaroni is used in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, elbows, or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked before combining it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Southwest Frankfurters vegetarian, simply replace the frankfurters with vegetarian hot dogs or omit them entirely. You can add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the dish's texture and flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Can I freeze this dish for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Southwest Frankfurters. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or microwave until heated 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).