This isn’t fancy pasta. It’s Spaghetti and Hot Dogs, a little chaotic and totally nostalgic. Inspired by Young Sheldon, it’s tender spaghetti in a simple tomato sauce with just the right ratio of hot dogs to pasta. Easy, quirky, and exactly what you need on a weeknight. Your kids are sure to love the combination of two kid classics, hot dogs and spaghetti, combined together for one amazing dinner.
Dinner doesn't have to be boring; consider other fun dinner ideas like Naan, Taco Pizza, or Tater Tot Nachos. Now these fun dinners need fun drinks like Homemade Limeade, Cherry Limeade, or Sparkling Lemonade. If you're looking for some fun desserts after this fun hot dog and pasta dinner, you can try out these White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies or Ranger Cookies.
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Spaghetti – 1 lb.
- Olive oil
- Medium onion
- Hot dogs
- Garlic cloves – minced
- Tomato paste
- Whole peeled tomatoes – 1 (28 oz) can
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the directions. Drain and set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and hot dogs, cook until the onions have softened and the hot dogs have started to brown. Add in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for one minute.
Add your whole peeled tomatoes to a large mixing bowl, using your hands, crush the tomatoes into small pieces. Add the tomatoes into the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a simmer and allow it to cook for 10 minutes.
Toss your spaghetti into the sauce and enjoy.
How do you serve this? What do I serve with this recipe?
- Serve your Spaghetti and Hot Dogs with some freshly grated parmesan, garlic bread, and a crisp green side salad.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
Yes, if you would like to add additional veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, then definitely do. Add them when you add the onions and hot dogs.
Yes, if you would like to have a super smooth sauce and not tomato chunks at all, then you can blend your tomatoes down.
It would be a great dish to take to any get-together. Especially if you are trying to feed a lot of people on a budget, to keep it warm, place it in a crockpot on warm.
If you would like to add cheese to the dish, you can. Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and even a cheddar cheese would all be good choices.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Spaghetti – you can choose between thin, thick, or regular spaghetti.
- Olive oil – substitute with butter.
- Hot dogs – pick a hot dog that you know you like. Pork, chicken, turkey, or all beef, the choice is yours.
- Garlic cloves – fresh is always best, but if you need to, you can use pre-minced garlic. You will need 2 tablespoons.
How should I store my leftovers?
- Spaghetti and Hot Dogs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For a longer shelf life, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, place in a skillet and heat over medium heat until thoroughly reheated.
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Spaghetti and Hot Dogs
Equipment
- Large pot
- Collander
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 6 hot dogs sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the directions. Drain and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and hot dogs, cook until the onions have softened and the hot dogs have started to brown. Add in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for one minute.
- Add your whole peeled tomatoes to a large mixing bowl, using your hands, crush the tomatoes into small pieces. Add the tomatoes into the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a simmer and allow it to cook for 10 minutes.
- Toss your spaghetti into the sauce and enjoy.
Notes
Yes! If you want to bulk it up with mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini, go for it. Just add them in when you sauté the onions and hot dogs so they cook down and blend into the sauce. Instead of breaking up the tomatoes, can I emulsify them for a smoother sauce?
Absolutely. If you don’t want any chunks of tomato, you can blend them before adding or use an immersion blender in the pan. It’ll give you a smoother, velvety sauce. Would this make a good dish for a tailgate party or potluck?
Definitely. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and stretches to feed a crowd. If you want to keep it warm while serving, transfer it to a crockpot and set it to “warm.” Can I add cheese to the dish?
Yes, cheese is always welcome. Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, or even a sprinkle of cheddar would add extra flavor and richness.
