Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! This hot dog and potato bake is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic way to elevate a classic hot dog into a comforting, homemade dish, perfect for a casual dinner or even a fun family gathering. This recipe is packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and is incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking!
Ingredients:
- 8 all-beef hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
-
Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Make sure to cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
-
Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy sauce is the heart of the recipe, so take your time to blend it well.
-
Combine everything: Add the sliced hot dogs and the sauce to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. This step ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and cooked thoroughly.
-
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly. You'll know it's done when a fork easily pierces the potatoes.
-
Add cheese (optional): During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for extra cheesy goodness.
Tips for the Best Hot Dog and Potato Bake:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure you have enough space in the baking dish for even cooking. If necessary, use two smaller dishes.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to personalize your dish. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or even some chili powder could add exciting flavor dimensions.
- Use different vegetables: Get creative! Add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for a more colorful and nutritious meal.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Variations:
- BBQ Hot Dog Bake: Replace the ketchup and mustard with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Cheesy Bacon Hot Dog Bake: Add cooked crumbled bacon and extra cheese for a richer flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Hot Dog Bake: Substitute cream of tomato soup for the cream of mushroom soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without cheese):
This recipe provides a balanced meal containing carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from hot dogs, and vitamins from the vegetables. The nutritional information will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a precise analysis, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands of your ingredients.
This hot dog and potato bake is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a healthy meal option that’s adaptable to different tastes and preferences, making it a true family favorite. Enjoy!