Friday: Whole Wheat Noodles with Tomato-Hot Dog Chunky Sauce

 

Tired of boring hot dog in a bun dinner. Here's a much healthier option...and I'm proud to say I came up with this one on my own. Believe me...that doesn't happen often! :) This creation came about when I was going to make the Fiesta Spoon bread recipe that you will see on this week's meal plan, and I didn't have enough eggs. Does that ever happen to you? So, I had to throw something together last minute, and this is what I came up with. Hope you like it! We sure did.

Hot Dog Recipe
4-6 servings

1/2 lb whole wheat noodles, cooked
3 hot dogs (I use Trader Joe's nitrate, preservative free ones)
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup corn, thawed 
1 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) black or pinto beans
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1. Cook hot dogs however you like. We usually heat them up in a broiler, but you can use a microwave if you want. 
2. In a large skillet, use cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute. Throw in corn, tomatoes, beans and seasonings. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Add chopped up hot dog. Serve hot over noodles or rice.

 

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Plan and Prep Ahead

Here are some helpful techniques to make life a little easier once dinner time hits. These tips will especially help those that work full-time and don't have a lot of time to prepare dinner.

~Chop up veggies ahead of time, and keep in fridge until time of use.

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Who likes to CHANGE IT UP?

~Use sausage or choritzo instead of hot dog. Or leave the meat out completely for a vegetarian meal.
~Try 1-2 chopped tomatoes instead of 1 can of tomatoes. 
~Add parsley on top and/or Parmesan cheese. 

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