Wieners and Macaroni is a hearty one-pan comfort meal that became popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens. Combining budget-friendly ingredients like hot dogs, onions, celery, bell pepper, and macaroni, it was a staple of weeknight dinners for busy families. The dish is simmered in tomatoes until rich and flavorful, then finished with pasta and a sprinkle of cheese. This recipe reflects the post-war era’s love for quick, filling meals that could stretch a family’s dollar while still delivering warmth and nostalgia. Today, it continues to be enjoyed as a retro classic that evokes cozy, home-cooked memories.
Ingredients
- 1 lb wieners (hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- ½ green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped)
- 28 oz tomatoes (1 can, squashed or crushed)
- ½ lb elbow macaroni (about 2 cups )
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Wieners
- In a large skillet, brown the sliced wieners with the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
Step 2: Simmer with Tomatoes
- Add the canned tomatoes. Squash slightly if whole. Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Add cooked macaroni to the skillet mixture and stir to blend. Turn skillet to simmer and cook about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
- Grate cheese and sprinkle over mixture in the skillet just before serving.
Tips
- Use smoked sausage or kielbasa instead of wieners for a heartier flavor.
- Substitute elbow macaroni with shells or rotini for different texture.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or paprika for light heat.
- Stir in frozen peas or corn during the final simmer for added vegetables.
- Use sharp cheddar for bolder cheese flavor.
- Top with buttered breadcrumbs and broil briefly for a casserole-style finish.
- Make it creamier by stirring in a little sour cream before serving.
- Replace canned tomatoes with diced fresh tomatoes in summer months.
- For reduced salt, choose low-sodium tomatoes and hot dogs.
- Add garlic or Italian seasoning during the simmering step for extra aroma.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 19gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 940mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 3mg
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