Most all kids love Mac and Cheese and hot dogs. These are two of TJ’s favorite foods right now. So for his birthday meal, I decided to take his two favorite things and combine them into a casserole. It was a big hit for both TJ and his grandparents. Try this easy meal for the little and big kids in your life!
Macaroni & Cheese Dog Casserole
For this version, I stirred all 3 cups of cheese into the casserole because its easier for my little 2 year old to eat, but I would recommend saving a cup and sprinkling it on top, as suggested in the recipe below.
16 oz Large Elbow Macoroni
No Calorie Cooking Spray
1 package Hot Dogs, sliced (for a healthier version choose Turkey Dogs)
1 tablespoon Reduced Fat Butter
1 small White Onion, diced
2 tbsp Flour
½ cup Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
2 cup Skim Milk
Pepper
Salt
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp Ketchup
3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for a healthier version choose Reduced Fat or Fat Free)
Directions:
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Prepare noodles according to package directions.
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While noodles are cooking, spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add hot dogs and brown on both sides. Remove hot dogs with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Spray skillet with a little more cooking spray. Add butter. When butter melts, cook onion for 5 minutes, then add flour and cook another minute.
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Add chicken broth and cook of completely. Stir in milk and bring to a boil. Then season with salt and pepper and stir in mustard and ketchup.
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Lower heat and add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring in until melted.
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Combine pasta and hot dogs with sauce and pour into a large casserole dish. Top with remaining chese.
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Melt and brown cheese under broiler for 3-5 minutes. Serve!
Serves 6-8
**Adapted from Rachael Ray**
Debbie's Midwestern Kitchen 