Category: Main Dishes

Deli Hot Dogs

I wasn’t really skeptical about how these deli hot dogs would turn out. Well, maybe a bit. I wasn’t sure how the egg salad would taste on a hot-off-the-grill all-beef dog.

Well, my worries were unfounded because the combination is wonderful. I used well-chilled egg salad, which contrasted perfectly with the hot grilled hot dog. The black pepper is a must. It gives just a little ‘bite’ to contrast the creaminess of the egg salad.

Deli Hot Dogs

I Like Mine Spicy

I topped the deli hot dogs with McClure’s spicy pickle relish. It is amazing and has a great kick to it. Like the black pepper it contrasts well with the creamy potato salad. Come to think of it, everything from McClure’s is great. You can of course use a non-spicy pickle relish if you want. Or don’t use relish at all!

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also try my yummy derby dogs.

Deli Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Deli Hot Dogs

I used well-chilled egg salad, which contrasted perfectly with the hot grilled hot dog. The black pepper is a must. It gives just a little ‘bite’ to contrast the creaminess of the egg salad.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 973kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place dogs in buns and top with the egg salad. I piped the egg salad onto the dogs, but you can just spoon it on as well.
  • Add dill pickle relish and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the egg salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 973kcal | Carbohydrates: 133g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 2747mg | Potassium: 526mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 340mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Sausage Mushroom Kale Hash

I was visiting a favorite local food truck of mine the other day. I love food trucks. This particular truck specializes in various hashes, something I hadn’t made or really not something I have often. Everything looked and tasted fantastic. I decided to make a copycat version of the spring hash, a sausage mushroom kale hash. My version is a little heavier on the sausage, but you can adjust it as you like. I also added a fried egg, but next time I’ll add a poached egg instead.

Sausage Mushroom Kale Hash

Easy. And Delicious.

This sausage mushroom kale hash is an easy dish to make, and it has great flavor to boot. I used hot Italian sausage for a little extra kick. You can make a breakfast version of this hash by substituting ground pork sausage. Sage sausage would be fantastic in it I think.

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NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my Hobo hash. Just as easy, just as great.

Sausage Mushroom Kale Hash
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sausage Mushroom Kale Hash

After visiting the Citizen Hash food truck the other day, and seeing (and tasting) how great the hash was, I decided to make a copycat version of the spring hash, a sausage mushroom kale hash
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hash, kale, mushroom, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 455kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Taste Spotting

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 large Russet potatoes peeled, chopped into 1/2″ cubes
  • ½ pound Italian sausage bulk
  • olive oil
  • ½ large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound mushrooms small, sliced
  • 1 bunch kale washed and chopped
  • pinch dried basil
  • pinch dried oregano
  • pinch dried red pepper flake
  • 4 eggs fried or poached (optional)
  • parsley chopped, for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  • Salt a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until nearly done, 5-8 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Crumble sausage into the pan and cook until done. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
  • Add the onions and cook for a few minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook until the onions are softened.
  • Add the potatoes. Turn up the heat to high and cook until the potatoes are golden brown and crisped on one side. Flip and crisp the other side.
  • Add the cooked sausage, mushrooms, kale, and the spices and gently stir fry until the mushrooms start to soften and the kale has wilted. Add more oil if it is too dry.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve topped with a cooked egg and garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use hot Italian sausage for nice little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 207mg | Sodium: 505mg | Potassium: 1527mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3487IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Buffalo Hot Dogs

Wow, I was blown away by these Buffalo hot dogs. They’re crazy easy to make, but they have a little wing-like kick (thanks to plenty of Frank’s RedHot sauce) and the blue cheese absolutely go great with hot grilled all-beef hot dogs. Wing sauce on a hot dog is a great thing. Skip the ketchup.

Buffalo Hot Dogs

Look Different. Taste Fantastic.

The celery and carrot topping added a nice crunch to these dogs. I have to admit, when I order or make chicken wings, I tend to skip the veggies. But, these dogs need them.

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

If you want to keep the Buffalo wing theme going, just serve these dogs with some Buffalo slaw! Buffalo hot dogs prove that more ‘Buffalo’ is a good thing!

Buffalo Hot Dogs
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Hot Dogs

The celery and carrot topping added a nice crunch to these dogs. I have to admit, when I order or make chicken wings, I tend to skip the veggies. But, these dogs need them.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 245kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 hot dogs
  • 6 hot dog buns
  • 3 medium carrots chopped
  • 3 stalks celery chopped
  • Buffalo wing sauce to taste
  • blue cheese crumbles

Instructions

  • Cook dogs and warm buns as desired. Place dogs in buns.
  • Combine the carrots, celery and wing sauce and spoon over the hot dogs.
  • Top with cheese crumbles and serve.

Notes

Try these drizzled with blue cheese or Ranch dressing!

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5186IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Pickle Hot Dogs

Nothing beats a hot dog straight off the grill, mounded high with fresh toppings. These simple pickle dogs have a great contrast between the beef hot dog and the crunch and bite of fresh cucumber, dill pickle, and relish. Sure, you’ve put pickle relish on your hot dogs before, but this takes that idea to a whole new level. It’s like having a taste of summer in each bite. These are what summer is all about: grilling outside and fresh ingredients.

Pickle Hot Dogs

Fresh. Crunchy. Delicious.

I topped some of these hot dogs with yellow mustard, but honestly, they’re great without it. You really don’t need to add any condiments beyond the dill pickle relish that’s already there.

I like to keep the cucumber and pickle pieces large. I don’t want to turn them into relish or even salsa. For me, I’m looking for nice big chunks that I can bite into and really get the flavor from. And I prefer them to be a little cold, too. So I’ll toss them into the fridge for 15 minutes or so just before it’s time to start chopping them.

Slicing your hot dogs before cooking helps ensure that the toppings don’t slide off. And that’s a good thing!

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also try my pizza hot dogs. Pizza. Dogs. Good stuff!

Pickle Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pickle Hot Dogs

Nothing beats a hot dog straight off the grill, topped with fresh toppings. These simple pickle dogs have a great contrast between the beef hot dog and the crunch and bite of fresh cucumber, dill pickle, and relish. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 244kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs and heat the buns as desired. Place dogs into the buns.
  • In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients and spoon over the dogs.
  • Serve with yellow mustard if desired (you can also mix the mustard in with the pickle mixture).

Notes

Cut a long narrow slit in your dogs before cooking to give the toppings a great place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 821mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Grilled Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans

I’m a big fan of grilled packet dishes. Anything from simple sides to entire meals can be made quite easily in an aluminum foil packet. They don’t always look fru-fru, but they always taste great, like this grilled sausage with potatoes and green beans. The beauty of this packet meal (and really any packet meal) is that as everything cooks together the flavors all blend together. The sausage seasons the potatoes and beans. The potatoes get some of that bean love. In the end, its a packet of food happiness!

Grilled Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans

Nothing Boring Here.

This meal-in-a-packet idea really has great flavor. The sausage, beans, potatoes and onion all steam and cook up together, creating a nice broth. Grilled sausage with potatoes and green beans isn’t anything fancy, but it’ll fill you up and it tastes great. And it’s easy. Very easy.

I sprinkled this with smoked black pepper for a little added flavor. The pepper is not crunchy or overwhelmingly strong, it just adds a nice little smoky taste as it cooks down inside the steamy packet.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

Also try my green bean casserole.

Grilled Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Grilled Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans

I’m a big fan of grilled packet dishes. Anything from simple sides to entire meals can be made quite easily in an aluminum foil packet. They don’t always look fru-fru, but they always taste great, like this grilled sausage with potatoes and green beans.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword green beans, grilled, potatoes, sausage
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 445kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil.
  • Add the green beans, potatoes, onion, and sausage.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle with the oil, and top with the butter
  • Pour water over mixture and seal up the foil into a packet.
  • Place packet onto grill over indirect heat for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

Notes

You can substitute kielbasa for the sausage. Or try beef hot dogs or andouille.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1567mg | Potassium: 759mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 596IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Grilled Cincinnati Hot Dog

Ah, hot dogs. One of my favorite things. And you can put almost anything on them. Lately, I’ve been making more traditional hot dogs, such as the Boston hot dog, or the Chicago dog. Like the others, this grilled Cincinnati hot dog is very tasty, and very easy.

Grilled Cincinnati Hot Dog

Real Cincinnati Chili Is Required

The key to a great grilled Cincinnati hot dog is to use real Cincinnati chili, which has a hint of cinnamon. I used some chili I picked up from Skyline Chili. If you don’t have a Skyline Chili near you, check the canned chili section of your local grocery store as Skyline also sells a canned version of their famous chili but you can also make my slow cooker Cincinnati chili.

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also make up a few of my grilled Cuban hot dogs.

Grilled Cincinnati Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Cincinnati Hot Dog

The key to a great grilled Cincinnati hot dog is to use real Cincinnati chili, which has a hint of cinnamon.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 308kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the dogs in the buns and heap on the chili. Don’t be shy.
  • Add cheese, onion and mustard and get ready for some yummy dogs!

Notes

I like to make a shallow cut down the length of my dogs. The cut will open up slightly during cooking, giving the toppings a place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 855mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Grilled Boston Hot Dogs

Ya know, I love hot dogs. Any way, any time. After recently making some grilled Chicago dogs and Seattle Dogs, I decided I had to make grilled Boston hot dogs next. They’re super easy, and very, very tasty. These are not some wimpy, skimpy-on-the-toppings hot dogs. So don’t grab some wimpy el cheapo hot dog buns to serve them on. Grab those big deli ones. The strong ones. You’ll need them!

Grilled Boston Hot Dogs

The Perfect Combination

You can’t beat the combination of hot dog relish, baked beans, chopped onions, mustard, and ketchup. There’s an explosion of flavor in every bite, but they’re still simple dogs. You could easily throw all of the ingredients into a small cooler and head to the local park and grill up a quick tasty lunch.

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

I used Hebrew National’s jumbo beef franks for these grilled Boston hot dogs. They have great flavor.

Also try my grilled cheesy hot dogs with onions.

Grilled Boston Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Boston Hot Dog

You can’t beat the combination of hot dog relish, baked beans, chopped onions, mustard, and ketchup. There’s an explosion of flavor in every bite, but they’re still simple dogs. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 304kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the dogs in the buns and top with the beans, onion, relish, mustard and ketchup.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

I liked to cut a shallow slit down the length of my hot dogs before cooking. They open up slightly, giving the toppings a place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 784mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Cream of Celery Soup

Spring has sprung here in Indiana, but it is still rather cool here this week. So, I took the opportunity and made a big batch of cream of celery soup. And am I every glad that I did, because we both found this soup to be absolutely outstanding. It’s very creamy with just the right celery flavor. This was my first time cooking using celery root. They are quite interesting to work with. Much like a potato, but with such a fantastic celery flavor and aroma.

Cream of Celery Soup

Homemade Stock Makes For Better Soups

I used some of my homemade chicken stock for making this cream of celery soup. A couple times a year, when whole chickens go on sale, I make a huge batch or two of stock to keep on hand. The flavor is fantastic. So fantastic in fact that you could just sit down with a bowl of it for lunch!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this soup and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my delicious cream of mushroom soup.

Cream of Celery Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cream of Celery Soup

We both found this soup to be absolutely outstanding. It’s very creamy with just the right celery flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword celery, creamy, soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 655kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Rachael Ray

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 bunch celery chopped (also include the leafy parts)
  • 2 medium sweet onions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Celery salt to taste
  • ground black pepper
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled, cubed
  • 2 medium celery root peeled, cubed
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  • Heat a large stock pot over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and melt.
  • Add the celery, onion, garlic, and celery salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the bay leaf and cook the mixture until the celery and onion are tender, about 20 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the potatoes celery root, and chicken stock.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat a simmer and continue simmering, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
  • Puree using an immersion blender. If you do not have an immersion blender you can use a regular blender, working in batches, but let the soup cool some first or it will explode in the blender.
  • Stir in the cream and keep over heat until warmed through.

Notes

If you’re using a blender make sure to start out on a slow speed! Hot liquids in a blender tend to expand (or explode) if you’re not careful.

Nutrition

Calories: 655kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 612mg | Potassium: 1633mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1440IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Homemade SpaghettiOs

I grew up eating Campbell’s SpaghettiOs™ with meatballs. I would rush home from school at lunch and get me a big hot bowl of SpaghettiOs™, along with some grated Parmesan cheese. The key to proper SpaghettiOs™ eating for me was to eat all the noodles first, saving the meatballs for last. There were just never enough meatballs. And they were too small. Well, this recipe for homemade SpaghettiOs solves that problem and then some. Now you can have as many meatballs as you want and make them as large as you want.

Homemade SpaghettiOs

A Bowl Of Goodness

This dish is fantastic, actually. As it is, homemade SpaghettiOs make for a great meal for kids and adults alike. Or, add a bit of heat and make it a grownup version of the old classic.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this dish and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my homemade copycat of Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. And you just have to make my SpaghettiOs deviled eggs. Well, probably.

Homemade SpaghettiOs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade SpaghettiOs

Just like the kid classic, only better!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade, spaghetti
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 193kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cooking With My Kid

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, shallot, bread crumbs, oregano, ketchup, egg, two tablespoons of the cheese, and red pepper flake (if using).
  • Add a few pinches of salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet.
  • Working in batches, roll the beef into small 1/2″ or so round balls (I admit, mine were probably more like an 1″ around). You’ll make a lot of meatballs.
  • Add meatballs to the skillet but do not crowd them. Brown on one side, then flip and brown on the other side.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Slowly place all of the meatballs into a dutch oven or other large oven-safe dish.
  • Add the tomato sauce but do not stir.
  • Cover and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta per package instructions and drain well.
  • Remove meatballs from oven and gently stir in the pasta.
  • Serve with more Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Make lots and lots of tiny meatballs to stay as close to the original as possible!

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 950mg | Potassium: 647mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Copycat Zatarain’s Jambalaya

I don’t cook with very many store-bought mixes any more, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss mixes such as Zatarain’s jambalaya. Not only quick and easy to make, Zatarain’s was yummy! So I had to make this copycat Zatarain’s jambalaya mix, and I found it to be just like the original! Thick, and a bit spicy, with smoked sausage and shrimp, it’ll warm your belly!

Copycat Zatarain's Jambalaya

Give A Jar Of Joy!

This copycat Zatarain’s Jambalaya mix also makes a great gift. Just put the mix in a jar and attach a little note on how to make the jambalaya. I’ve uploaded a Microsoft Word Document containing the instructions here. The document is set up to print on Avery Personal Creations Textured Postcards, number 3380.

Note: The recipe below makes 3 batches of 4 servings each.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my dirty rice and andouille sausage.

Copycat Zatarain's Jambalaya
Print Pin
3 from 17 votes

Copycat Zatarain’s Jambalaya

I had to make this copycat Zatarain's jambalaya mix. I found it to be just like the original!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Creole, rice, sausage
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 517kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the spice mix (makes 3 batches!)

For the jambalaya (makes 1 batch!)

  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 jar spice mix from above
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 pound smoked sausage cut into rounds
  • 1 pound 22-24 count shrimp peeled and deveined

Instructions

For the spice mix

  • Combine all ingredients and divide into 3 jars.
  • Seal and add printed instructions if giving as a gift.
  • Store up to 6 months.

For the jambalaya

  • Bring the water to boil in a large saucepan.
  • Add the bell pepper and the spice mix and stir.
  • Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  • In another saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and sausage. Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
  • Combine both pans and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water and stir.

Notes

This recipe makes 3 batches of 4 servings each.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 2310mg | Potassium: 770mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 695IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)