Save A comforting fusion of creamy macaroni and cheese, hearty chili, and classic hot dog flavors—perfect for a crowd pleasing twist on two American favorites.
When I first made Chili Cheese Dog Mac & Cheese for a weekend get together, everyone went back for seconds and couldn't stop raving about the combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory chili, and tender hot dog slices in each bite.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all purpose flour, 480 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 200 g (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Chili: 225 g (1/2 lb) ground beef, 1/2 medium onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 240 ml (1 cup) canned diced tomatoes, 120 ml (1/2 cup) canned kidney beans drained and rinsed, salt and pepper to taste
- Hot Dogs: 4 classic hot dogs sliced into 1 cm (1/2 inch) pieces
- Toppings (optional): 2 green onions thinly sliced, jalapeño slices, extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 2 liter (2 quart) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Chili:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer Chili:
- Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Simmer for 5 7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Finish Sauce:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine:
- Combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, chili, and sliced hot dogs in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with green onions and jalapeños before serving.
Save My kids love helping layer the mac and cheese with chili and sprinkling their favorite toppings before it all goes into the oven for a bubbly finish.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this dish as a hearty main course for family dinners, potlucks, or game day parties. It pairs well with a simple green salad or coleslaw for freshness alongside the rich flavors.
Allergen Information
Contains milk, cheese (dairy), wheat (gluten), and hot dogs (may include soy, wheat—check the package). Also includes beans (legumes). Carefully review all ingredient labels if serving those with allergies.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories 650, Total Fat 32 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 32 g. These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and serving size.
Save Serve hot for best texture and flavor, and enjoy a classic comfort food mashup the whole table will remember.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?
Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain immediately to avoid overcooking. This helps maintain a firm texture during baking.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, increase the cayenne pepper or use spicy hot dogs for an added kick. You can also add jalapeño slices as a topping for extra heat.
- → What type of cheese works best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Sharp cheddar provides tang, while mozzarella adds meltiness and smoothness.
- → Is there a way to make this meal lighter?
Substitute turkey or plant-based hot dogs and use vegetarian chili to reduce fat and make a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool the dish to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.