Chili Cheese Dog Mac (View Print Version)

Creamy macaroni with chili, cheese sauce, and sliced hot dogs baked to a golden finish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

→ Chili

10 - 1/2 lb ground beef
11 - 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 1 tsp chili powder
15 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
16 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
17 - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Hot Dogs

20 - 4 classic hot dogs, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces

→ Toppings (optional)

21 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
22 - Jalapeño slices
23 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans to the skillet. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper; remove from heat.
05 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
07 - In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, chili, and sliced hot dogs thoroughly.
08 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
09 - Sprinkle with sliced green onions and jalapeño slices before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comfort food combining two classic favorites
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd and easy to make
02 -
  • This recipe contains dairy, gluten, and meat—always check labels for allergens in hot dogs.
  • You can customize with turkey or plant based hot dogs and vegetarian chili for a lighter version.
03 -
  • For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or fried onions before baking.
  • If making ahead, assemble fully and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve—just add a few minutes to baking time.
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