Pin 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.
The first time I made this Chili Cheese Dog Mac & Cheese was for game night, and everyone came back for seconds. It's now a staple for potlucks when I want something fun—and super filling!
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 and Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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:
- Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- 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.
- Add Cheese:
- 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.
Pin This is one of those dishes every kid in our house asks for at birthday parties. My brother even requests this for his annual summer cookout!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish, whisk, and mixing bowl are all you need to make this meal quick from stovetop to oven.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 650 calories with 32 g fat, 58 g carbs and 32 g protein. Add extra veggies for more fiber!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp, hoppy pale ale or a fruity red wine to complement the richness. Serve with a simple green salad for balance.
Pin Serve piping hot so the cheese is melty and gooey! Enjoy this nostalgic mashup at your next gathering—it disappears fast!
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar combined with mozzarella creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that melts smoothly over the pasta and chili.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Yes, adding extra cayenne pepper or using spicy hot dogs intensifies the heat to suit your taste.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with a vegetarian chili and swap hot dogs for plant-based alternatives to keep the hearty texture.
- → What is the best way to cook the macaroni?
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente to ensure it holds shape after baking.
- → Are there suggested beverage pairings?
A crisp, hoppy pale ale or a fruity red wine complements the rich cheese and chili flavors beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it beforehand and refrigerate; bake it fresh before serving to maintain a bubbly top.