Chili Dog Mac and Cheese – Cheesy, Meaty & Over-the-Top Comfort Food
This Chili Dog Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup—creamy macaroni and cheese meets hearty chili and juicy hot dogs in one irresistible dish. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it’s loaded with melty cheese, seasoned beef, and sliced franks for a bold, nostalgic flavor explosion. Easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy, this one-pan wonder is a crowd-pleaser that brings fun to the dinner table.
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Casserole dish (optional for baking)
- Oven (optional)
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or small shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2½ cups water or broth
- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced
Seasonings
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Optional: cayenne, cinnamon
Cheese Blend
- 8 oz shredded white cheddar
- 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack or Velveeta
Toppings (optional)
- Green onions
- Diced white onion
- Pickled jalapeños
- Mustard drizzle
Instructions
- Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onion and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Simmer: Add water or broth and uncooked pasta. Stir and cook covered until pasta is tender (10–12 minutes).
- Add Hot Dogs: Stir in sliced hot dogs and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Cheese It Up: Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Bake (Optional): Transfer to casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with toppings and serve hot.
Notes
- Meat swaps: Use turkey, veggie crumbles, or sausage.
- Cheese options: Try pepper jack, gouda, or cream cheese for richness.
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based hot dogs and meatless chili.
- Flavor tip: Grilled hot dogs add smoky depth.
- Serving ideas: Pair with cornbread, salad, or slaw.
- Make-ahead: Prepare chili base up to 3 days ahead.
- Storage: Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat tip: Add fresh cheese and a splash of broth before reheating.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t overcook pasta, skip seasoning, or use pre-shredded cheese.