Save to Pinterest 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.
I first made this mac & cheese mashup for a backyard family cookout. The cheesy pasta disappeared fast, and everyone loved the extra kick from the chili and hot dogs mixed in.
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 & Oven:
- 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.
- Add Tomatoes & Beans:
- 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 Cheese Sauce:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine Mix:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Garnish with green onions and jalapeños before serving.
Save to Pinterest This dish became an instant favorite at our game night. The kids helped sprinkle cheese on top and everyone called dibs on leftovers for lunch the next day.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish, whisk, and mixing bowl make preparation smooth and easy.
Allergen Information
Contains milk, cheese (dairy), wheat (gluten), and hot dogs (may contain soy, wheat—check labels). Beans are legumes. Always check processed ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 650 calories, 32 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Dig into this all-in-one comfort classic for the ultimate weeknight dinner. Everyone will ask for seconds!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and fits nicely with the other ingredients.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Yes, increase cayenne pepper or opt for spicy hot dogs for added heat and flavor.
- → Is it possible to use a different protein?
You can substitute ground beef with turkey or use plant-based hot dogs for a lighter option.
- → How do you achieve the creamy cheese sauce?
Whisk butter and flour into a roux, slowly add milk, then melt in sharp cheddar and mozzarella until smooth.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Sliced green onions and jalapeño add freshness and a touch of heat that balances the rich flavors.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the components and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.