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.
I first made this recipe for a game night with friends. The mix of cheesy pasta, savory chili, and nostalgic hot dog flavor had everyone asking for seconds.
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
- Prepare 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. 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. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine & Assemble:
- Combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, chili, and sliced hot dogs in a large bowl. Mix well. 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 & Serve:
- Garnish with green onions and jalapeños before serving.
Save This is a dish our family loves to make on busy weeknights or for tailgate parties. Everyone loves the cheesy goodness and the little bites of hot dog throughout.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this mac & cheese with a crisp, hoppy pale ale or a fruity red wine for grown-ups. On the side, a simple green salad helps balance the hearty flavors.
Variations
Try swapping in turkey or veggie hot dogs, or adding sweet corn or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also spice things up further with extra jalapeños.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil, or microwave portions until hot and melty.
Save Super cheesy, hearty, and loaded with crowd-pleasing flavor, this mac & cheese will quickly become a family favorite. Dive into gooey comfort with every bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal due to its shape and texture, holding the sauce and chili well.
- → Can I make the chili spicier?
Yes, increase cayenne pepper or use spicy hot dogs to add heat.
- → How should I prepare the cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly add milk, then melt in sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy sauce.
- → Are there good substitutions for hot dogs?
Turkey or plant-based hot dogs work well for lighter or vegetarian versions when paired with suitable chili.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Green onions, jalapeño slices, and extra shredded cheddar add fresh and spicy notes.