Chili Dog Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo—savory hot dogs, bold chili flavors, and creamy mac in one cheesy casserole.

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp yellow mustard

½ cup beef broth or crushed tomatoes

4 hot dogs, sliced

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.

3. Add ground beef; cook until browned. Stir in chili powder, tomato paste, mustard, and broth. Simmer 5 minutes.

4. Add sliced hot dogs to skillet and cook 2 minutes more.

5. In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and whisk until smooth.

6. Stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until melted and creamy.

7. Combine pasta, chili-hot dog mixture, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.

8. Top with extra cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Make ahead by assembling the casserole, covering, and refrigerating for up to 24 hours.

Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Chili Dog Mac and Cheese, chili mac, cheesy hot dog casserole