Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic chili cheese dog in this easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines pasta, hot dogs, ground meat, beans, and cheese for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized rounds
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing, optional)
Chili Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix or 2 tbsp homemade chili spice blend
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained) or 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (in chili sauce) or 1 cup cooked kidney beans plus sauce
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Prepare chili mixture: Brown ground meat with onion (and garlic), season, add chili seasoning, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked pasta and hot dogs with chili mixture. Layer in baking dish with cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute sausage or ground chicken for beef for variation.
- Customize beans and cheeses to suit personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Stovetop to Bake
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 casserole portion
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
