The recipe for this Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake came back to life thanks to a rainy Saturday afternoon and an unexpected visit from my neighbor’s teenage son, Eli. His parents had gone out of town, and he was staying with us for the weekend.
By the time lunch rolled around, he was curled up on the couch, watching an old baseball game with my husband, and I could tell—he needed something filling, comforting, and fun. I offered up the usual grilled cheese or soup, but he shrugged and said, “I dunno… something like a chili dog, maybe?”
That took me right back to an old office potluck years ago, where a coworker named Ben—known for his questionable diet and brilliant IT skills—brought in a baked chili dog casserole that was wiped clean before noon. The dish wasn’t fancy, but it was hearty and loud, just like Ben. I never forgot that blend of creamy cheese, smoky hot dogs, and a little onion bite all tangled up in warm pasta. I scribbled the recipe down on the back of a meeting agenda, tucked it into a folder, and never made it—until Eli’s casual craving brought it back to the surface.
So I pulled out elbow macaroni, a can of chili, and the rest of the good stuff. It came together quickly, filled the kitchen with the most inviting aroma, and brought Eli back to the table faster than you can say “seconds.” This recipe has spirit. And now, a new story.
Short Description
This comforting pasta bake combines elbow macaroni, beef hot dogs, hearty chili, melty cheddar, and a touch of onion—all baked into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef hot dogs, sliced into bite-size rounds
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup diced onion
Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente (usually 7–8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Hot Dogs
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef hot dogs and cook until they’re lightly browned and a bit crispy on the edges—about 5–7 minutes. This adds flavor and texture.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned hot dogs, can of chili, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the diced onion. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle more cheddar cheese over the top for extra gooeyness. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are slightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and keeps the pasta from falling apart when scooping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare – Great for weeknights
Family-friendly – Kids and adults love it
Hearty and filling – Makes a full meal
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples
Customizable – Easy to tweak to your taste
Comfort food with a twist – Bold flavors, warm satisfaction
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overcooking the pasta
Problem: Mushy pasta can turn the whole dish soggy.
Solution: Cook the macaroni just until al dente. Remember, it will keep cooking in the oven.
2. Skipping the hot dog browning
Problem: Hot dogs can taste bland or rubbery if not seared.
Solution: Browning them in a skillet adds a delicious, smoky flavor and better texture.
3. Using too much chili
Problem: The bake becomes too wet.
Solution: Stick with one 15 oz can. If you’re using homemade chili, use a thick version and avoid excess liquid.
4. Not letting it rest
Problem: The cheese will be runny and messy.
Solution: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up before scooping.
5. Uneven cheese melt
Problem: Cheese doesn’t melt evenly.
Solution: Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a main course. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or game-day gatherings.
Pair it with:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
Steamed broccoli or green beans for a veggie boost
Iced tea, root beer, or even a cold lager for adults
Cornbread or garlic toast on the side for extra indulgence
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating (Oven): Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warm.
Reheating (Microwave): Heat individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or chicken hot dogs instead of beef?
Yes! Any kind of hot dog works. Turkey or chicken hot dogs are great lighter options.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring to room temp and bake as directed.
3. Can I use homemade chili?
Of course! Just be sure it’s thick and not too soupy—otherwise, the pasta can get mushy.
4. How do I make it spicier?
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili mixture or sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top before baking.
5. Can I leave out the onions?
Yes. If you’re not a fan, just skip them—or replace them with diced green onions or bell peppers for a milder crunch.
Tips & Tricks
Grate your own cheese for the best melt.
Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch.
Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese for creaminess.
A pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder adds extra depth.
Use mini pasta shapes like rotini or shells for fun texture swaps.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Version
Swap out the beef hot dogs for plant-based hot dogs and use vegetarian chili. Bake the same way.
2. Tex-Mex Twist
Add ½ cup of drained black beans and ¼ cup of corn to the mix. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little heat.
3. Chili Mac Deluxe
Stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese before baking for a richer, creamier texture. Top with crushed Ritz crackers for extra crunch.
4. BBQ Dog Bake
Mix 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce into the chili for a smoky twist. Use smoked cheddar on top for that backyard flavor.
5. Kid-Friendly Mini Bakes
Spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes. Makes adorable, portioned pasta cups!
Final Thoughts
Eli ended up asking for the leftovers to take home, and I packed them up with a smile and a recipe card tucked in his bag. That’s the quiet magic of cooking—how something warm and baked in a dish can travel from one kitchen to the next, from one memory to another.
This pasta bake doesn’t try to impress, but it delivers comfort right where it counts. If you’ve got a hungry crew or just need a bit of cozy nostalgia in your evening, it’s the kind of recipe that shows up, fills the room, and sticks around in the best way.
Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake
Print ThisIngredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef hot dogs, sliced into bite-size rounds
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup diced onion
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the macaroni until just tender, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs
Slice the beef hot dogs. In a skillet over medium heat, cook them for 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
In a big bowl, mix the pasta, cooked hot dogs, chili, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and diced onion. Stir well.
Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden at the edges.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving so it sets and is easier to scoop.
