Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s a playful mash-up of two classic favorites: chili cheese dogs and pasta bake. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of nostalgic flavor. I don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just simple pantry staples and about 30 minutes from prep to plate. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, and it’s endlessly customizable based on what I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 2 cups beef hot dogs, sliced

• 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup diced onion

• ½ cup diced tomatoes

• ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Butter or spray (for greasing)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing my baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Pasta
   I boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Hot Dogs
   In a large skillet over medium heat, I sauté the sliced hot dogs until they’re browned and slightly crisped around the edges.

4. Combine the Mix
   I stir in the chili, cooked pasta, garlic powder, paprika, and season it all with salt and black pepper. I mix until the ingredients are fully combined and warmed through.

5. Assemble the Bake
   I pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

6. Bake
   I bake the dish uncovered for 10–15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Top and Serve
   After letting it cool for a few minutes, I top the dish with diced onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch. Then I serve it warm and dig in!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, and another 10–15 minutes in the oven, so it’s ready in under 40 minutes total. Perfect for weeknights when I need something fast and satisfying.

Variations

• I sometimes swap in smoked sausage or kielbasa instead of hot dogs for a heartier flavor.

• When I want more heat, I use spicy chili or add cayenne pepper to the mix.

• For a richer bake, I stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream before baking.

• I also love topping it with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions before serving for extra crunch.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat portions in the microwave or in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through. If the pasta has thickened too much, I add a splash of milk or water before reheating to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, I uncover and pop it in the oven—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Absolutely. I’ve used leftover homemade chili before and it makes the dish even better. Just make sure it’s not too watery or the pasta may get soggy.

What pasta works best?

I stick with elbow macaroni because it holds the sauce well, but penne, rotini, or shells also work great.

Is it spicy?

It’s only mildly spiced unless I add jalapeños or use spicy chili. For a kid-friendly version, I leave out the heat and keep the flavors simple.

Can I freeze this?

Yes, I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort casserole that brings together everything I love—cheesy goodness, classic chili dog flavor, and tender pasta. It’s fast, flexible, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding my family or prepping for a casual get-together, this is one recipe that never lets me down.

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