Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chili Dog Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup! The creamy, cheesy Velveeta shells are elevated with the savory goodness of chili, hot dogs, and melted cheddar. The dish is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a surefire hit even with the pickiest eaters. With the addition of chili starter and your choice of garnishes like pickled jalapenos and diced onions, this recipe has the perfect balance of spice, cheese, and savory goodness. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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1 12 oz box Velveeta shells & cheese
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7-8 hotdogs, cooked and sliced into coins
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1 15 oz can no bean chili
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1 15.5 oz can chili starter, drained & lightly rinsed
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1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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Diced white onion for garnish
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Pickled jalapenos for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook and prepare the Velveeta shells & cheese according to the package directions.
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Once the pasta is drained and the cheese sauce has been stirred in, add the cooked hot dogs, no-bean chili, chili starter, and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well-combined.
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Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the dish, spreading it into an even layer.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top has melted.
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Serve warm with optional garnishes such as diced white onions and pickled jalapenos. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Chili Dog Mac & Cheese: Add extra spice by incorporating diced fresh jalapenos into the mac and cheese mixture before baking.
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Cheese Lover’s Chili Dog Mac & Cheese: Mix in additional cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
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Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian hot dogs and a plant-based chili to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
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Grilled Hot Dogs: For a smoky flavor, use leftover grilled hot dogs instead of boiled or pan-fried hot dogs.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover Chili Dog Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating for a melty, cheesy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of mac and cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any brand of boxed mac and cheese that includes a cheese sauce packet, but make sure it’s a variety that works well with this recipe’s flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it tightly and bake it within 24 hours for the best results.
Can I freeze Chili Dog Mac & Cheese?
While freezing can affect the texture of the mac and cheese, it can be done. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What kind of hot dogs are best for this dish?
Any type of hot dog will work, from beef or plant-based options. Use whichever your family prefers, or even try different varieties for a unique twist.
What’s the best chili to use for this recipe?
This recipe uses no-bean chili, but you can opt for any chili you prefer. If you like beans, you can use a chili with beans, or try making homemade chili if you have the time.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of Velveeta cheese?
Velveeta cheese has a smooth and creamy texture, but you can use other types of cheese. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the consistency of the sauce. If you prefer shredded cheese, go for a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy result.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can! Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them before mixing into the mac and cheese for the best texture.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even use a spicier chili starter to give it an extra kick. Pickled jalapenos as a garnish also add some heat.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe a bit lighter, you could use reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium hot dogs, and a lower-calorie chili. You could also add more vegetables or use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni would all work well in this recipe, though the Velveeta shells are especially great for holding the cheese sauce.
Conclusion
Chili Dog Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines all your favorite flavors into one dish. It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your tastes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or having a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the ability to tweak ingredients and make it your own, there’s always room for creativity!
Print
Chili Dog Mac & Cheese (From A Box)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chili Dog Mac & Cheese is a quick and hearty comfort food mashup that combines creamy Velveeta shells and cheese with chili, hot dogs, and melted cheddar. Baked until bubbly, it’s a family-friendly casserole that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 (12 oz) box Velveeta shells & cheese
7–8 hot dogs, cooked and sliced into coins
1 (15 oz) can no-bean chili
1 (15.5 oz) can chili starter, drained & lightly rinsed
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Diced white onion, for garnish
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook and prepare the Velveeta shells & cheese according to package directions.
- Once pasta is drained and cheese sauce is stirred in, add hot dogs, no-bean chili, chili starter, and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar. Stir until combined.
- Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray. Transfer mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with optional garnishes such as diced onions and pickled jalapenos.
Notes
Use any brand of boxed mac and cheese if Velveeta is unavailable.
Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating before baking.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
For a smoky flavor, use grilled hot dogs.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
