Description: This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the classic flavors of chili cheese dogs with the satisfying texture of pasta. Imagine all the deliciousness of a summer barbecue, but served in a warm, cheesy, and convenient bake. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love. This recipe is easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb beef hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch rounds (about 8-10 hot dogs)
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans, your preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 ½ cups for the mixture, ½ cup for topping)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the hot dogs, optional)
- Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, mustard, hot sauce
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pasta bake cooks evenly and the cheese melts to a golden, bubbly perfection. While the oven is preheating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. This will prevent the pasta bake from sticking to the bottom and sides of the dish, making it easier to serve. A 9×13 inch dish provides ample space for the ingredients to bake evenly, creating a satisfying layer of cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake. Drain the pasta in a colander, and rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent the pasta from sticking together. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 3: Prepare Hot Dogs
While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (if desired). This step helps to lightly brown the hot dogs and enhance their flavor. Add the sliced hot dogs to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and slightly crispy around the edges, about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer, you can skip the sautéing step and add the sliced hot dogs directly to the pasta mixture. However, browning them adds a deeper, richer flavor to the bake. Remove the hot dogs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned hot dogs, chili (with or without beans, depending on your preference), 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the diced onion. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that everything is well combined. The chili should coat the pasta and hot dogs evenly, and the cheese should be distributed throughout the mixture. The diced onion will add a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the bake.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. This layer of cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust that is irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep an eye on the bake towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the cheese from burning. A slight browning is desirable, but excessive browning can result in a bitter taste.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of mustard, or a dash of hot sauce. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors and cheesy goodness!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of familiar comfort food flavors, all in one easy-to-make dish. Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, chili-dog goodness, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare. This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chili or hot dogs. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for feeding a large family or group of friends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, ketchup.
- Spicy Kick: Diced jalapeños, hot sauce, sriracha mayo.
- Fresh and Crunchy: Crumbled tortilla chips, chopped cilantro.
- Sides: Serve with a side salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Pasta Choice: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this bake, but you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes, such as shells, rotini, or penne.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all work well.
- Chili Flavor: Choose a chili that suits your taste. You can use homemade chili or canned chili. If you’re using canned chili, opt for a brand that you enjoy the flavor of.
- Hot Dog Quality: The quality of the hot dogs will impact the overall flavor of the bake. Choose high-quality beef hot dogs for the best results.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Instructions: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 1200mg (depending on the chili and hot dog used)
Conclusion
This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect dish for those cozy nights in, family gatherings, or when you just need a big hug in food form. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. The combination of savory chili, juicy hot dogs, tender pasta, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort food heaven!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chili in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to use any type of chili you prefer – whether it’s homemade chili with beans, a vegetarian chili, or a spicier chili with added peppers. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste preference. A thicker chili will create a richer, more substantial bake, while a thinner chili might require a slightly longer baking time to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
Q2: I don’t have elbow macaroni. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute the elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes. Shells, rotini, penne, or even ditalini would all work well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold the chili and cheese well.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
A: Of course! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Diced bell peppers, corn kernels, black beans, or even zucchini would be delicious additions. You can sauté the vegetables along with the hot dogs or add them directly to the pasta mixture before baking. Experiment with your favorite vegetables to create a personalized and healthy version of this bake.
Q4: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s very easy to make this recipe vegetarian. Simply substitute the beef hot dogs with vegetarian or plant-based hot dogs. There are many delicious vegetarian hot dog options available on the market. Additionally, ensure that the chili you use is vegetarian or vegan. This simple substitution allows you to enjoy all the flavors and textures of this pasta bake while adhering to a vegetarian diet.
Q5: Can I prepare this pasta bake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely prepare this pasta bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure that the bake is heated through. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
