Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Here’s a Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake recipe — a hearty, cheesy, comfort-food dish that brings the flavors of chili cheese dogs into a baked pasta casserole.

Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni or rotini

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch pieces

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 (15 oz) can chili (or homemade if preferred)

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings (optional but encouraged):

• Chopped green onions

• Pickled jalapeños

• Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos

• Sour cream

• Yellow mustard drizzle

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

4. Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Drain any excess grease.

5. Add hot dogs to the skillet with the ground beef. Sear slightly (2–3 minutes).

6. Stir in sauces: Add canned chili, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Combine with pasta: In a large bowl (or directly in the skillet if big enough), mix pasta with the meat-chili mixture. Stir in 1 cup cheddar and all the mozzarella.

8. Assemble the bake: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.

10. Garnish & serve: Top with green onions, jalapeños, chips, mustard drizzle, or sour cream as desired.

Tips:

• For spicier flavor, add diced green chilies or use spicy hot dogs.

• Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking (add 10 minutes to bake time).

• Great for potlucks and game day.