Chili Cheese Dog Mac Recipe with Creamy Cheese and Spicy Chili

Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

This chili cheese dog pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of comfort food into one easy dish. Imagine the smoky taste of sausages mixed with creamy mac and cheese, all topped with spicy chili and melted cheese it’s simple to make and hits the spot on busy nights. You’ll appreciate how this recipe brings bold flavors to your table without needing fancy skills in the kitchen.

One reason you’ll enjoy this dish is its quick preparation, perfect for families on the go. With just a few steps, you can whip up a hearty meal that feeds about six people. Plus, it’s packed with protein from ingredients like sausages and beans, making it a balanced option that keeps everyone satisfied.

Beyond its ease, this recipe lets you tweak things to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for something veggie-heavy or lighter. The spicy kick from the chili adds excitement, turning a basic pasta bake into something special that everyone will want seconds of. For more ideas on comforting casseroles, check out our chicken casserole recipe that pairs well with this one.

Benefits of Simplicity and Customization

Recipes like this are great because they’re straightforward, using everyday items from your pantry. I often make it when I’m short on time, and my family loves how it warms up the evening. You can swap in different cheeses or add extra veggies to make it your own, which keeps things fresh each time.

Essential Ingredients for Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chili cheese dog pasta bake turn out just right. Below, I’ve listed everything you need, pulling straight from the recipe for accuracy. This ensures your dish is full of flavor and easy to put together.

Casserole Components

• 8 all-beef smoked sausages, halved and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 (30 oz) can chili with beans (or use the Simple Chili Recipe below)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 3 chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Mac & Cheese

• 1 lb cavatappi pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Simple Chili Ingredients (if making from scratch)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 (9 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups beef broth

Remember, if you’re watching what you eat, you can choose plant-based swaps or lighter options here. For more on how beef adds protein, check out this helpful guide on beef’s benefits.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting this chili cheese dog pasta bake ready is as fun as eating it. Start by preheating your oven and gathering your tools it’s all about building layers of flavor step by step. This guide walks you through the process, making sure even beginners can nail it.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get water boiling for the pasta. Cook 1 lb of cavatappi pasta as per the package instructions, then drain it and set it aside. While that’s happening, focus on making the mac and cheese sauce to coat your pasta perfectly.

Next, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 minutes, then gradually add 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Keep whisking and cook for another 2 minutes before stirring in 1 cup of heavy cream and cooking for 2 more minutes.

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and mix in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted. Pour this over the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Now, transfer the mixture to a 13×9 inch baking dish, spoon on 1 (30 oz) can of chili with beans (or your homemade version), add 8 all-beef smoked sausages cut into chunks, and top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Bake everything in the oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Finally, sprinkle 3 chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish before serving. If you want to try another pasta dish, our meatloaf casserole recipe offers a tasty twist.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Making this chili cheese dog pasta bake work for your diet is simple with a few smart swaps. Whether you’re going vegan or cutting back on gluten, these changes keep the dish delicious and adaptable. I like experimenting with these because it lets everyone at the table enjoy the meal.

For protein options, swap the all-beef smoked sausages with turkey or plant-based ones to lighten it up. If gluten is a concern, use gluten-free pasta in place of cavatappi. You can also opt for dairy-free cheese to make the whole recipe vegan without losing that creamy texture.

When it comes to veggies and seasonings, try adding bell peppers or zucchini instead of just relying on onions. For the chili, use low-sodium versions or mix in extra spices like cumin. These tweaks not only customize the flavor but also boost nutrition, like the benefits from beans as noted in this insightful article on beans.

Mastering Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your chili cheese dog pasta bake to the next level with these pro tips. Browning the sausages well brings out a deeper flavor, and using fresh cheese makes everything melt better. I always tell friends to play around with these ideas to make the dish their own.

For flavor boosts, mix in herbs like cilantro or try different cheeses such as pepper jack. If you’re prepping ahead, assemble the bake and store it in the fridge just bake it fresh when you’re ready. Serving it with a garnish like green onions adds a nice touch and makes it look as good as it tastes.

• Brown sausages thoroughly for better texture.
• Experiment with cheeses for new tastes.
• Make ahead for easy meals during the week.

How to Store Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake: Best Practices

Storing leftovers of this chili cheese dog pasta bake keeps your meals fresh and ready for later. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions so you can enjoy it anytime.

When reheating, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to keep that crispy top. If you’re meal prepping, divide it into servings right away. This way, you avoid waste and have quick dinners sorted for busy days.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

🌭 Enjoy the rich combination of creamy cheese and spicy chili in this hearty Chili Cheese Dog Mac casserole.
🧀 This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners, offering comforting flavors with satisfying textures from sausage, cheese, and pasta.

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Ingredients

– 8 all-beef smoked sausages, halved and cut into 1-inch chunks

– 1 (30 oz) can chili with beans

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for topping

– 3 chopped green onions for garnish

– 1 lb cavatappi pasta

– 4 tablespoons butter

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 4 tablespoons flour

– 2 cups milk

– 1 teaspoon ground mustard

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon pepper

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic

– 3 minced garlic cloves

– ½ cup honey

– ½ cup ketchup

– 2 tablespoons chili powder

– 1 (9 oz) can tomato paste

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained

– 2 cups beef broth

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Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get water boiling for the pasta. Cook 1 lb of cavatappi pasta as per the package instructions, then drain it and set it aside. While that’s happening, focus on making the mac and cheese sauce to coat your pasta perfectly.

2-Next, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 minutes, then gradually add 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Keep whisking and cook for another 2 minutes before stirring in 1 cup of heavy cream and cooking for 2 more minutes.

3-Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and mix in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted. Pour this over the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Now, transfer the mixture to a 13×9 inch baking dish, spoon on 1 (30 oz) can of chili with beans (or your homemade version), add 8 all-beef smoked sausages cut into chunks, and top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

4-Baking and Finishing Touches: Bake everything in the oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Finally, sprinkle 3 chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish before serving. If you want to try another pasta dish, our meatloaf casserole recipe offers a tasty twist.

Notes

🌭 Use smoked sausages or hot links for a meatier texture.
⏳ Start the chili first if making homemade, as it requires longer simmering.
🥗 Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling, sautéing, and baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Chili cheese dog mac, Cheesy casserole, Spicy chili pasta, Comfort food