Chili Dog Mac and Cheese
Chili Dog Mac and Cheese layers spiced beef-and-hot-dog chili with tender elbows and a melty blend of white Cheddar and Monterey Jack. The result is saucy, smoky, and gently fiery, with a bubbly browned top and gooey pockets throughout. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing bake for game day, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook1 hr 20 mins
- Serves12
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Chili Dog Mac and Cheese, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 49 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 57 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 15
- Heart Health
- 51
- Metabolic
- 30
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 35
- Performance
- 32
- General Wellness
- 1
Add olive oil to a large pot and place over high heat. Add beef; cook and stir, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, for about 2 minutes. Add onions and salt, and cook, stirring, until the beef is crumbly and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, dried oregano, and garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.
- 3
Add peppers, sliced hot dogs, crushed tomatoes, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until done to your liking, at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- 4
When the chili is nearly ready, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the macaroni and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute less than the package directions, until not quite tender and still firm to the bite, about 8 to 11 minutes.
- 5
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- 6
Turn off the heat under the chili, drain the macaroni, and add it to the pot of chili. Stir to combine, then transfer the mixture to a large, deep 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 7
Mix the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together in a bowl, and transfer about 60% of the cheese to the top of the chili mixture. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix the cheese into the casserole.
- 8
Spread the remaining cheese evenly over the top, and gently press it into the surface with the tip of a spoon.
- 9
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving, topped with green onions.
- Calories 492.66 kcal High 25%
- Protein 23.99 g Good Source 48%
- Carbohydrate 36.11 g 13%
- Total Fat 28.53 g High 37%
- Saturated Fat 12.57 g High 63%
- Trans Fat 0.35 g High --
- Cholesterol 68.45 mg High 23%
- Sodium 723.56 mg High 31%
- Dietary Fiber 3.92 g Moderate 14%
- Total Sugars 8.64 g --
- Added Sugars 2.12 g Low Source 4%
- Calcium 312.45 mg Good Source 24%
- Iron 3.16 mg Moderate 18%
- Potassium 376.47 mg Low Source 8%
- Vitamin A 29.71 mcg Low Source 3%
- Vitamin C 7.79 mg Low Source 9%
- Vitamin D 0.12 mcg Low Source 1%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Chili Dog Mac and Cheese is made with 20 ingredients and serves 12. It takes about 1 hr 40 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Beef Hot Dog, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, and Chili Powder. Each serving provides about 492.66 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Chili Dog Mac and Cheese made of?
- The main ingredients are Beef Hot Dog, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder, Crushed Tomatoes. The full list of 20 is above.
- How long does it take to make Chili Dog Mac and Cheese?
- About 1 hr 40 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 1 hr 20 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 492.66 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Chili Dog Mac and Cheese easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 20 ingredients and 9 steps.
- Is Chili Dog Mac and Cheese healthy?
- Chili Dog Mac and Cheese has an easyChef Pro health score of 36/100. Per serving, it provides 492.66 calories and 23.99 g of protein, or 48% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of calcium. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 723.56 mg (31% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 12.57 g (63% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Tomatoes, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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