Description
Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender elbow macaroni with savory slices of browned hot dogs, enveloped in a creamy chili cheese sauce. This quick and easy skillet meal is topped with fresh green onions and crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor, perfect for a satisfying family dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced into rounds
Sauce & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili with or without beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prepare the other components.
- Cook Hot Dogs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Chili Cheese Sauce: Stir in the can of chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Optionally add ketchup and mustard for extra flavor. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta & Hot Dogs: Return the browned hot dog slices to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the pasta and hot dogs are evenly coated with the chili cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions and topped with crushed tortilla chips if desired for a crunchy finish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili cheese sauce.
- Use your favorite type of pasta if elbow macaroni is not available; shells or rotini work well too.
- Opt for a low-fat cheese or milk to reduce fat content if preferred.
- For a beanless chili option, choose chili without beans to keep the texture smooth.
- The crushed tortilla chips topping adds a nice crunch but can be omitted for a softer dish.
