I can’t really explain why I decided to create this chili dog mac and cheese hybrid. I always get a few requests for comforting casseroles this time of year, but if the goal was to end up with a recipe that tasted like both things, I failed miserably. On the other hand, if a tasty, comforting casserole was the mission, then let’s celebrate…and invite a few friends, since this thing is huge.
While I did enjoy eating this, I was a bit confused why it didn’t really taste like chili dogs or mac and cheese. I knew the lack of creamy sauce might be an issue, but I thought if I stirred in enough cheese, all would be fine. Taste and texture-wise, I was correct, but the flavors just didn’t come together as I’d hoped. Anyway, I tried, and failed, but also kind of succeeded, and if you’d like something that feels and tastes like an American goulash with hot dogs, then I really do hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!
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Chili Dog Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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2 generous teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
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3 tablespoons chili powder
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican oregano
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup diced green peppers
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1 pound hot dogs, sliced
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1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or 3 1/2 cups tomato sauce or puree)
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2 1/2 cups water
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2 rounded cups elbow macaroni
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8 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese
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8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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green onions, sliced, for the top (optional)
Directions
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Add olive oil to a large pot and place over high heat. Add beef; cook and stir, breaking up with a spoon or spatula, about 2 minutes. Add onions and salt, and cook, stirring, until beef is crumbly, and onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, dried oregano, and garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.
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Add peppers, sliced hot dogs, crushed tomatoes, and water. Stir together; bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cooked to your taste, at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Once chili is nearly ready, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in macaroni and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 minute less than specified in package directions, until not quite tender, and still firm to the bite, about 8 to 11 minutes.
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Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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Turn off heat under chili, drain macaroni, and add to the pot of chili. Stir until combined, and transfer mixture into a large, deep (15x10-inch) baking dish.
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Mix Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together in a bowl, and transfer about 60% of cheese to top of chili mixture. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix cheese into the casserole.
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Apply remaining cheese evenly over the top, and lightly poke down into the surface with the tip of a spoon.
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Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before serving, topped with green onions.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
452 | Calories |
32g | Fat |
16g | Carbs |
27g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 12 | |
Calories 452 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 32g | 41% |
Saturated Fat 14g | 72% |
Cholesterol 91mg | 30% |
Sodium 987mg | 43% |
Total Carbohydrate 16g | 6% |
Dietary Fiber 3g | 10% |
Total Sugars 5g | |
Protein 27g | 53% |
Vitamin C 15mg | 17% |
Calcium 332mg | 26% |
Iron 4mg | 20% |
Potassium 564mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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