This Chili Dog Mac And Cheese recipe is a quick 30 minute casserole that’s always a hit, even with the pickiest eaters. This semi homemade meal infuses Velveeta shells and cheese with all the classic flavors of the best chili cheese dog, making it a delicious option for busy nights.
When you have a bunch of kids who all need to be somewhere different on a school night, a quick dinner recipe is a must.
While I don’t want to go out and get fast food, I don’t really have time to whip up a meal from scratch either, but I do have time for a semi homemade dinner.
This chili dog mac and cheese is an easy way to spruce up boxed mac and cheese and turn it into something hearty that’s also still picky eater approved in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed
This easy dinner only requires a handful of common ingredients.
To make it, you’ll need:
- Mac & Cheese – One 12 oz box of shells and cheese. I recommend the Velveeta brand, but you could use another if you have a preference- just make sure it’s a version that uses cheese sauce and not cheese powder.
- Hot Dogs – You can use any variety hot dog you like, 7-8 of them, and cooked according to your favorite method- thinly sliced into coins or roughly chopped.
- Chili – A can of regular no beans chili, but you could also use your favorite hot dog chili.
- Chili Starter – One can of Bush’s magic chili starter, well drained and just lightly rinsed.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese, any brand.
- Garnish – We like to top this like we would a chili cheese dog, with diced white onion and sliced jalapenos.
Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients you’re ready to get cooking.
How To Make
Making this chili dog mac and cheese is quick and super easy.
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, then return to the pot, and finally stir in the cheese sauce until completely combined.
Add the hot dogs, chili, starter, 3/4 of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot with the pasta. Stir together until everything’s evenly incorporated.
Liberally spray a 2 quart casserole dish with non stick spray. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to it, and spread it out in an even layer.
Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly out overtop of the casserole.
Bake at 350F, just until the pasta’s hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted on top, about 15-20 minutes.
Spoon into bowls, and serve topped with a garnish of diced white onion and sliced jalapenos- if desired, and enjoy!
How Do You Store Leftover Velveeta Mac And Cheese?
Leftover Velveeta mac and cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to eat, you can microwave it or reheat it in a pot on the stove.
What Is Chili Starter?
Specifically Bush’s chili magic chili starter is canned pinto beans in savory sauce with a traditional blend of chili seasonings.
It’s the perfect base to infuse a dish with great chili flavor.
Make It A Meal
I try not to serve this as a standalone meal since it doesn’t have any veggies and is carb heavy.
A quick side salad or some canned green beans turn this into a complete dinner.
TIPS & TRICKS
- Not all chili starters are the same, and this recipe was made using the brand Bush’s. It can be found in the grocery store near the canned beans and baked beans.
- Make sure you’re using a variety of boxed mac and cheese that comes with cheese sauce and not powdered cheese.
- Use whatever hot dogs your family loves, cooked according to your preferred method. This is a great way to use up leftover grilled or boiled hot dogs too.
Recipes Using Leftover Hot Dogs
What kid doesn’t love a meal that begins with a box of mac and cheese?!
Chili cheese dog casserole is a delicious, kid friendly 30 minute dinner that’s perfect when you’re short on time.
Looking for other recipes using leftover hot dogs?
Try these:
- Hot Dog Fried Rice
- Walking Chili Dogs
- Hot Dog Taquitos
- Firehouse Mac & Cheese
- Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
If you’ve tried this CHILI DOG MAC AND CHEESE, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Chili Dog Mac & Cheese (From A Box)
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz box Velveeta shells & cheese
- 7-8 hotdogs cooked and sliced into coins
- 1 15 oz can no bean chili
- 1 15.5 oz can chili starter drained & lightly rinsed
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- diced white onion for garnish
- pickled jalapenos for garnish
Instructions
- Cook and prepare the pasta according to package directions.1 12 oz box Velveeta shells & cheese
- Once drained and the cheese sauce has been stirred in add the hot dogs, chili, starter, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until evenly combined.7-8 hotdogs, 1 15 oz can no bean chili, 1 15.5 oz can chili starter, 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Lightly spray a 2 quart baking dish with non stick cooking spray, then transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the dish. Spread out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly out overtop.
- Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes, just until hot & bubbly and the cheese on top has melted.
- Serve warm, with optional garnishes, & enjoy!diced white onion, pickled jalapenos
Notes
- Not all chili starters are the same, and this recipe was made using the brand Bush's. It can be found in the grocery store near the canned beans and baked beans.
- Make sure you're using a variety of boxed mac and cheese that comes with cheese sauce and not powdered cheese.
- Use whatever hot dogs your family loves, cooked according to your preferred method. This is a great way to use up leftover grilled or boiled hot dogs too.
Nutrition
I made this. It was really good. I added some nacho cheese and half a jar of salsa.
I used a leftover frozen container of my homemade chili and Great Value Brand Shells & Cheese (with the Sauce). Also used Cheese Dogs because they are my husband’s favorite. Topped it with a little diced Red Onion and Jalapeños then a blanket of Pepper Jack Cheese before baking. So easy & good!