Recipe 2: Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake

Transform your weeknight routine with this Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake, a hearty casserole brimming with savory beef hot dogs, smoky bacon and melty cheese. Ideal for potlucks or family dinners, it combines pantry staples into a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Inspired by one-pot dinner trends and classic macaroni and cheese, this recipe layers chili, turkey bacon, and shredded cheddar over tender elbow macaroni. For variations, visit our full Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Bake recipe or explore vegetarian swaps on Pinterest.

• Ingredients at a glance

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni

  • 1 Tbsp butter

  • ½ cup each diced onion & green bell pepper

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15 oz) can chili with beans

  • 4 beef hot dogs, sliced

  • 4 slices turkey bacon, crumbled

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ¼ cup sliced green onions

  • Smoked paprika, salt & pepper

• Quick assembly

  1. Cook pasta al dente; drain.

  2. Sauté onion, pepper & garlic in butter until soft.

  3. Stir in chili, hot dogs, bacon, paprika, salt & pepper.

  4. Fold in pasta; transfer half to a greased dish.

  5. Sprinkle half the cheese, top with remaining pasta & cheese.

  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra green onions. Serve with crisp coleslaw or a mixed green salad to balance the richness and add color.

Recipe 3: Tex-Mex Chili Cheese Dog Shells Bake

Elevate your casserole game by swapping elbow macaroni for large pasta shells in this Tex-Mex Chili Cheese Dog Shells Bake. Each shell cradles a bite of zesty chili, juicy hot dogs and gooey cheese, while a crunchy tortilla-chip topping adds irresistible texture.

Drawing on creative pasta bake ideas and traditional pasta bake techniques, this variant incorporates Mexican flavors and colorful veggies. Try our full shell-based recipe at [/recipes/tex-mex-chili-cheese-dog-shells-bake].

• Key ingredients

  • 12 oz large pasta shells

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ cup diced red bell pepper

  • 1 cup homemade or canned spicy chili

  • 4 beef hot dogs, chopped

  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

  • Cilantro & lime wedges for garnish

• Assembly steps

  1. Boil shells to al dente and drain.

  2. Sauté pepper in oil; stir in chili and hot dogs.

  3. Mix shells with chili-dog filling; transfer to a baking dish.

  4. Top with pepper jack and tortilla chips.

  5. Bake at 375°F until cheese bubbles and chips crisp (12–15 minutes).

Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Pair with guacamole or pico de gallo for an added Tex-Mex twist.

Recipe 4: One-Pot Chili Cheese Hot Dog Rigatoni

Simplify cleanup with this One-Pot Chili Cheese Hot Dog Rigatoni. All ingredients cook in a single skillet—no draining required—making it perfect for busy evenings. Rigatoni’s ridges trap every bit of cheesy chili sauce, while hot dogs provide meaty satisfaction.

Inspired by easy one-pot dinners and classic chili casseroles, this recipe is a weeknight hero. Find the full write-up at [/recipes/one-pot-chili-cheese-hot-dog-rigatoni].

• Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni

  • 1 Tbsp oil, ½ cup diced onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

  • 1 (15 oz) can chili

  • 4 hot dogs, sliced

  • 1 cup shredded Colby cheese

  • Salt, pepper & smoked paprika

• Cooking method

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until translucent.

  2. Add rigatoni, broth, chili and hot dogs; bring to a simmer.

  3. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

  4. Stir in Colby cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve garnished with extra paprika and chopped green onions. This one-pot meal saves time without skimping on flavor.

Recipe 5: Veggie-Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Casserole

Sneak extra nutrients into a beloved favorite with this Veggie-Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Casserole. Packed with bell peppers, corn and black beans, it combines wholesome veggies with savory hot dogs and cheese for a complete family meal.

Adaptable for vegetarian diets by swapping hot dogs for plant-based sausages and using dairy-free cheese shreds. View the full recipe at [/recipes/veggie-loaded-chili-cheese-dog-pasta-casserole].

• Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne or rotini

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ cup each diced bell peppers & corn

  • 1 cup black beans, drained

  • 1 (15 oz) can chili

  • 4 turkey hot dogs, sliced

  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack or vegan cheese

• Steps

  1. Cook pasta; drain and set aside.

  2. Sauté peppers and corn in oil, add beans, chili and hot dogs.

  3. Stir in pasta and transfer to a baking dish.

  4. Top with cheese; bake at 375°F until bubbly (12–15 minutes).

Garnish with parsley or jalapeño slices. Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To complement these hearty casseroles, try:

• Crisp sides: coleslaw, mixed green salad, dill pickles

• Beverage pairings: craft lagers, iced tea, cola

• Toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh herbs

Ideal for potlucks—serve family-style in large dishes—or as a quick weeknight dinner that reheats beautifully.

Tips, Variations & Troubleshooting

• Avoid a watery bake: drain pasta well and use thicker chili or a spoonful of tomato paste.

• Perfect cheese pull: let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Spice levels: adjust with chili powder, cayenne or switch to mild chili for kids.

• Protein swaps: use shredded chicken, turkey sausage or plant-based hot dogs for variety.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare these bakes ahead of time?
   Yes—assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly from cold, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.

2. What’s the best way to reheat without drying out?
   Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

3. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Substitute gluten-free pasta shapes and ensure your chili and hot dogs are certified GF.

4. Can I freeze a pasta bake with hot dogs?
   Absolutely. Freeze fully cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. What are good vegetarian swaps?
   Use plant-based hot dog slices, vegan chili or pureed beans, and dairy-free cheese to create a meat- and dairy-free version.

5 Creative Pasta Bake Recipes Featuring Chili Cheese Dogs

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• Author: Elina

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Description

This Beef Hot Dog Macaroni Bake with Chili Cheese is a quick-to-assemble, family-friendly casserole that unites tender elbow macaroni, flavorful beef hot dogs and rich, cheesy chili in every bite. Baked until bubbly, it delivers nostalgic comfort-food vibes with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can chili with beans
• 4 beef hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ cup sliced green onions, plus extra for garnish
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

• • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
  • Add garlic and smoked paprika, stirring until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chili with beans, sliced hot dogs, crumbled turkey bacon, salt, and pepper.
  • Fold the cooked pasta into the chili mixture until evenly coated.
  • Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared dish and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
  • Top with the remaining pasta, then evenly layer the rest of the cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
  • Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15–18 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and extra green onions.
  • Serve warm.

   

Notes

• Make-ahead: Assemble the night before; bake when ready.

• Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat covered to maintain moisture.

• Customization: Swap in turkey or plant-based hot dogs, try pepper jack for spice, or add diced jalapeños.

• Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions; serve alongside a crisp salad or steamed veggies for balance.