Smoky Skillet Chili Cheese Dog Mac
A bold and comforting one-skillet pasta dish that combines smoky chili, crispy hot dogs, and creamy cheese into a crave-worthy mac and cheese upgrade with a chili dog twist.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups beef hot dogs sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 lb smoked ground beef or beef sausage
- 1 can 15 oz smoky chili with beans
- 1½ cups shredded smoked cheddar
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside (don’t rinse).
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Sauté sliced hot dogs for 4–5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
- Push hot dogs aside. Add smoked ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Mix with hot dogs.
- Stir in chili, chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add macaroni to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Top with smoked cheddar. Cover and melt on low heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve straight from the skillet—hot, cheesy, and satisfying.