Chili Dog Mac 'n' Cheese
Honestly, I can’t fully explain why I decided to create this chili dog mac and cheese mashup. It’s that time of year when everyone requests comforting casseroles, but if the goal was to make something that truly tasted like chili dogs and mac and cheese combined, I didn’t quite hit the mark. However, if the aim was to craft a delicious, cozy casserole, then mission accomplished! And since this dish is pretty massive, it’s perfect for sharing with friends.
While I enjoyed eating it, I was puzzled by how it didn’t really taste like either chili dogs or mac and cheese. The lack of a creamy sauce was probably a factor, but I thought if I added enough cheese, it would still work. Texture-wise, I nailed it, but the flavors didn’t quite meld the way I’d envisioned. In the end, it wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I think I made something that’s a little like an American goulash with hot dogs, and I hope you’ll give it a try soon. Enjoy!
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Ingredients List
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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)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula for about 2 minutes. Add the onions and salt, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is crumbled and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers, sliced hot dogs, crushed tomatoes, and water. Mix everything together, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and it reaches your desired consistency, at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
While the chili is nearly done, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in the macaroni and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute less than the package directions, until it's firm to the bite but not quite tender, about 8 to 11 minutes.
In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chili from heat, drain the macaroni, and stir it into the chili. Mix everything together, then transfer the combined mixture into a large, deep (15x10-inch) baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then sprinkle about 60% of the cheese over the chili mixture. Use a spoon to stir the cheese thoroughly into the casserole.
Evenly distribute the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole, then gently press it down into the surface using the tip of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving, garnished with green onions.
Chef John’s Kitchen
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| 452 | Calories |
| 32g | Fat |
| 16g | Carbs |
| 27g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| 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.
Evaluation :
5/5