If you are craving something ridiculously comforting and delightfully nostalgic, look no further than this Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe. It’s like all your favorite childhood flavors collided in one big, cheesy, meaty bowl of happiness. Imagine savory ground beef simmered with a perfect blend of chili spices, juicy rounds of hot dog, tender pasta to soak up every delicious drop, and a gooey crown of cheddar cheese—you’ll be grinning with every bite. This recipe makes a crowd-pleaser weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends and family that’s just bursting with flavor and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple, yet every single one plays an essential role in building the iconic flavors and textures you expect from this Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe. From the hearty pasta to the spices and cheesy goodness, each item adds its own magic.
- 12 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini): The ideal base to hold that luscious chili cheese sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds just the right amount of richness to sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Delivers a subtle sweetness and adds depth to the chili sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with unmistakable warmth and savoriness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The robust protein that makes this meal hearty and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Brings that signature chili spice kick that awakens your taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky undertone to keep flavor complexity high.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Delivers earthiness and enhances the chili vibe throughout.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and elevates all the combined flavors beautifully.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: the rich tomato base that ties everything together with a tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for perfect clinginess.
- ¾ cup beef broth or water: Keeps the sauce silky and just the right consistency.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang reminiscent of classic chili cheese dogs.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: A hint of sweetness that rounds out the sauce with nostalgic flair.
- 6 hot dogs, sliced into rounds: The star ingredient that brings that authentic chili cheese dog feel.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Gooey, melty, and oh-so satisfying cheese to top it all off.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Fresh, crisp, and adds a nice pop of color and mild onion bite.
- Optional: pickled jalapeños or sour cream: Perfect for folks who like to add some heat or creaminess.
How to Make Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—just firm enough to hold texture but tender enough to soak up flavors. Once cooked, drain and set aside so it’s ready to mingle with the rest of our chili cheese dog goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
Warm up your olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and sweet. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, releasing those intoxicating aromas. Add the ground beef next, breaking it up with your spoon, cooking until it’s nicely browned all over. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and drain it to keep your pasta from being too oily.
Step 3: Build the Chili Sauce
Now comes the fun part—layering on the flavors. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to season that beef beautifully. Pour in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth (or water). Add the mustard and ketchup for that authentic chili cheese dog taste. Stir everything well and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes so it thickens slightly and flavors meld perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Hot Dogs
Slice your hot dogs into rounds and add them to the chili sauce. Let them cook for another 5 minutes so they warm through and absorb some of the rich sauce. This step is what transforms your classic chili into that unmistakable loaded chili cheese dog pasta flavor you crave.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Finally, stir in the cooked pasta until every piece is coated with that luscious chili cheese dog sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, cover your pan, and let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible topping that will have you swooning.
How to Serve Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference. Scatter sliced green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and color contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some pickled jalapeños for that tangy heat or a dollop of sour cream to balance out the spice and richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite the showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or crunchy coleslaw adds refreshing texture and balance. Garlic bread or buttery corn on the cob also complement the hearty pasta perfectly, making your meal completely satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve the entire skillet at the table and let everyone scoop their own generous portions. Or go fancy with individual ramekins topped with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkling of extra cheddar cheese. You could even turn it into a loaded pasta bake by transferring the mixture to a casserole dish, topping with cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, and it’s just as comforting reheated when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to save this crowd-pleaser for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it looks dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore that perfect saucy consistency and warm until heated through and the cheese is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow, penne, or rotini work best because they hold sauce well, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just cook it al dente to avoid it becoming mushy once mixed in.
What can I substitute for the hot dogs?
You can swap hot dogs for turkey or veggie dogs depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just slice and cook as called for. Each adds a slightly different flavor but still keeps that loaded chili cheese dog vibe.
How spicy is the Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to chili powder and smoked paprika. You can easily adjust by adding cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños to kick up the heat if you’re craving more oomph.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or hearty beans and swap hot dogs for vegetarian-friendly versions. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so! Kids tend to love the familiar flavors of hot dogs, cheese, and pasta combined, and they’ll likely enjoy the subtle chili flavor without it being too spicy. Just hold back on optional spicy garnishes for younger palates.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe is a heartwarming meal that brings a smile to the table every single time. It’s a perfect mix of comfort food nostalgia and bold, delicious flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your cherished go-to dinners for busy nights or anytime you want a big bowl of cozy happiness.
Print
Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pasta is a comforting and flavorful American main dish that combines pasta with a spicy chili-flavored ground beef and hot dog mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy weeknight dinner is kid-friendly and perfect for those craving a cheesy, hearty meal with a fun twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 6 hot dogs, sliced into rounds
Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: pickled jalapeños or sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to reduce fat content.
- Season and build the sauce: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth or water, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add hot dogs: Incorporate the sliced hot dogs into the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir in the cooked pasta until it is fully coated with the chili cheese hot dog sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the pan and let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta warm, garnishing with sliced green onions. Add optional pickled jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream if desired for extra kick and creaminess.
Notes
- You can use your favorite brand of hot dogs or substitute with turkey or veggie dogs for different dietary preferences.
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- This dish reheats well and can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep.
