Southwest Chili Dog Mac & Cheese Bake
A cozy, flavor-packed bake combining chili dogs, creamy mac & cheese, and a kick of southwest spice.
Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
2 cups mini beef franks
1 (15 oz) can chunky beef chili (no beans)
1/2 cup diced green chiles (mild or hot)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing baking dish)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 (or similar) baking dish.
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente; drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
Stir in canned chili, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Add cooked macaroni and mini franks to the skillet, stirring until evenly coated.
Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
