Turkey Chili Mac Cheese (Print Version)
Hearty mix of lean turkey, spices, beans, and creamy mac and cheese for a fulfilling dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pantry
05 - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
06 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
17 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Dairy
18 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
19 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Garnish (optional)
20 - Chopped cilantro
21 - Sliced green onions
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add lean ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
04 - Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper, coating the turkey and vegetables evenly.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chicken broth, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
07 - Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
08 - Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour and uses mostly pantry staples you probably already have hiding in your cabinets.
- One pot means less cleanup, which honestly feels like winning the dinner lottery on a weeknight.
- The lean turkey keeps it lighter than traditional chili mac, so you don't feel weighed down after eating.
02 -
- Do not let the pasta cook longer than 15 minutes or it will turn mushy and fall apart instead of staying tender with a slight bite.
- If your pot seems too soupy after cooking, it's okay to let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two to reduce the liquid before adding the cheese and milk.
03 -
- Mince your garlic and vegetables ahead of time if you're really pressed for time, and the actual cooking shrinks to about twenty minutes.
- Taste the dish before adding the cheese and milk so you know exactly what you're adjusting, then taste again after the cheese melts to make sure the flavor is balanced and nothing disappeared into the creamy sauce.