Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese (Printable)
A hearty, comforting dish combining lean ground turkey, zesty chili flavors, and creamy macaroni and cheese for any meal.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pantry Staples
05 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
→ Dairy
10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Spices and Seasonings
12 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, drizzle a small amount of oil and heat over medium flame. Add the ground turkey and cook until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon for approximately 5 minutes.
02 - In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they have softened, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired for added heat). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
04 - Incorporate the tomato paste, undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering mixture. Stir well, then cover the pot and continue to simmer on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until the pasta is tender, typically 10 to 12 minutes.
06 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
07 - Taste the chili mac and cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh chopped cilantro.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup a breeze, which is always a win in my book.
- You get all the hearty, spicy goodness of chili perfectly balanced with the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese.
02 -
- Overcooking the pasta in a one-pot dish like this can turn it mushy, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adding the cheese and milk after the pasta is cooked and the heat is reduced prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
03 -
- Don't be afraid to really brown your ground turkey; those flavorful caramelized bits add a ton of depth to the chili base.
- Taste the chili before adding the cheese and milk; this is your chance to adjust the salt and spices perfectly for the best final flavor.