Name: Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 540 ml canned kidney beans, rinsed (19 oz); 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce; 3 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable or poultry broth; 3 cups whole grain macaroni, dry (340-375 g); 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you have to try this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. Honestly, the first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how the flavors all came together so perfectly – and the best part? It’s all in one pot, which means less clean-up for you. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my insider info to make sure your turkey chili mac and cheese turns out just right every single time.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the same skillet, making dinner quick and cleanup a breeze.
Healthy & Hearty: Lean ground turkey and beans pack protein without the heaviness of beef.
Comfort Food Meets Spice: A gentle chili kick combined with cheesy goodness keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Family Favorite: My whole crew goes crazy for this dish on weeknights and weekends alike.

A large white pot filled with cooked elbow macaroni mixed with kidney beans and ground meat in a reddish-orange sauce. The top layer has melted cheese scattered unevenly with some small green herb pieces on it. A wooden spoon with a white and gray handle is partially submerged in the food on the right side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, and a bunch of fresh green parsley is partially shown in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese recipe, comforting turkey pasta, one-pot turkey chili mac, healthy ground turkey dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, wholesome, and easy to find – plus they play so nicely together. I like using whole grain macaroni because it adds a little extra fiber and holds up well during simmering.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground turkey shaped into a neat mound, a medium yellow onion finely diced in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with bright red kidney beans, a small white bowl of vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white bowl containing golden whole grain elbow macaroni, a small white bowl with smooth white milk, a small white bowl holding shredded sharp cheddar cheese in vivid orange-yellow hues, a small white bowl of chili powder in rich deep red, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic with a pale creamy color, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with perfect balance and fresh natural textures, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese recipe, comforting turkey pasta, one-pot turkey chili mac, healthy ground turkey dinner

Ground turkey: Choose lean or extra lean depending on your preference; lightly greasing the pan helps if it’s very lean so it doesn’t dry out.
Onion: Finely diced to melt right into the chili base and add a subtle sweetness.
Chili powder: This is the star spice that gives the chili its signature flavor—feel free to tweak to your heat preference.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; I recommend tasting toward the end and adjusting if needed.
Minced garlic: Adds that irresistible aroma and depth.
Canned kidney beans: Rinsed well to reduce sodium and keep the beans from overpowering the dish.
Tomato sauce: Use a good-quality brand for a rich, smooth base.
Vegetable or poultry broth: Low sodium is best so you can control the seasoning.
Whole grain macaroni: Dry pasta cooks right in the chili mixture—no pre-boiling needed!
Milk: Stirred in at the end for creaminess without heaviness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works wonderfully, but mild is great if you prefer less tang.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your liking. I often switch up ingredients based on what’s in my pantry and what my family is craving.

Spicy Kick: I once added a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic—my husband loved the extra heat!
Veggie Boost: Mixing in diced bell peppers or corn adds a fun crunch and seasonal freshness.
Dairy-Free Swap: Using almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative works well if you’re avoiding dairy.
Beef Instead of Turkey: Although I prefer turkey for lighter meals, ground beef makes it richer if you’re after that classic chili flavor.

How to Make Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the turkey until golden

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey. If your turkey is very lean, a small drizzle of oil before adding the meat prevents it from sticking and drying out. Break the meat up with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink and starting to brown—this extra browning adds so much flavor through caramelization. I like to do this thoroughly because it builds the base for a deeper tasting chili mac and cheese.

Step 2: Sauté onion and seasonings

Next, toss in the finely diced onion, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is key because it allows the spices to bloom and the onions to sweeten, balancing the chili’s heat with natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add beans, tomato sauce, and broth

Time to bring in the kidney beans (make sure to rinse them well), the tomato sauce, and your low sodium broth. Stir everything gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. This blend is where your chili flavor really begins to build, so let those liquids mingle and bubble together for a minute or two before moving on.

Step 4: Stir in macaroni and simmer until tender

After the base is simmering, stir in the dry macaroni pasta. Bring everything back up to a gentle simmer, then cover your skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, patience is your best friend here—you’ll want to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the pasta texture; you want it tender but still holding its shape, which can vary slightly by pasta brand.

Step 5: Stir in milk and cheese for creamy finish

Once your pasta is perfectly tender, remove the lid and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. The milk adds richness without heaviness, and the cheese melts into a luscious sauce that ties the whole dish together. I like to reserve a little cheese to sprinkle on top before serving—it just makes it look extra irresistible!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Use lean turkey but not too dry: I learned the hard way that super lean turkey can dry out—adding a touch of oil at the start prevents that.
Stir often while pasta cooks: This keeps the noodles from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
Reserve some cheese for topping: Sprinkling more cheese on top just before serving gives a nice melty finish that’s so satisfying.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Test a piece a minute or so before timer ends—perfect al dente pasta makes all the difference.

How to Serve Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

The dish shows a single layer of cooked elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy orange sauce, ground meat, and dark red kidney beans, all placed on a round white plate. The macaroni and sauce mix looks thick and slightly glossy, with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. A small amount of melted white cheese sits near the center, blending with the sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork beside it on the right, and in the background, there is a bunch of fresh green leafy herbs and a gray and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese recipe, comforting turkey pasta, one-pot turkey chili mac, healthy ground turkey dinner

Garnishes

I usually top mine with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds a lovely cool contrast to the chili spices. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick—just my way of jazzing it up!

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp mixed green salad or some roasted vegetables to round out your meal. I also love serving it alongside garlic bread or warm cornbread—perfect for soaking up every last cheesy, chili-infused bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve scooped servings into small oven-safe ramekins, topped them with extra cheese, and broiled until golden and bubbly. It feels a bit fancy but still super cozy—plus, everyone gets their own cheesy chili mac pot. It’s a fun twist that’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey chili mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I usually add a splash of milk to loosen it up, since the pasta can soak up the sauce overnight.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to make this ahead for busy nights. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture stays nice and creamy.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a little extra milk or broth. Stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping and to revive that creamy texture. Microwave reheating is fine too—just do it in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef will give this dish a richer flavor and a bit more fat, which some people prefer in classic chili mac. Just be aware it might be heavier, so you might want to reduce or omit any extra oil added during cooking.
Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni before adding it to the chili?

Nope! One of the beauties of this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is that the dry pasta cooks right in the chili mixture. Just be sure to stir frequently during the simmering to keep it from sticking and to cook evenly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still turns out creamy and delicious.
How spicy is this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The chili powder provides a mild to moderate heat level, perfect for warming you up without overwhelming your taste buds. You can always adjust by adding more chili powder or including fresh chili peppers if you want it hotter.

Final Thoughts

I truly love how this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe comes together — it’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it one of my go-to dinners when I want something hearty but fuss-free. You’ll enjoy how the lean turkey pairs with the cozy cheese sauce and that subtle kick of chili powder. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen rotation, just like it did in mine. So grab your skillet and give it a whirl—you’re going to love the warm, cheesy comfort this dish brings!