Description
This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, aromatic spices, kidney beans, whole grain macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that packs a protein punch and plenty of fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
Beans and Sauces
- 540 ml canned kidney beans, rinsed (19 oz)
- 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce
- 3 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable or poultry broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 3 cups whole grain macaroni, dry (340-375 g)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, lightly grease if needed, then add the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté aromatics and seasonings: Add the finely diced onion, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add beans, tomato sauce, and broth: Stir in the rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, and low sodium broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Cook the macaroni: Stir in the dry whole grain macaroni, bring back to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Finish with milk and cheese: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Optionally, reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe makes a delicious, filling one-pot meal that is ready in 30 minutes or less.
- For lean ground turkey, lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking while browning.
- Stirring often during the simmering stage prevents macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Use low sodium broth and adjust salt as needed for preferred taste and health considerations.
- Reserve some cheese for topping if you want a cheesy crust or extra cheesy finish.
- Step-by-step video available for easy follow along.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 375 grams
- Calories: 662 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1330 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 83 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
