Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese (Printable)
A comforting fusion of zesty turkey chili and creamy macaroni, ready in 45 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
06 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Pasta
08 - 12 oz elbow macaroni
→ Dairy
09 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup milk
→ Pantry & Spices
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tbsp olive oil
13 - 1 tbsp chili powder
14 - 1 tsp ground cumin
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - ½ tsp dried oregano
17 - ½ tsp salt
18 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Toppings (optional)
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Fresh cilantro
21 - Sour cream
# How to Make It:
01 - Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast spices and release their oils.
06 - Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to deepen flavor and caramelize slightly.
07 - Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney beans, and black beans. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
08 - Reduce heat to low. Add cooked macaroni, milk, and 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy and evenly distributed.
09 - Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
10 - Serve immediately while hot. Offer optional toppings including sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sour cream on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Two comfort foods collide in one bowl without feeling heavy or overly rich
- The beans and turkey make it substantial enough that people go back for seconds but still feel good afterward
02 -
- The cheese will firm up as it cools, so if youre reheating leftovers, splash in a little extra milk
- This recipe actually tastes better the next day when the spices have had time to settle
03 -
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, it melts so much smoother into the sauce
- Let the spice mixture cook for that full minute in the meat, it makes a huge difference in depth