If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that brings together the best of comfort food and a little kick of spice, you’re going to adore this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish blends tender ground turkey, hearty beans, and cheesy pasta into one satisfying pot—perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but still feels homemade and special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: You only need one pan, so cleanup is a breeze—something I’m all about after long days.
- Balanced Nutrition: Lean turkey, beans, and whole grain pasta make this hearty without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Builds Flavor Easily: Simple spices like chili powder and garlic pack a punch without complicated prep.
- Family Favorite: My kids and friends always ask me to make this—it’s a crowd-pleaser that hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a part in building flavor and texture, from creamy cheese to tender pasta and smoky turkey chili notes. When you shop, look for fresh onions and high-quality broth to boost the taste even more.
- Ground turkey: I prefer lean turkey but if yours is very lean, add a little oil to keep things moist.
- Medium onion: Finely diced so it melts into the sauce without chunks that distract from the creamy pasta.
- Chili powder: This gives the chili its warmth—start with the measured amount, then adjust to your heat preference.
- Salt: Always taste as you go to avoid over-salting, especially since broth and cheese can add saltiness.
- Minced garlic: Fresh is best here—it adds depth and aroma that’s subtle but essential.
- Canned kidney beans: Rinsed well to remove extra sodium and add a creamy, meaty texture.
- Tomato sauce: Make sure it’s plain tomato sauce (not spiced) so your chili flavor stays balanced.
- Low sodium vegetable or poultry broth: This forms the cooking liquid for the pasta and infuses extra savory flavor.
- Whole grain macaroni (dry): Whole grain adds fiber without sacrificing chewiness and holds up well simmered in the sauce.
- Milk: Adds creaminess when stirred in near the end, helping the cheese melt smoothly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works—your call! I like a sharp cheddar for more tang.
Variations
I love tweaking this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe depending on what I have at home or who’s eating. It’s super flexible—feel free to make it yours!
- Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for more heat, especially when my husband is around.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the turkey for extra beans and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth to keep it hearty without meat.
- Cheese swap: If you want something creamier, try mixing in some Monterey Jack or even a dollop of cream cheese.
- Seasonal veggies: Stir in some diced bell peppers or corn for added color and sweetness.
How to Make Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the turkey and build the flavors
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your ground turkey is very lean, add a splash of oil so it doesn’t stick or dry out. Add the turkey and break it apart as it cooks, browning it until no longer pink—this usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Then toss in the finely diced onion, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and you get that wonderful chili aroma filling your kitchen. This step is key to layering flavor that carries through the whole dish.
Step 2: Simmer your sauce and add beans and broth
Once the turkey and aromatics are ready, stir in the rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, and your chosen broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. At this point, the sauce is starting to thicken and get that rich base flavor—perfect comfort food vibes already!
Step 3: Cook the macaroni right in the sauce
Stir in the dry whole grain macaroni, then return to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. You want to let the pasta cook in the flavorful liquid for about 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Watch the pasta closely here — you want it tender but still with a slight bite. This part took me a couple tries to nail down, but once you get the timing right on your stove, it’s foolproof!
Step 4: Stir in milk and cheese for final creamy magic
When the pasta is just right, remove the lid and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Save a little cheese if you want to sprinkle some on top before serving. The milk helps the cheese melt into a velvety sauce that embraces every bite. Give it a final stir and then serve piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Onion Soften Phase: Letting the onion get tender before adding liquids deepens the flavor and ensures you don’t get raw onion bites.
- Stir Often While Simmering Pasta: This keeps the macaroni from sticking and prevents uneven cooking—something I learned the hard way.
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Sharp cheddar adds brightness, but mixing in a bit of mozzarella can give a great melt and stretch.
- Adjust Thickness Last: If your mac and cheese seems too thick after resting, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it gently.
How to Serve Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice also brightens things up wonderfully. My family goes crazy for a little crushed tortilla chips on top for some crunch.
Side Dishes
Since this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is quite filling on its own, I prefer light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Garlic bread is also a winner if you want to go all-in on comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or casual parties, I like serving this in mini cast-iron skillets or even inside hollowed-out bell peppers to make it feel a little festive and fun. It’s always a conversation starter when it’s presented a bit differently!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese stays great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool completely before sealing it, which keeps the cheese sauce creamy and the pasta from getting mushy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe successfully a couple of times—just portion it out and freeze in meal-sized containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor best.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess. The microwave works too, but I find slow reheating keeps that silky cheese sauce intact.
FAQs
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Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work well if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful that it might release more fat, so you might want to adjust how much oil or liquid you add during cooking.
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Is it okay to substitute the kidney beans with black beans?
Yes, black beans make a great substitute and add their own unique flavor and texture. Just rinse them well like the kidney beans before adding to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
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How do I make this recipe spicier without overpowering it?
Try adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh chili peppers during the onion and spice step. You can always add more gradually while cooking to suit your heat tolerance without overwhelming the dish.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the turkey for extra beans or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Replace cheddar cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly twist.
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What’s the best way to avoid mushy pasta in this one-pot dish?
Keep a close eye on the pasta and taste it around 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Removing the lid toward the end lets some moisture escape, helping the pasta finish cooking without getting mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals because it balances cheesy richness with hearty, healthy ingredients all in one pot. It’s incredibly adaptable, and honestly, every time I make it, people ask for seconds. If you’re looking for a warm, filling dinner that feels both indulgent and nourishing, you have to try this—it’s like a big cozy hug on a plate, and that’s why I keep coming back to it.
Print
Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and whole grain macaroni in a spicy tomato sauce, all enriched with creamy cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner ready in 30 minutes or less, this dish balances protein and fiber with a satisfying cheesy finish.
Ingredients
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, heat over medium-high and lightly grease if needed. Add ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Sauté aromatics and spices: Add the finely diced onion, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and spices are fragrant.
- Add beans and liquids: Stir in rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the macaroni: Stir in the dry whole grain macaroni. Return to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with milk and cheese: Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Optionally, reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and nutritious one-pot meal ready in about 30 minutes.
- Use low sodium broth and tomato sauce to better control salt levels.
- Stir often during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the skillet.
- For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Step-by-step recipe video is available to guide preparation.
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
