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
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, 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
