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 something comforting yet packed with flavor and nutrition, you have to try this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s seriously one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—creamy, hearty, slightly spicy, and downright satisfying. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I needed a quick weeknight dinner that everyone would love, and let me tell you, it’s been a family favorite ever since. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Keep reading—I’ll walk you through all the tasty details so you can nail this at home effortlessly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together, saving you time and dishes to wash later.
Balanced Nutrition: Lean ground turkey adds protein without extra grease, and beans bring fiber and texture.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The mild chili spices give just enough kick without overwhelming anyone in the family.
Comfort Food Upgrade: It’s mac and cheese, but with a hearty chili twist that makes it so much more exciting.

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, comfort food recipes, easy weeknight dinners, one-pot family dinners, hearty pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe, you’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Choosing good quality pasta and fresh spices will make your meal even better—trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way!

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, comfort food recipes, easy weeknight dinners, one-pot family dinners, hearty pasta dishes

Ground Turkey: I like using lean ground turkey for a light yet filling protein that keeps this dish healthy.
Onion: A medium onion finely diced adds natural sweetness and depth to the base flavor.
Chili Powder: This brings warmth and the classic chili flavor—adjust to taste depending on your spice love.
Salt: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Minced Garlic: Adds a nice savory kick that combines perfectly with onion and chili powder.
Kidney Beans: I always rinse mine well—they add creaminess and heartiness to the chili.
Tomato Sauce: This provides a rich, tangy base that ties everything together.
Vegetable or Poultry Broth: Low sodium works best here so you can control the saltiness as it cooks.
Whole Grain Macaroni: Using whole grain gives a nice nutty flavor and adds fiber; don’t skip this if you can help it.
Milk: Just a splash needed to make the cheese sauce creamy and smooth.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that perfect melty, cheesy finish everyone loves.

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

This recipe is so adaptable! I often tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or who’s coming to dinner. Don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Spice It Up: When I’m craving a bit more heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño—just enough to give it a kick without stealing the show.
Meat Swap: Sometimes I use ground chicken or even lean ground beef if I want a different flavor profile.
Veggie Boost: Throw in diced bell peppers or corn for some extra color and nutrition.
Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy but allergy-friendly.

How to Make Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey and Build Flavor

Start with a large skillet over medium-high heat—you might want to add a tiny bit of oil if your turkey is very lean to prevent sticking. Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Once it’s mostly cooked through, toss in the diced onion, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and the spices bloom. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for that rich, savory flavor you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Simmer Your Chili Base

Next, stir in the kidney beans (be sure you’ve rinsed them well), tomato sauce, and broth. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer. This is where the chili magic happens—letting those ingredients mingle together for a few minutes helps deepen the flavors before you add your pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni in the Chili Sauce

Now, add the dry whole grain macaroni straight into the skillet. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then cover and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes—stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite. This one-pot pasta trick saves you from dirtying another pot and helps the noodles soak up all those chili-seasoned juices.

Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess

When your macaroni is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts into a silky sauce that hugs every noodle and chunk of turkey. If you like, reserve a little cheese to sprinkle on top before serving for a pretty finish. This step makes the difference between good and unforgettable chili mac and cheese.

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Rush Browning: Take your time to brown the turkey well—it adds so much savory depth, and that little bit of caramelization is worth the extra minute or two.
Rinse Your Beans: If you don’t rinse canned beans thoroughly, they can add a bit of unwanted saltiness and that canned flavor; rinsing makes your chili taste fresher.
Stir Often While Simmering: Pasta can clump or stick quickly in one-pot dishes, so keep an eye on it and stir regularly to avoid mushy spots or sticking.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharpness in your cheese cuts through the richness and balances the chili spices perfectly—don’t just grab any cheddar, aim for good quality.

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, comfort food recipes, easy weeknight dinners, one-pot family dinners, hearty pasta dishes

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a little chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced avocado also adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the chili spices. Sometimes, I even add a few tortilla chips on the side for some crunch and that fun Tex-Mex vibe.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Cornbread or garlic bread also pairs beautifully if you want something a little heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I like serving this in small cast-iron skillets right at the table—it keeps it warm and feels extra cozy. You can also bake it in a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese and broiling for a few minutes to get a golden crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I always let it cool completely before sealing it to avoid excess moisture making the pasta mushy.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works, but I’ve found it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing so it doesn’t turn too soft when reheated. Freeze in portion-sized containers for quick future meals.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While whole grain macaroni works well and adds great texture, you can swap in elbow macaroni, penne, or even shells. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller or larger pasta shapes may need a little less or more time to get tender.
Is ground turkey the best meat to use?

Ground turkey is great for a leaner, healthy option with a mild flavor that absorbs the chili spices well. However, ground chicken, beef, or even turkey sausage could work—just adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey and increase the beans or add other plant-based protein sources like lentils or textured vegetable protein. You might also want to use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese alternative.
How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking during cooking?

Stir frequently while simmering to keep the pasta separated and prevent sticking. Using enough broth is important so the noodles can cook evenly and absorb the flavors without drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect balance of fast, healthy, and downright comforting. I know you’ll enjoy how easy it is to throw together on any busy night and how every bite feels like a warm hug. Give it a try—you might just find a new go-to meal that your whole family goes crazy for, just like mine did!