Description
This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, hearty kidney beans, and whole grain macaroni in a flavorful chili-spiced tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick family dinner with balanced protein, fiber, and a satisfying cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein 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 Sauce
- 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, lightly grease if the turkey is very lean, then brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Add the finely diced onion, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Beans and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the dry whole grain macaroni, returning to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a little cheese if you prefer to sprinkle on top before serving. Allow the cheese to melt fully, then serve warm.
Notes
- This one-pot dish is a hearty and healthy meal option ready in 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Use whole grain macaroni for added fiber and nutrients.
- For an extra cheesy topping, reserve some shredded cheddar to sprinkle on top before serving.
- Feel free to swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- Make sure to stir frequently when simmering pasta in the sauce to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom.
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
