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We’re bringing childhood back, with this easy Turkey Chili Mac & Cheese. Lightened-up with turkey vs beef, and made in one pan – this one is a family favorite!
Ever eat this as a kid? I didn’t, but I didn’t grow up in the US. It’s freaking delicious though, and I’m making up for my lacking childhood (sorry Mum) by making this for my family.
My husband loved this as a kid, so now we’re making it for our family!
With a 30 minute start to finish, this is perfect for a weeknight. However, I typically make this ahead because the flavors are even better the next day. PLUS, it’s all made in ONE SKILLET – which is awesome for those of you that have to do the dishes.
Not everyone agrees with me that beans belong in chili, but I think they add a fabulous protein boost! It uses ground turkey, which is lower in fat than ground beef. Feel free to leave out the beans, or use ground beef instead of turkey – I won’t be mad at you!
If you’re into one pot meals, you’ll love my Skillet Mac & Cheese as well as this delicious Ham Tetrazzini.
Why this recipe works:
This Chili Mac Recip has super simple ingredients, nothing fancy. You probably already have everything hanging out in your pantry/fridge already!
This is a great recipe to substitute items in or out, you really can make this your own. Keep the pasta and liquid ratios the same, and make it however you like!
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
Additions/Substitutions
- Sub in lean ground beef for the turkey
- Change up the beans. I like black beans, kidney beans or cannellini beans in this. You can always leave them out if you’re not a fan of beans.
- There’s always room for more garlic. Just saying.
- Try using chicken broth or beef broth instead of water.
- Try fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular, for a yummy, smokey hit of flavor.
- Test for seasoning – turkey needs a little more help than ground beef for flavor. I recommend some cayenne or chili flakes for a kick.
- No time for spice measuring? Use taco seasoning!
- Like it extra cheesy? I won’t judge if you double the cheese!
- A little sour cream dolloped on top is awesome.
Ingredients:
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
How to make Chili Mac & Cheese:
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
- In a large pot (or large skillet or dutch oven), heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the turkey.
- Cook the ground turkey until no longer pink.
- Add the onion and red bell peppers, cook until vegetable soften.
- Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin,, salt and pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans and water.
- Gently mix to combine.
- Cover the pan and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is al dente (about 10-15 mins), stirring occasionally.
- Check for seasoning and add more if needed.
- Remove from heat, and fold in the shredded cheese.
- Sprinkle with cilantro.
- Devour.
Some of our favorite Comfort Food Recipes:
- Homemade Hamburger Helper: a VERY popular weeknight dinner. Simple. Homemade. Delicious!
- Tuna Noodle Casserole: Budget-friendly and easy to double for a crowd!
- One Pan Ham & Cheese Pasta: a weeknight winner ready in less than 30 minutes that makes EVERYONE need seconds. Change up the pasta, and the cheese, but make it over and over!
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Chili Mac & Cheese with Turkey
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup red onion diced (about 1 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1 Tbs garlic minced (about 3-4 cloves)
- 1 Tbs prepared chili powder
- 1 Tbs ground cumin
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 14.5oz diced tomatoes canned
- 15 oz kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 4 oz shredded cheese any kind
- 1 Tbs fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink
- Add the onion, bell peppers and cook until vegetable soften.
- Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt and pepper and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the macaroni, diced tomatoes, beans and water.
- Gently mix to combine.
- Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is tender (about 10-15 mins), stirring regularly.
- Check for seasoning and add more if needed.
- Remove from heat, and fold in the shredded cheese.
- Sprinkle with cilantro.
- Devour.
Tips & Notes:
Additions/Substitutions
- Sub in lean ground beef for the turkey
- Change up the beans – I like black beans, kidney beans and even cannellini beans in this – leave them out if you’re not a fan
- There’s always room for more garlic. Just saying.
- Try fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular, for a yummy, smokey hit of flavor.
- Test for seasoning – turkey needs a little more help than ground beef for flavor. I recommend some cayenne or chili flakes for a kick.
- No time for spice measuring? Use taco seasoning!
- Like it extra cheesy? I won’t judge if you double the cheese!
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Update: This was originally posted in February of 2018, and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Caitlin says
I made this tonight and was worried I wouldn’t like it, but I had all the ingredients on hand and wanted to do something different for dinner. It turned out really delicious! Will definitely make it again.
Sophia Franklin says
I have made this recipe about 4 times now and its very very good. its a family favorite!!!
Taylar says
I just finished making this and it is so good! I used vegan meat crumbles by Light Life and you would never know the difference! Also used veggie broth instead of water. One thing that did confuse me though was that the instructions said to add tomato sauce, which wasn’t included in the ingredients… but it still came out great!
Eli@CoachDaddy says
This rises to the top of my to-make list. Just told my youngest. Her reaction: mmm. I dig the idea of switching up the beans and other ingredients. It’s like a different dish every time.
Farida says
Turkey can be expensive here but this sure looks like a very special dish making it a complete meal! Looks very appealing and filling too. I would love to try it soon! 🙂
Anosa Malanga says
Oh this is so nice. I would love to make this and serve to my girlfriends as they will be visiting my house over the weekends. Never tried cumin but hopefully I can make it successfully!
Food and Footprints says
Really like your recipe. Lighter with the turkey and packed with protein from the beans. Cumin is so essential for seasoning the meat – it is one of our absolute favorite spices!
Terri Beavers says
My DIL makes her chili similar to this and it’s divine. I love chili every which way I find recipes for. I’m saving this one for a cold weekend coming up.
Amanda says
We love chili and we love mac and cheese so I bet that my boys would devour this recipe. Looks like a hearty meal, perfect for Spring when my boys are outside and get a good work out.