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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
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, tomato sauce, 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.
