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Chili Mac & Cheese with Turkey

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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!

Chili Mac in a blue skillet with a spoon ful showing texture

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!

chili mac in a white bowl

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.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
An easy homemade taco seasoning blend, ready to use in anything you can dream up! Make a batch and keep it on hand for taco Tuesday!
Check it out!
taco seasoning in a glass jar with a spoon

Ingredients:

Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!

turkey chili mac ingredients laid out and labeled

How to make Chili Mac & Cheese:

Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!

  1. In a large pot (or large skillet or dutch oven), heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the turkey.
  2. Cook the ground turkey until no longer pink.
  3. Add the onion and red bell peppers, cook until vegetable soften.
  4. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin,, salt and pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.
  5. Add the macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans and water.
  6. Gently mix to combine.
  7. 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.
  8. Check for seasoning and add more if needed.
  9. Remove from heat, and fold in the shredded cheese.
  10. Sprinkle with cilantro.
  11. Devour.
how to make chili mac in step by step pictures

Some of our favorite Comfort Food Recipes:

Turkey Chili Mac & Cheese in a blue skillet

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4.55 from 24 votes
Chili Mac in a blue skillet with a spoon ful showing texture

Chili Mac & Cheese with Turkey

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!

Suggested Equipment

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total : 25 minutes
yield: 6 servings

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

Calories: 418kcal (21%) Carbohydrates: 50g (17%) Protein: 34g (68%) Fat: 9g (14%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Cholesterol: 57mg (19%) Sodium: 390mg (17%) Potassium: 723mg (21%) Fiber: 8g (33%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 1042IU (21%) Vitamin C: 19mg (23%) Calcium: 150mg (15%) Iron: 4mg (22%)
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.

Author: Kylee Cooks
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:American
Did You Make This?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on social @kyleecooks and hashtag #kyleecooks for a chance to be featured!

Update: This was originally posted in February of 2018, and has been updated to improve reader experience.

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About Kylee

I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Read More

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Comments

  1. Emma T says

    This sounds delicious. Unfortunately I love beans but my OH won’t eat them, and while I fancy the turkey mince, he’d want beef. But I reckon I might try it anyway and see if my son will eat it.

    Reply

  5. Tomi C says

    Sometimes I like bean in my chili and other times notsomuch but they really are a great addition if you’re looking to make a dish more filling.

    Reply

  6. Kristine Nicole Alessandra says

    Yum! Comfort food at its finest! This will definitely be on our menu plan next week. I will have to leave out the beans though. I am the only one in my family that loves beans, so since I am the minority, I’d have to leave those yummy little things out. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply

  7. Emily says

    This is a great meal option. I like that is is made in a skillet so it is quick and easy to make during the week for dinner. Leftovers of this would be great too for lunch the next day!

    Reply

  9. Alison Rost says

    I love using my skillet for different recipes that’s packed with flavor! This sounds so good and I love the combination of chili and turkey!

    Reply

  10. Leigh says

    Your photography is awesome, Kylee. I love what you have done here, my kids are going to love this recipe. I will have my son make it this weekend for sure. 🙂 I grew up in the US and my mom never served this to us–wonder what region of the country it originated? Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  11. Amber Myers says

    This looks like my kind of meal. I think everyone in the house would like it! And I’m with you, there’s always room for garlic. I put so much of it in my foods!

    Reply

  13. Alli Smith says

    I totally agree that there is always room for more garlic! I did have this growing up, but with beef instead of turkey. I like that you ditched the beef and added turkey. It looks so delicious.

    Reply

  14. valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says

    I love a good one pot recipe, so easy and fewer dishes – you can’t beat that! My husband would love this dish. I do think beans belong in chili, but I don’t think they belong in pasta LOL.

    Reply