Chili Mac and Cheese with Turkey
Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is a simple one-pan dinner made with ground turkey, pasta, beans, chili spices, and melted cheddar cheese. Cozy comfort food ready in about 30 minutes!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 418kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 cup red onion diced (about 1 medium onion)
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced (about 3-4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon prepared chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoons cracked pepper
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes 2x14.5oz cans
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 4 ounces shredded cheese any kind
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add 1 pound lean ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Add 1 cup red onion and ½ cup red bell pepper then cook until vegetable soften.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon garlic (minced),1 tablespoon prepared chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), ½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoons cracked pepper and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the 8 ounces macaroni pasta, 29 ounces diced tomatoes, 15 ounces kidney beans, and 2 cups 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 4 ounces shredded cheese.
- Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro.
- Devour.
Notes
- Brown the turkey well. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two so it develops some color before stirring.
- Break the pasta up a bit. If using elbow macaroni, separating it slightly when adding helps it cook evenly in the skillet.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks. This keeps the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Taste before adding the cheese. Adjust salt or spice first, then stir in the cheese so everything is balanced.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The sauce thickens slightly as it rests and the flavors settle.
Nutrition
Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 723mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1042IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 4mg
