4.6 from 72 votes
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!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 418 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 cup red onion diced (about 1 medium onion)
- 1/2 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 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- 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 Information
Calories
418kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
50g
(17%)
Protein
34g
(68%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
57mg
(19%)
Sodium
390mg
(16%)
Potassium
723mg
(21%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
1042IU
(21%)
Vitamin C
19mg
(21%)
Calcium
150mg
(15%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 418
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 418kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 390mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 723mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1042IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 150mg | 15% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.