Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
268 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese
Description
Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese features lean ground turkey browned with green bell peppers and onions, then simmered with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies to create a flavorful base. Elbow noodles cook directly in the seasoned broth and water mixture, absorbing the spices for a cohesive taste and creamy texture. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is reduced, cream cheese and shredded cheddar are stirred in to add creaminess and a rich cheesy flavor that complements the mild heat from the taco seasoning and chilies.
The dish results in a comforting casserole-style meal with tender pasta and a slightly saucy consistency, making it suitable for casual family dinners. The combination of fresh vegetables and lean turkey adds nutritional balance, while the cheeses ensure a satisfying richness.
For variety, the recipe suggests swapping the ground turkey for beef, chicken, or plant-based alternatives, and it includes options to make the dish gluten-free or dairy-free by choosing suitable ingredients. This flexibility helps cater to dietary preferences without losing the essence of the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey 99% lean
- 1/2 onion diced, medium, (120g
- 1/2 green bell pepper diced, large, (130g
- 1 oz. diced tomatoes canned
- 1 oz. tomato sauce canned
- 1 .5-oz. diced green chilies canned
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 16 oz. elbow noodles dry
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups broth you can use beef, chicken or vegetable broth
- 8- oz. cream cheese cubed, low fat
- 1 cup cheddar cheese low fat shredded Mexican/cheddar, (112g
Instructions
- Place peppers, onions, and ground turkey in a large pot sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cook on medium-high heat until the turkey is browned and the onions are tender.
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, water, and broth. Allow liquid to boil then reduce to low heat.
- Stir in the pasta and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked and liquid has reduced down. Note there should be a little of the liquid left for creamy macaroni and cheese but not a lot. Pasta cooking times will vary. Cook until most (but not all) of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add in the cream cheese and shredded cheese and stir until melted.
Notes
- Use gluten-free noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese can replace dairy versions to accommodate dietary needs.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground beef, chicken, or plant-based meat options depending on preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 268 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/12 of recipe (246g) | |
| Calories | 268kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 20.8g | 42% |
| Fat | 5.4g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Fiber | 2.4g | 10% |
| Sugar | 5.9g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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