Savory Turkey Chili Mac & Cheese
This delightful Turkey Chili Mac & Cheese combines the comforting texture of elbow macaroni with the zesty flavors of chili, making it a perfect one-pot meal for any occasion. Packed with lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and healthy beans, this dish not only warms the soul but also nourishes your body. The creamy tomato base ties it all together, creating an addictive flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or lunch leftovers, this healthy twist on a classic is sure to become a household favorite.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
fresh ground turkey
1 pound (raw)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
chopped green pepper
1/4 cup (fresh)
minced garlic
1 clove (fresh)
condensed tomato soup
12 ounces (canned)
water
1 can (as needed)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (spice)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (spice)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
red kidney beans
15 ounces (canned, rinsed and drained)
Instructions
1
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, drain, and set it aside.
2
In a large pot, add the raw ground turkey and cook it over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the turkey is browned and crumbled.
3
Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4
Stir in the condensed tomato soup, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Mix well to combine.
5
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Add the rinsed and drained red kidney beans and the cooked macaroni to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
7
Serve hot and enjoy your savory Turkey Chili Mac & Cheese!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey Chili Mac & Cheese?
It is a one-pot meal combining elbow macaroni with zesty chili flavors, lean ground turkey, vegetables, and beans.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of fresh, raw ground turkey.
How many servings does this chili mac make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What kind of pasta should I use?
You should use 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What type of beans are included?
The dish uses a 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, which should be rinsed and drained.
How long does it take to cook the turkey?
The ground turkey should be cooked over medium heat for about 15 minutes until browned and crumbled.
What fresh vegetables are required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of chopped green pepper, and 1 clove of minced garlic.
What is the base of the sauce?
The sauce base consists of condensed tomato soup, water, and tomato sauce.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep and makes great lunch leftovers.
How long should the mixture simmer?
The chili should simmer for 20 minutes covered, then for an additional 5 minutes after adding the beans and macaroni.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy and convenient one-pot meal.
How much tomato soup is needed?
The recipe requires a 12-ounce can of condensed tomato soup.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What is the preparation for the macaroni?
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions and drain it before adding to the pot.
How much water should I add?
Add 1 can of water, using the empty tomato soup can as a measure.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Poultry.
Can I adjust the salt in this recipe?
Yes, the salt can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It features zesty chili flavors with a creamy and savory tomato base.
Are the vegetables cooked with the turkey?
The onion, green pepper, and garlic are added after the turkey is browned and cooked for another 5 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the spices and water.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy twist on a classic comfort food dish using lean protein and beans.
Do I need to cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, the instructions specify covering the pot during the initial 20-minute simmer.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking?
You should stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering.
When do I add the kidney beans?
Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans during the final 5 minutes of simmering.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of fresh minced garlic.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion.
How much green pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of fresh chopped green pepper.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to stir everything together, simmer for 5 minutes, and serve hot.
Why is this a good family dinner?
It is a soul-warming, nutritious meal that provides 8 servings, making it perfect for feeding a family.