Name: Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups low sodium vegetable or poultry broth; 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce (approximately 540 ml); 1/2 cup milk; 540 ml canned kidney beans, rinsed (19 oz); 3 cups whole grain macaroni, dry (340-375 g); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that comes together in just about half an hour, you’ve absolutely got to try this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. I love this dish because it’s the perfect fusion of my two favorites: spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese. When I first tried combining these, I wasn’t sure how it’d turn out, but let me tell you – it’s a game changer! You’ll find that this recipe is not only easy but packs a ton of flavor and protein, making it a go-to for any busy weeknight.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Balanced Comfort Food: Chili spices give it warmth while cheese adds creamy indulgence.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, especially on chilly nights.
Nutritious and Feel-Good: Ground turkey and beans boost protein without heaviness.

A large white pot filled with cooked elbow macaroni mixed with kidney beans and ground meat in a reddish-orange sauce. The top layer has melted cheese scattered unevenly with some small green herb pieces on it. A wooden spoon with a white and gray handle is partially submerged in the food on the right side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, and a bunch of fresh green parsley is partially shown in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, easy chili mac recipe, hearty dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, protein-packed comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe blend together to build layers of flavor while keeping the dish wholesome and satisfying. I always pick whole grain macaroni for that added nutty texture and a bit more fiber, plus choose low sodium broth to control saltiness.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground turkey shaped into a neat mound, a medium yellow onion finely diced in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with bright red kidney beans, a small white bowl of vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white bowl containing golden whole grain elbow macaroni, a small white bowl with smooth white milk, a small white bowl holding shredded sharp cheddar cheese in vivid orange-yellow hues, a small white bowl of chili powder in rich deep red, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic with a pale creamy color, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with perfect balance and fresh natural textures, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, easy chili mac recipe, hearty dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, protein-packed comfort food

Ground Turkey: Lean and versatile, this is the base protein that keeps the dish light yet filling.
Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and depth once sautéed with the turkey.
Chili Powder: Adds that essential smoky warmth you expect from chili.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it, but adjust to your tasting preference.
Minced Garlic: A little pungency that rounds out the savory profile.
Kidney Beans: Rinsed from the can, they provide texture and extra protein.
Tomato Sauce: Lends body and subtle acidity to balance the richness.
Vegetable or Poultry Broth: Use low sodium for a clean flavor and to simmer the pasta.
Whole Grain Macaroni: Holds up well while simmering and adds a hearty nuttiness.
Milk: Creamy touch that helps the cheese melt perfectly into the sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty – it’s the star that brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While the classic Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is a hit in my house, I love to switch things up based on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Feel free to make this recipe your own – that’s part of the fun!

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra punch of heat; my husband swears by it.
Cheese Blend: Mix in pepper jack or smoked gouda with cheddar for a layered cheese flavor experience.
Vegetarian Style: Swap out turkey for extra beans and add sweet corn for a meatless delight that’s just as satisfying.
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to add freshness and color.

How to Make Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your ground turkey is particularly lean, I like to add a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the turkey and cook until it’s mostly browned—break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Then toss in your finely chopped onion, chili powder, salt, and garlic. Cook everything together until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This combo builds a flavorful base that really makes the whole dish come alive.

Step 2: Combine Beans, Tomato Sauce, and Broth

Next, stir in your rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where I usually pause to taste the broth and adjust the seasoning slightly—sometimes I add a bit more chili powder or a pinch of salt here to suit my family’s taste buds.

Step 3: Add the Macaroni and Simmer

Now, stir in the dry whole grain macaroni right into the simmering chili mixture. Bring things back up to a simmer, then cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick. You’ll know it’s ready when the macaroni is tender and has soaked up all those delicious chili flavors.

Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cheese for Creamy Goodness

Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. I usually save a handful of cheese to sprinkle on top before serving – it melts beautifully and adds a little something extra. Watch as the cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats every bite. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring often during pasta cooking prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Use Low Sodium Broth: This lets you control salt better since the cheese and chili powder add flavor too.
Reserve Cheese for Topping: Sprinkling a little cheese on top before serving gets you that melty, irresistible finish.
Adjust Spice Levels: Start with recommended chili powder, then add more if you like it spicy – better to build gradually.

How to Serve Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

The dish shows a single layer of cooked elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy orange sauce, ground meat, and dark red kidney beans, all placed on a round white plate. The macaroni and sauce mix looks thick and slightly glossy, with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. A small amount of melted white cheese sits near the center, blending with the sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork beside it on the right, and in the background, there is a bunch of fresh green leafy herbs and a gray and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, easy chili mac recipe, hearty dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, protein-packed comfort food

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh bite and vibrant color. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top adds an extra layer of texture that my family can’t get enough of – it’s like a fun little snack hidden in the dish!

Side Dishes

This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese stands up well on its own, but I also like pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal. Garlic bread or a simple cornbread muffin is a great side if you want to keep things indulgently comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or casual get-together, try serving this recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese then broiled until golden and bubbly. It turns the everyday dinner into something special without any extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, although it thickens a bit overnight, so adding a splash of milk when reheating helps keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove or microwave with a little milk added.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the leftovers into a saucepan over low heat and stir in a splash of milk to loosen things up and bring back that creamy, cheesy goodness. This way it tastes almost as fresh as when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef works just as well if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind it’s typically higher in fat, so you might want to adjust the amount of added oil when browning.
Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe has a warm chili flavor that’s mild to medium in spice. You can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or hot sauce to make it as spicy as you like.
Can I make this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor might change slightly, but it still tastes delicious and creamy.
How do I prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to stir the macaroni often while it’s simmering, and use enough broth to cook the pasta properly. Using a non-stick skillet can also help.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation because it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent but is still wholesome. I love how fast it comes together and that the whole family enjoys it without any fuss. Give it a try the next time you’re in need of a satisfying, cozy dinner—trust me, you won’t be disappointed!