Print

Cozy Budget Ground Turkey Chili Mac Recipe

ground turkey chili mac - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, filling, and budget-friendly ground turkey chili mac that comes together quickly with simple pantry staples. Perfect for easy family dinners and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 8 oz medium elbow macaroni (regular or whole wheat)
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 115 g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute to toast spices.
  5. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
  6. Pour in chicken broth or water. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce.
  7. Stir cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat noodles with sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes to marry flavors.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sour cream.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta initially as it will cook more with the sauce. Toast spices in the pan for richer flavor. Brown turkey properly for better texture. Stir cheese in off heat for creamy finish. Add water or broth if sauce is too thick; simmer longer if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey chili mac, easy family dinner, budget recipe, one pot meal, quick chili mac, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/cozy-budget-ground-turkey-chili-mac-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/