Looking for a dinner that’s comforting, quick to make, and loved by the whole family? This One Pot Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese brings together the hearty flavors of chili and the creamy goodness of mac and cheese — all in a single pot. It’s weeknight-friendly, protein-packed, and customizable for any dietary preference.
Forget juggling multiple pans. With this dish, you brown the turkey, simmer the chili base, cook the pasta, and melt in the cheese all in one pot. Less cleanup, more flavor, and a satisfying meal ready in under an hour.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – No need for separate pans. Cleanup is a breeze.
- Comfort Food Fusion – Classic chili meets cheesy pasta for the ultimate cozy dinner.
- Healthier Twist – Lean ground turkey provides protein with less fat than beef.
- Family-Friendly – Kids love the creamy pasta, adults love the hearty chili flavor.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, change pasta, add veggies, or adjust spice levels.
- Meal-Prep Approved – Stores and reheats beautifully for busy weeknights.
🥘 Ingredients (6–8 Servings)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or shells/rotini)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
Optional Toppings: sour cream, cilantro, green onions, extra cheese, pickled jalapeños, tortilla chips.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Turkey – Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add turkey, break apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Push turkey aside. Add onion, cook until softened (4 minutes). Add garlic, stir for 1 minute. Combine with turkey.
- Bloom the Spices – Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toast for 1–2 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Tomato Base – Mix in tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until darkened.
- Add Liquids – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Scrape the pot bottom to deglaze.
- Cook the Pasta – Bring mixture to a boil, stir in macaroni. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add extra broth if needed.
- Cheese It Up – Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack until creamy.
- Taste & Serve – Adjust seasoning, ladle into bowls, and garnish with toppings of choice.
🍽️ How to Serve
This hearty dish is satisfying on its own, but toppings and sides make it even better:
Favorite Toppings
- Cool & Creamy – Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh Herbs – Cilantro or green onions
- Extra Kick – Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce
- Crunch – Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread croutons
- Creamy Extras – Avocado chunks or more shredded cheese
Side Ideas
- Cornbread or Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping
- Green Salad – Fresh balance to the richness
- Steamed Veggies – Broccoli or green beans
- Fruit Salad – Light, refreshing finish
🧑🔬 Pro Cooking Tips (Chef Secrets)
- Brown Well for Depth – Let turkey develop color for a richer chili base.
- Bloom Spices – Brief toasting enhances essential oils for bold flavor.
- Control Liquid – Pasta absorbs broth; add extra ¼ cup if too dry, simmer uncovered if too wet.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Avoid grainy texture from pre-shredded cheese.
- Rest Before Serving – Let stand 2–3 minutes for sauce to thicken.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swaps – Use ground beef, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Veggie Boost – Add bell peppers, corn, carrots, or black beans.
- Cheese Options – Try Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, smoked Gouda, or even Velveeta for ultra creaminess.
- Spicy Twist – Add chipotle powder or diced green chilies.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta; adjust broth as it may absorb more liquid.
- Vegetarian/Vegan – Replace turkey with beans or plant-based ground, use vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese.
🥗 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving, 1/8 recipe)
(Approximate, will vary by ingredients)
- Calories: 590
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
This dish is a high-protein, family-style comfort meal that balances lean protein, carbs, and cheesy indulgence.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator – Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in portions for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Add 1–2 Tbsp broth or milk per serving. Heat gently on stovetop or microwave at medium power.
Meal-Prep Tip: Cook the chili base ahead, refrigerate up to 2 days. Add pasta + cheese right before serving for ultimate freshness.
🍷 Pairing Ideas
- Wine – Malbec, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon balance the spice.
- Beer – Amber ale or lager pairs perfectly with chili flavors.
- Kid-Friendly Drink – Sparkling apple cider or lemonade.
💡 FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use sauté mode to brown turkey and aromatics. Add liquids, tomatoes, pasta. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, quick release, then stir in cheese.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cheese shreds that melt well (Violife, Daiya), and stir in a little nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?
Use freshly shredded cheese and remove the pot from heat before stirring in cheese to prevent graininess.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use an extra-large pot and increase liquid slightly. Ideal for meal-prep or feeding a crowd.
✨ Final Thoughts
This One Pot Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is the definition of comfort made simple — a dish that warms, satisfies, and brings people together around the table. With lean turkey, bold spices, creamy cheese, and pasta cooked to perfection, it’s an all-in-one meal that’s customizable, prep-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Make it once, and it will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.