Chili Mac And Cheese 30 Minute One Pot Meal Wellplated Com

While a good classic mac and cheese recipe will forever have my heart, I will always find pleasure in coming up with fun macaroni and cheese twists (as evident from the FOUR mac and cheese recipes featured in my cookbook). From this Italian Mac and Cheese to Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, transforming this kid-friendly favorite from a side dish to a complete meal will never get old. Today, we’re pumping up classic cheddar mac with ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes to transform it into a hearty, one-pot chili mac recipe. It’s filling, oh-so comforting for the soul (and belly), and did I mention cheesy (just like this Homemade Hamburger Helper)? If you love mac and cheese, love chili, or are in the market for kid-friendly food that adults will enjoy, this 30-minute recipe is for you!

How to Make Chili Mac in One Pot

For all of my chili mac daydreaming, I am pleased to report that this chili recipe exceeded my every expectation. It’s gloriously rich and creamy, and the ground turkey and beans make it incredibly hearty and filling. The best comfort food!

The Ingredients

Ground Turkey. My choice for a lean meat option that packs plenty of satisfying protein into every serving without the added fat. (It’s also my choice for this Healthy Turkey Chili.)

Onion. For a little zip and depth of flavor that gives this chili mac recipe that “cooked-all-day” taste.Jalapeño. Turns up the heat on this hearty chili mac recipe.

Spices. A classic blend of chili powder, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and garlic powder gives this dish that signature chili flavor (like in this Vegetarian Chili).Chicken Stock. Our primary cooking liquid. Black Beans + Kidney Beans. My favorite duo of protein and fiber-packed legumes for just about any chili recipe (including Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes).Tomato Sauce. For additional moisture and robust tomato flavor.Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis. Adds another layer of southwest flare thanks to the green chilis.Macaroni. The real magic of this dish is that you don’t even have to boil and drain the pasta separately. Just toss it right into the pot with the other ingredients and cook until al dente. (If you love one-pot pasta recipes, check out this Chicken Stroganoff.)

Cheddar Cheese. It’s not mac and cheese without plenty of cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar. Its more potent flavor means you can get away with using less.Green Onions. For a final flourish of color and fresh onion flavor that is the perfect garnish. You could use some fresh parsley or cilantro as well.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Leftover chili mac can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.To Reheat. Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop in a large skillet sprinkled with a small amount of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta from drying out.To Freeze. Chili mac may be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before warming.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Can Opener. You know a recipe is easy when the main piece of equipment needed is a can opener. Just push one button on this electric opener. No sharp edges!Chef’s Knife. A high-quality steel and carbon everyday chef’s knife is a must for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen.Dutch Oven. Our one-way ticket to this one-pot masterpiece.

So much flavor, so much satisfaction, and there’s only one pot to wash at the end. For a gluten free chili mac, choose your favorite lentil, chickpea, or other gluten free pasta. Be sure to check the labels of the other ingredients while at the store to ensure they’re certified gluten free too! NOTE: Gluten free pasta cooking times vary from regular pasta, so adjust the recipe accordingly. Diced avocado, additional grated cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper for some more heat, or minced red onion (or Pickled Onions) would all be fabulous.