Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that checks all the boxes—comfort food, bold flavors, and quick prep—you’ve got to try this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe combines the rich creaminess of mac and cheese with the spicy, smoky goodness of chili. When you make it, you’ll find it’s irresistibly tasty, super filling, and perfect for any night when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Stick around because I’m sharing all the juicy tips to make this dish a total winner in your kitchen!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully—you’ve got your aromatic spices, fresh veggies, lean ground turkey, and a trio of melty cheeses plus pasta. I like to buy good-quality cheeses for the best melt and flavor, and if you like it extra cheesy, don’t be shy about adding more!

• Olive oil: A good base to sauté your veggies and spices without overpowering the dish.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth—finely chopped helps it melt right in.
• Paprika powder: Gives that warm smokiness—smoked paprika works great if you have it.
• Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat, but you can adjust based on your spice love.
• Onion powder & garlic powder: Double the punch of savory flavor, keeping the dish layered and interesting.
• Dried oregano: Earthy notes that round it all out.
• Black pepper & salt: Essential seasoning to balance tastes.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic for that bright pungency.
• Red & yellow bell peppers: Slight sweetness and crunch, plus vibrant color.
• Jalapeños: Thinly sliced for a spicy kick—use less if you want to tame it.
• Ground turkey: Lean and flavorful protein that soaks up all the spices perfectly.
• Hot sauce: Adds another layer of heat and tang—choose your favorite brand here.
• Crushed canned tomatoes: The base for the chili sauce—rich and savory.
• Red kidney beans: Kidney beans add heartiness and a nice texture contrast.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses flavor as it simmers.
• Elbow macaroni pasta: Classic mac and cheese pasta shape that holds sauce like a champ.
• Fontina, Gruyere, sharp cheddar cheeses: Using a blend gives amazing meltiness and flavor complexity.
• Cilantro: Fresh garnish that brightens up the dish beautifully.
• Optional chili peppers, hot sauce, jalapeños: For those who want to turn up the heat at serving time.

Variations

I love how flexible this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is—you can really make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your family’s tastes. Feel free to play around with the heat, swap the turkey for other proteins, or make it veggie-forward.

• Ground Beef or Chicken: I’ve made this using ground beef for a richer taste, and chicken for a lighter option—both work beautifully.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with extra beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein; it’s just as comforting.
• Cheese Choices: Switch up cheeses based on what you have—Mozzarella adds stretchiness, Pepper Jack adds kick.
• Mild Version: Skip or reduce jalapeños and cayenne to keep it kid-friendly without losing the essence.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in some corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

How to Make Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Flavor Base

Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to stir this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions start softening and everything smells incredible—this is where the magic begins. Then toss in the minced garlic, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and sliced jalapeños, cooking another 3 to 4 minutes while stirring occasionally to avoid burning the garlic. This part builds layers of flavor that really shine through the final dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Crank your heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces—this helps it brown evenly and cook through faster. I usually give it about 5-6 minutes until it’s nicely browned all over. This step locks in the savory flavors that are essential for that chili vibe.

Step 3: Combine the Chili Ingredients and Pasta

Now stir in your hot sauce, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, chicken broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Give it all a good mix to combine. When the pot comes to a low boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Keep coming back every few minutes to stir so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. This simmer is key for getting the pasta perfectly al dente and soaking up all those chili flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses & Broil to Finish

Once the pasta is just tender (usually about 12 minutes), turn off the stove and preheat your oven’s broiler. Stir in about half the Fontina, Gruyere, and sharp cheddar cheese until melty and luscious. Give it a quick taste test and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Then sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top and pop it under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the cheese bubbles up and gets that gorgeous golden crust. Keep an eye on it here so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Scoop into bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. I also love adding extra sliced jalapeños, chili peppers, or a dash more hot sauce for anyone who wants to heat things up even more. This last touch turns a fantastic dish into a memorable meal every time.

How to Serve Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh cilantro sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness. Adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce right at the table amps up the excitement for spice lovers. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt works wonders for balancing heat, too.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this dish with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to lighten things up. Cornbread or garlic bread on the side makes it feel extra indulgent and perfect for chilly nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or casual parties, try serving the chili mac in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a fun fall twist. It also makes a great layered casserole in a baking dish, topped with corn chips for crunch when you want a Tex-Mex vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then pop them into airtight containers in the fridge. This Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe stores well and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

Freezing

Freezing works great too—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the pasta texture might be a little softer after freezing, but it’s still delicious and super convenient.

Reheating

I reheat leftover chili mac gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. The oven works well too—cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep it creamy and bubbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe, I didn’t expect it to become such a staple in my meal rotation—but now, I can’t imagine game nights or chilly evenings without it. The blend of chili spices with creamy, gooey cheese and tender pasta is something that warms your soul. I really hope you’ll give it a try because once you do, it might just become your new favorite comfort food too. Enjoy every cozy, cheesy, spicy bite!

Print