One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac recipe is so easy and protein packed! Made with taco seasoning, beans, and pasta shells topped with cheese is a favorite in my home! Bonus points for dirtying only one pot!
Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac
Chili mac and cheese is pure comfort in a bowl and thanks to the protein and fiber, it’s also filling and the perfect family-friendly recipe. If you love chili as much as me, you may also enjoy this Quick Beef Chili Recipe or my most popular Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Chili.
How To Make Chili Mac
You can use white or whole wheat pasta in this recipe, but I wanted to make this a gluten free dish because my aunt who is gluten intolerant was eating with me. I’ve heard all good things about DeLallo Gluten Free Pasta from my friend who swears by it and I was honestly blown away.
It was by far the best GF pasta I’ve ever tried, in fact I even prefer it over whole wheat and I ‘m thinking I might be using this pasta all the time. Great taste, firm texture with the perfect al dente bite. And I loved how it didn’t get soggy after sitting in the chili hours later.
Although Madison wouldn’t eat this because she won’t eat beans, I gave some to my friend Tara to test out on her finicky 5 year old son and he LOVED it!
More Chili Recipes You May Like:
- Chicken Taco Chili
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili
- Crock Pot Kid Friendly Chili
- Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili
- Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili
One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac
Ingredients
For the homemade taco seasoning:
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
For the Chili:
- 1.3 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 10 oz can rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 14.5 oz can pink or red beans, drained
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 can, 8 oz fat-free refried beans
- 1 15 oz can reduced sodium chicken broth*
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 8 oz DeLallo Gluten Free shells, or DeLallo whole wheat
- 3/4 cup part-skim shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- *Check labels for gluten-free
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or pot with a fitted lid over medium-high heat and spray with oil, brown the turkey breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- When cooked through, add the onions, garlic, pepper and taco seasoning; cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, refried beans, chicken broth and water.
- Bring to a boil, cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and simmer uncovered over medium heat until al dente, about 6 minutes or according to package directions.
- Remove the pot from heat and top with the cheese, cover and let sit for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh cilantro and scallions.
Last Step:
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by DeLallo. I only share products I use in my own kitchen. I created this recipe and received compensation to do
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Can you freeze this?
I freeze it portioned out in containers. I thaw it in the fridge the night before and add a splash of water before microwaving-works great!
Could you do this in the crockpot?
Is the 8 oz pasta weighed after cooking or before??
Hi Gina, Do you have a stand alone taco seasoning recipe? I would love to have one to make ahead for your recipes, but I don’t see one. And the ones you have are different within the few recipes I found.
I’ve been making this chili for years. It’s kid/family friendly. It’s the only chili I’ll make!
In regular rotation here ☺️
I have left over Madison’s taco meat. Could I use this in the recipe? What ingredients would I still use, start at canned tomatoes?
This is a super filling and delicious recipe. Every time I make it, all the bowls are scraped clean.
I am like Madison and don’t eat beans…would the recipe be ok without them?
yes! i don’t use beans, still so good
WHATS THE SERVINGS SIZE PLEASE????
1 generous cup. Serving size is listed with the nutritional info. 🙂
Where do I find the nutritional info for this as I’m on weight watchers
At the bottom of the Recipe box there is Nutritional information: Nutrition
Serving: 1 generous cup, Calories: 341 kcal, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 24 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 60 mg, Sodium: 893 mg, Fiber: 8.5 g, Sugar: 4 g