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Cheesy Chili Mac. A homemade version of a childhood favorite with homemade mac n'cheese and a quick turkey chili. 
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Cheesy Chili Mac

Cheesy Chili Mac. A homemade version of a childhood favorite with homemade mac n'cheese and a quick turkey chili. It'll be a hit with the whole family!
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Keyword American, cheesy chili mac, chili, chili mac, dried pasta, Food, ground turkey, Macaroni and cheese, pasta, Recipe, turkey
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

Chili Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder divided
  • 1 teaspoon cumin divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeno chopped optional
  • 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, juice reserved
  • 1 14.5 ounce can chili beans, juice reserved
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional

Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Instructions

  • In a large skillet cook combine ground turkey, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, kosher salt and garlic powder. Cook until meat is browned. Strain.
  • In the same skillet heat olive oil over medium heat, add onions, garlic and jalapeno. Cook 5 minutes. Return meat to the pan, stir in tomatoes and chili beans. If mixture appears dry add in reserved tomato and bean juices. Season with remaining cumin, chili powder and hot sauce if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer while you prepare the macaroni and cheese.
  • To prepare the macaroni and cheese bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Strain.
  • In the same pan you cooked the noodles in, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Stir in cheeses and cook until melted. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt. Return noodles to pan and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir and season to taste with seasoning salt.
  • Add the macaroni to the chili and mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve.

Notes

Enjoy!