Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac

Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac is a hearty, family-friendly casserole that brings a zesty twist to your dinner table. Combining the comforting elements of a classic chili mac with the creamy, tangy flavor of ranch, this one-pot meal is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

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Using ground turkey keeps this dish lean, while the addition of black and kidney beans adds wonderful texture and fiber. The uncooked elbow macaroni absorbs the savory chicken broth and milk directly in the pot, ensuring every bite is infused with the zesty ranch and chili seasoning blend.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) dry ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Chopped fresh cilantro or green onion (optional garnish)
• Sour cream (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 4

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked macaroni, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and milk. Stir thoroughly.

Step 6

Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender.

Step 7

Stir in 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 8

Sprinkle remaining 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Step 9

Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onion and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe as it distributes heat evenly and can go straight from the stovetop to the oven. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally while the pasta is simmering on the stove to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. If you prefer, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef, and use whole wheat pasta for a boost of fiber. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this comforting casserole in deep bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a handful of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. A side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy flavors of the chili mac.

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This Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac is a reliable crowd-pleaser that balances bold seasonings with comforting ingredients. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this high-protein one-pot wonder delivers satisfaction in every bite.

Kitchen Guide

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything through step 7, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake with the cheese topping. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time since it will be cold.

→ What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini works well. Whole wheat or gluten-free varieties can be substituted if needed.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeño with the onions, include cayenne pepper with the spices, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for the topping.

→ What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

Mix 1 tablespoon each dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste.

→ Can I use ground beef or chicken?

Ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based crumbles work perfectly. Adjust cooking time slightly if using beef to ensure proper browning.