Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac (Printable)

Creamy turkey and bean macaroni casserole with ranch seasoning, baked until bubbly with melted cheddar cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground turkey

→ Vegetables & Beans

02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

→ Pasta

07 - 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Dairy

08 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
09 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Liquids

10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
12 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

17 - Chopped fresh cilantro or green onion, optional
18 - Sour cream, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - 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, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked macaroni, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and milk. Stir thoroughly.
06 - Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches tender texture.
07 - Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
08 - Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly across the surface.
09 - Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10 - Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onion and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-Pot Meal: Cleanup is a breeze since everything from browning the turkey to boiling the pasta happens in one pot.
  • High Protein: Lean ground turkey and two types of beans provide a filling, protein-packed dinner.
  • Zesty Flavor: The combination of chili spices and ranch seasoning creates a unique, creamy flavor profile that kids and adults will enjoy.
02 -
  • Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta until it is just al dente on the stove; it will finish softening to perfection during the baking process.
  • Freshly Grated Cheese: Shredding your own sharp cheddar cheese will yield a much smoother melt compared to pre-shredded bags.
  • Simmering: Keep the simmer gentle to ensure the milk doesn't scorch or separate before the dish goes into the oven.
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