High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac: 5 Easy Steps

High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac is the beautiful collision of two childhood favorites: spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese. It is the definition of “stick-to-your-ribs” food, but unlike the boxed stuff, this version is engineered for the trail. By swapping greasy beef for lean turkey and boosting the fiber with beans, we create a recovery meal that hits all the right macros. I cooked this High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac on a windy ridge in the Badlands; there is something primal and satisfying about eating cheesy, spicy noodles straight from the cast iron skillet.

Why This High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac Recipe Works

This recipe utilizes the starch of the pasta to create the sauce. Usually, you boil pasta in water and throw that starchy water away. Here, we boil the macaroni directly in the turkey chili broth. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch, naturally thickening the chili into a rich, gravy-like consistency. When you stir in the cheddar cheese at the end, it emulsifies with that starch to create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce without needing a roux or flour.

Ingredients for High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac

• Lean Ground Turkey: 93% lean is perfect. It provides the protein base without the grease pool.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape. Shells or rotini work too.
• Kidney Beans: Rinse them well. They add texture and a secondary protein source.
• Beef or Chicken Broth: Use beef broth if you want a deeper “red meat” flavor, or chicken for lighter.
• Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: The acid and liquid base.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make the sauce gritty.
• Chili Seasoning: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Onion & Bell Pepper: For crunch and sweetness.

Note: Recovery isn’t just about protein. Read up on combining protein and carbs to understand why this pasta-meat combo is ideal for restocking glycogen stores.

How to Cook High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac Step-by-Step

The Brown & Bloom

Heat oil in your Dutch oven or large skillet. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Cooking the spices in the hot turkey fat “blooms” them, intensifying the flavor of your High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac.

The Liquid & Pasta

Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and the drained beans. Stir in the dry macaroni. Ensure the noodles are mostly submerged.

The Simmer

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir it every 3 minutes! Because the pasta is in thick sauce, it loves to stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced.

The Cheesy Meltdown

Remove the pot from the heat. This is crucial—if the pot is boiling, the cheese will separate. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time until melted and gooey.

Expert Tips for High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Seriously. The bag stuff contains cellulose (wood pulp) to keep it from clumping. That cellulose prevents a smooth melt.
• Liquid Ratio: If the pasta isn’t done but the pot is dry, add 1/4 cup of water. If the pasta is done but it’s too soupy, take the lid off and simmer for 2 minutes to evaporate the excess.
• The “Rest”: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after adding the cheese. The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools slightly.

Serving & Storing High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac

Serve in deep bowls topped with green onions and a dollop of Greek yogurt (as a sour cream sub). High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac is a dense meal. Leftovers will turn into a solid block in the cooler because the pasta absorbs the moisture. To reheat, add a splash of broth and break it up gently in the pan.

High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes. It adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. It may require an extra minute of cooking time.

Is it spicy? It has a mild kick. If feeding kids, reduce the chili powder. If feeding thrill-seekers, add a diced jalapeño with the onions.

Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use a sturdy gluten-free pasta (like Banza or brown rice pasta). Watch it closely, as GF pasta can turn to mush quickly in one-pot meals.

High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac

The ultimate hybrid comfort food. This High Protein One Pot Turkey Chili Mac combines savory turkey chili and cheesy pasta in a single skillet.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Campfire

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey 93%
• 2 cups Elbow Macaroni dry
• 1 can 15 oz Kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz Tomato sauce
• 1 can 14 oz Diced tomatoes
• 2 cups Chicken or Beef broth
• 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
• 1 Onion diced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper

Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Large Deep Skillet

Method

 

1. Sauté onion and pepper in pot until soft.
2. Add turkey and brown completely.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
4. Add broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, and dry pasta.
5. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer 10-12 mins (stirring often).
6. Check that pasta is tender. Remove from heat.
7. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Let rest 5 mins to thicken. Serve hot.

Notes

Sticking: Macaroni sinks. Scrape the bottom of the pot frequently during the simmer.

Protein Boost: Stir in 1/2 cup cottage cheese with the cheddar for a massive protein increase that melts invisibly into the sauce.