Turkey Chili Mac

Chef John's turkey chili mac recipe uses simple seasonings, such as chili powder, ground dried chipotle, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 373 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
• 1 pound coarsely chopped leftover turkey
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper, or more to taste
• 0.5 cup grated white Cheddar cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Stir in 4 cups chicken broth, diced tomatoes with chiles, and tomato sauce; increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Add turkey and more chicken broth if needed; cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes more.

Step 3

Turn off heat; remove lid and stir well. Cover; let sit for 5 minutes. Uncover; stir in Cheddar cheese and serve immediately.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and 1 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until onion starts to soften and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, combine chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cocoa powder, ground chipotle, oregano, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add spice mixture and garlic to onion; cook and stir, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6

Taste; adjust seasonings as needed. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil. Stir in pinto beans and elbow macaroni; cover pot tightly with a lid. Cook, covered, until pasta is just barely tender, about 5 minutes.