This Quick and Easy Chili Mac Dinner recipe is a one-pot wonder. It’s the perfect mix of chili and mac-n-cheese. A healthier version of my childhood Hamburger Helper dinner, this is a winner at the Grossman house! It is more like a casserole and makes the best leftovers! I used ground turkey, but feel free to substitute with ground beef if you prefer. Serve with a simple side salad, and dinner is done! Enjoy!
Quick and Easy Chili Mac
This Quick and Easy Chili Mac dinner is a one-pot wonder that my kids love and is the perfect weeknight dish! It is a nod to my childhood of the less unhealthy version of Hamburger Helper! Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (7 oz) can mild diced green chiles
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (or canned diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb elbow pasta (or other short pasta)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over med-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking up the meat until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the dry seasonings (chili powder, cumin, oregano, and onion powder) and diced veggies (onion, zucchini, and bell pepper), stir and saute for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, liquid smoke, tomato sauce, green chiles, enchilada sauce, and Rotel, stirring until well combined. Then add chicken broth and cook over high heat until it simmers. Reduce heat to medium heat and add the pasta. Let simmer until the pasta is al dente (refer to pasta package instructions), stirring often. Turn off the heat.
- Stir in the sour cream. Top with grated cheese and cover with lid to allow the cheese to melt. (The dish will continue to thicken as it sits). Enjoy!
Notes
Serve with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free dinner!
