Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac (Printable)

Hearty turkey mac baked with ranch, beans, and cheddar for a creamy one-pot meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground turkey

→ Vegetables and Beans

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

→ Pasta

07 - 8 ounces 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 dry ranch seasoning mix
12 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat 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 minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir to combine and coat the turkey.
05 - Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked elbow macaroni, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and milk. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender.
07 - Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
08 - Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface of the mixture.
09 - Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onion and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a complete protein-packed meal that comes together in under an hour, no side dishes required.
  • The ranch seasoning melts right into the chili, creating this unexpectedly sophisticated comfort food that tastes like you tried way harder than you actually did.
  • Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while it bakes, and everyone will want seconds.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing step for your canned beans or the whole dish tastes metallic and slightly gritty—this one mistake taught me a lesson I won't forget.
  • The pasta will continue cooking slightly from residual heat after you pull it from the oven, so pull it out when it's still just barely tender rather than waiting until it feels fully cooked.
03 -
  • For extra depth, brown your turkey a bit longer until the edges get slightly crispy—those caramelized bits add complexity you can't get any other way.
  • If you're sensitive to spice, use less chili powder and taste as you go, but don't skip the cumin and paprika because that's where the real flavor lives.
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