One-pot turkey chili mac is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with protein. This recipe brings together lean ground turkey, pasta, beans, and a rich tomato base in one Instant Pot for a warm, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s quick, filling, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, this one’s a keeper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot magic: Less mess, less stress.
- Quick & satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Comfort food makeover: Made lighter with lean turkey.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it.
- Custom toppings: Let everyone dress it up their way.
Ingredients
Main Dish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1)
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 4 oz canned or fresh green chiles
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried marjoram
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 (15 oz) can beans (any type, drained)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 qt chicken broth
For Finishing
- ½ cup half & half or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
- Extra shredded cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Brown meats:
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat olive oil.
- Add pancetta and ground turkey; brown fully. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables & spices:
- Add onion and green chiles to pot. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in chili powder, paprika, marjoram, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
- Combine & layer:
- Return pancetta/turkey to the pot. Add beans and stir.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes—do not stir.
- Add macaroni, then pour in broth just to cover pasta. Press pasta down gently.
- Pressure cook:
- Seal lid. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Quick release carefully and open lid away from face.
- Finish & serve:
- Stir in half & half and shredded cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Serve hot with optional toppings of your choice.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Medium
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 800–850
- Protein: 40–45g
- Fat: 32–38g
- Carbohydrates: 75–85g
- Fiber: 8–10g
- Sugar: 5–7g
Tips & Variations
- Use plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Skip pancetta if avoiding pork—just add extra olive oil.
- Dairy-free? Use oat milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Try different pasta: Penne or rotini both work great.
- Spice it up: Add chipotle powder or cayenne for more heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground chicken, beef, or meatless crumbles work well.
Will this work without an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use a large Dutch oven. Simmer pasta gently until tender.
How long does it last?
4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Conclusion
One-Pot Turkey Chili Mac
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set Instant Pot to *Sauté*. Heat olive oil and brown pancetta and turkey. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and chiles. Stir in all spices.
- Return meat to pot with beans. Add tomato ingredients and macaroni—do not stir.
- Pour in broth to just cover. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Quick release. Stir in half & half and cheese. Serve with toppings.
Notes
– Add spice with cayenne or chipotle.
– Use plant-based cheese and milk for a dairy-free option.
This one-pot turkey chili mac hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, a little spicy, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking for leftovers to enjoy all week, it’s a no-fuss, no-fail recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.