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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a comforting dish combining savory ground turkey, pasta, and spices, perfect for busy evenings and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey Lean protein
  • 1 can Canned Light Red Kidney Beans Can substitute with black beans
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes Adds moisture and acidity
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Use low-sodium for a healthier option
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Add cayenne for extra heat
  • 1 tbsp Ancho Chili Powder Substitute with regular chili powder if needed
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Chili Powder Use sparingly for a smoky note
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used instead
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Dried Cilantro Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 2 cups Dried Elbow Noodles Can choose gluten-free pasta
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter Can substitute with margarine or oil
  • 1/4 cup Flour Corn starch can be used for gluten-free
  • 2 cups Milk Plant-based milk can also work
  • 2 cups Shredded Colby Jack/Cheddar Jack Cheese Shred your own for best texture

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Add beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to slow cooker along with all spices. Stir well.
  3. Cover and set slow cooker on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow noodles according to package instructions and drain.
  5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk while whisking until sauce thickens.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
  7. Pour cheese sauce into slow cooker and mix thoroughly. Let sit on low or warm for 20 minutes.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, sour cream, or avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Shred cheese before melting for a smoother sauce. Monitor cooking times closely to prevent drying out. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before cheese step.

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