Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac

When family dinner calls for something hearty and comforting, this Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac delivers a flavorful punch. It is a creative twist on a classic comfort dish, blending the savory depth of a traditional chili mac with the zesty, tangy kick of dry ranch seasoning. Featuring lean ground turkey, fiber-rich beans, and tender macaroni all smothered in melted sharp cheddar, this one-pot meal is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

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The beauty of this casserole lies in how the starch from the macaroni helps thicken the sauce into a creamy, savory coating for every ingredient. The ranch seasoning adds a unique buttermilk-and-herb profile that complements the smoky notes of cumin and chili powder, making every forkful a delight.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups (475 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) dry ranch dressing mix
• 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

2. Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

3. Season the Base

Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and dry ranch mix. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Pasta

Add diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, macaroni, and chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Finish and Bake

Stir in milk and half of the cheddar cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the pot, uncovered, to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and top is lightly golden.

6. Rest and Serve

Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prevent the macaroni from becoming overly soft, ensure you only simmer it until it reaches an al dente texture before putting it in the oven. The pasta will finish cooking and absorb the remaining moisture during the baking process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly versatile; you can easily swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef depending on your protein preference. If you have specific dietary needs, whole wheat or gluten-free elbow pasta works excellently as a substitute.

Serviervorschläge

For the best presentation and flavor balance, garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro. A dollop of sour cream on top provides a cool contrast to the warm, spiced chili mac, making it a truly restaurant-quality home meal.

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Whether you are feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal for the week ahead, this Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac is a reliable, protein-packed choice that never skimps on flavor. Enjoy the comforting warmth and zesty twist of this delicious American classic.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish through step 7, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any small pasta shape like shells, cavatappi, or penne works well. The pasta cooks directly in the pot, absorbing flavors as it simmers.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The pasta may absorb more liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeño with the onions, increase the chili powder to 2 tablespoons, or add cayenne pepper to taste. A splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes also works well.

→ What can I serve with this?

Green salad, cornbread, or garlic bread complement the rich flavors. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

→ Can I use fresh ranch dressing instead?

The dry ranch seasoning mix provides concentrated flavor. Fresh dressing would thin the sauce too much. If you prefer homemade, use a blend of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and buttermilk powder.