Baked Ranch Turkey Chili Mac (Printable)

Creamy turkey and bean macaroni casserole with ranch seasoning and melted cheddar.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground turkey

→ Vegetables & Beans

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

→ Pasta

07 - 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Dairy

08 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
09 - 1 cup milk

→ Liquids

10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
12 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart 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 more.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked elbow macaroni, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, and milk. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated.
06 - Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches tender consistency.
07 - Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and combined.
08 - Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
09 - Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
10 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onion and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's genuinely a one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
  • Ground turkey makes it feel lighter than traditional chili mac, but you won't miss the richness thanks to that golden cheese topping.
  • The ranch seasoning is the secret weapon that transforms ordinary chili spices into something unexpected and crave-worthy.
02 -
  • Don't rinse the beans until you're ready to add them; the starch helps thicken the sauce naturally.
  • If your pot isn't oven-safe, transfer everything to a baking dish before the final bake; it still works beautifully and takes the same time.
  • The pasta continues cooking slightly during the oven time, so don't worry if it looks just barely tender when you transfer the pot; it'll be perfectly done when you serve it.
03 -
  • Let the pot come to temperature on the stovetop before moving it to the oven; it helps the pasta cook more evenly and prevents cold spots.
  • The second cheese layer is crucial—it gives you that golden, slightly crispy top that makes the whole dish feel restaurant-quality.
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