Turkey Macaroni Chili

Turkey Macaroni Chili Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Turkey Macaroni Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the comforting flavors of chili with the added twist of macaroni pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a gathering.

History

The origins of Turkey Macaroni Chili are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover turkey meat from Thanksgiving or other holiday meals. The addition of macaroni pasta adds a unique and satisfying texture to the traditional chili recipe.

Ingredients

1.5 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp minced garlic
0.5 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onions
8 oz (227 g) ground turkey
1 can (19 oz (539 g)) tomatoes, crushed
2 cup chicken stock
1.5 cup peeled, diced potatoes
0.75 cup canned red kidney beans, drained
0.75 cup corn kernels
2 tbsp tomato paste
1.5 tsp chili powder
1.5 tsp dried oregano
1.5 tsp dried basil
0.33 cup elbow macaroni

How to prepare

In a large non-stick saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, carrots, and onions. Cook for 8 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.
Add turkey and cook, stirring to break it up, for 2 minutes or until no longer pink.
Add tomatoes, stock, potatoes, beans, corn, tomato paste, chili, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Bring to a boil and add macaroni. Cook for 12 minutes or until pasta is tender but firm.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or chicken for the ground turkey.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra heat.
Use different types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans.
Stir in a can of diced green chilies for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the garlic, carrots, and onions until they are softened to bring out their flavors.

- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthy and lower in fat.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

- Stir the chili occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey Macaroni Chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Pair with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering: Simmering the chili allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to cook through.

- Boiling: Boiling the macaroni pasta separately ensures that it is cooked to the desired texture before adding it to the chili.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or canola oil in place of vegetable oil.

- Use fresh herbs in place of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

- Substitute sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the white potatoes for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Turkey Macaroni Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Turkey Macaroni Chili in individual bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Add a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Turkey Macaroni Chili with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, to balance out the richness of the chili. A glass of iced tea or lemonade makes a refreshing beverage choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Turkey Macaroni Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 45%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Turkey Macaroni Chili is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Turkey Macaroni Chili is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. With its hearty flavors and comforting ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As soon as I saw the words "Turkey Macaroni Chili," I knew I had to try it.

I had never heard of a chili made with macaroni before, let alone one that used turkey instead of the traditional ground beef. But there was something about the combination of flavors and ingredients that intrigued me. I could almost taste the hearty, comforting dish just by reading the recipe.

I decided to make the Turkey Macaroni Chili that very night. I gathered all the ingredients together - ground turkey, macaroni noodles, diced tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. As I cooked, the kitchen filled with the delicious aromas of garlic, onions, and chili powder.

As the chili simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood. My mother was a wonderful cook, and she had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this dish was different. It felt like a new adventure, a chance to try something completely out of the ordinary.

When the chili was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - savory turkey, tender macaroni, and a hint of spice that warmed me from the inside out. It was a revelation.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. They were skeptical at first, but one taste was all it took to win them over. They raved about the unique combination of flavors and textures, and my children even asked for seconds.

From that day on, Turkey Macaroni Chili became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, for weeknight dinners, and whenever I needed a comforting meal to warm both body and soul. It became a recipe that I was known for, a dish that my friends and family looked forward to whenever they came over for a meal.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a touch of cumin for extra depth, switched out the kidney beans for black beans for a different flavor profile, and even experimented with different types of pasta to see how they would fare in the dish.

But no matter how many times I made it, the Turkey Macaroni Chili remained a special dish for me. It was a reminder of that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe, a testament to the joy and satisfaction that cooking brought me.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find as much joy and comfort in it as I have. I hope that they will remember the love and care I put into each batch, and that they will carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing meals with those they love.

And who knows? Maybe one day, they too will come across a recipe that sparks their imagination and sets their taste buds tingling. Maybe they will create their own signature dish, one that will become a cherished family favorite for generations to come.

But for now, I will continue to make my Turkey Macaroni Chili with love and care, savoring each bite and each memory that it brings. And I will always be grateful for that fateful day when I stumbled upon a recipe that changed my life for the better.