One-pot turkey chili mac is the kind of comforting, hearty meal you crave on a busy weeknight. Loaded with lean ground turkey, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich chili-spiced tomato sauce, it all comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot. No extra pots, no long simmering times—just bold, cheesy flavor in under 35 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder checks every box.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥄 One-pot cleanup — Everything cooks in the Instant Pot
- ⏱ Quick dinner — Ready in under 35 minutes
- 🦃 Healthier comfort food — Uses lean turkey, not beef
- 🧀 Creamy + cheesy — Rich chili flavor with gooey cheese
- 👶 Kid-approved — Mild enough for picky eaters
- 🌶 Customizable toppings — Everyone can build their own bowl
Ingredients
For the Chili Mac:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz pancetta, diced (or bacon)
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 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 of beans (black, pinto, or kidney), drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3–4 cups chicken broth (as needed to cover pasta)
To Finish:
- ½ cup half & half (or whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Pickled jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Pancetta & Turkey
Turn Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and pancetta. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Add ground turkey and sauté until browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics & Spices
Add chopped onion and green chiles to the pot. Sauté until softened. Add chili powder, paprika, marjoram, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well. - Add Main Ingredients
Return turkey and pancetta to the pot. Stir in beans. Add tomato paste, sauce, and diced tomatoes—don’t stir. Top with macaroni. Pour broth over just to cover. - Pressure Cook
Close lid and seal. Set to Manual > High Pressure > 4 minutes. When done, quick release steam carefully. Open lid and stir thoroughly. - Stir in Dairy & Serve
Mix in half & half and shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve in bowls with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Level: Medium
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: ~800–875
- Protein: 40–45 g
- Fat: 30–35 g
- Carbs: 75–85 g
Tips & Variations
- Use ground chicken or plant-based meat for variety
- Try rotini or shells instead of elbow macaroni
- Don’t stir dairy in while hot—wait a minute to avoid curdling
- Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Leftovers? Wrap in a tortilla for a chili mac burrito!
FAQs
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use a large Dutch oven. Simmer covered until pasta is tender, then stir in dairy and cheese.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
How do I keep the pasta from turning mushy?
Don’t stir after adding liquids. Cook just 4 minutes on high pressure and quick release for best texture.
One-Pot Turkey Chili Mac
Equipment
- – Instant Pot
- Measuring cups & spoons
- – Wooden spoon
- – Cutting board
Ingredients
- **Chili Mac**
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 4 oz pancetta diced
- – 1 lb lean ground turkey
- – 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
- – 15 oz canned beans drained and rinsed
- – 1 tbsp tomato paste
- – 15 oz tomato sauce
- – 15 oz diced tomatoes
- – 8 oz elbow macaroni
- – 3–4 cups chicken broth
- **To Finish**
- – ½ cup half & half or whole milk
- – 2 cups shredded cheddar or cheese blend
- **Toppings optional**
- – Sour cream
- – Green onions
- – Pickled jalapeños
- – Cilantro
- – Extra cheese
Instructions
- Sauté pancetta in olive oil on Sauté mode. Add turkey and brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and green chiles until soft. Add spices and stir.
- Add meat and beans back. Add tomato products and macaroni. Pour broth to just cover pasta.
- Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Quick release.
- Stir in half & half and cheese. Top and serve!
Notes
– For freezer meals, portion before adding dairy
– Add chili flakes if you like more heat
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner with minimal cleanup, this one-pot turkey chili mac will quickly become a staple. It’s everything you love about chili, mac and cheese, and weeknight convenience in a single pot. Serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or just a spoon—because honestly, it doesn’t need much else.