Heartwarming Crock-Pot® Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese: Your Ultimate Comfort Food & Game Day Recipe
Crock-Pot® Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is the quintessential comfort food for chilly days, perfectly suited for a cozy family dinner or an exciting game day gathering. This beloved dish features flavorful turkey chili, slow-simmered to perfection in a Crock-Pot®, then combined with tender pasta and melty cheese right before serving. It’s a simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone at the table!
As the first snowflakes begin to fall and winter’s chill sets in, my thoughts immediately turn to warm, comforting meals. While I might long for the beach and warmer climes, my life in Cleveland means embracing the colder seasons. And if I’m going to endure the frosty temperatures, you can bet I’ll be whipping up an abundance of delicious, soul-warming dishes. Today’s featured recipe, the irresistible Crock-Pot® Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese, is at the top of that list!
This recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves a good chili but craves that extra layer of creamy comfort. Imagine tender turkey chili, rich with spices and robust flavors, slowly simmering all day in your Crock-Pot®. The magic happens when, just before mealtime, you stir in perfectly cooked pasta and a generous amount of cheese, transforming it into a luxurious, gooey, and utterly satisfying one-pot wonder. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a warm hug in a bowl, making it ideal for a laid-back weeknight dinner or as the star dish at your next game day party. The best part? You can enjoy your day knowing a delicious, hearty meal is cooking itself!
Why Crock-Pot® Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese is a Family Favorite
There are countless reasons why this particular dish has become a staple in our home. First and foremost is the incredible flavor profile. The turkey chili, made with a blend of classic chili spices, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and kidney beans, develops a deep, complex taste as it slowly cooks. Using ground turkey offers a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili without sacrificing any of the robust, savory goodness. Then, there’s the mac and cheese element. The addition of elbow pasta and sharp cheddar cheese stirred directly into the chili creates a luscious, creamy texture that perfectly complements the hearty chili base. It’s a harmonious marriage of two beloved comfort foods, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.
Beyond taste, the convenience of this Crock-Pot® recipe is unparalleled. For busy families, the ability to prep a meal in the morning and have it ready to serve by dinner is invaluable. You can focus on work, errands, or spending quality time with loved ones, all while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. This makes it a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you need a nutritious, home-cooked meal without the stress. And for entertaining, especially during sporting events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that allows you to enjoy the company of your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Unlock Culinary Versatility with the Swing and Serve™ Crock-Pot®
This phenomenal recipe was brought to life using the innovative Swing and Serve™ Crock-Pot®. This remarkable appliance redefines entertaining and everyday cooking, offering unparalleled flexibility and space-saving design. Imagine effortlessly preparing three distinct appetizers for a spectacular party spread or crafting a complete family meal, including a main dish and two delectable side items, all from a single, versatile appliance. It’s a true kitchen marvel that simplifies your life and elevates your culinary game!
The Swing and Serve™ Crock-Pot® is a game-changer for anyone juggling a busy schedule. For those demanding weeknights, it’s a blessing to walk through the door to a full, ready-made meal. Its multi-crock design means you can have your hearty chili simmering in one, a flavorful side dish in another, and perhaps a warm dip in the third. It’s also an absolute winner for game days, allowing you to keep your chili warm and ready, while simultaneously cooking two different appetizers for your eager guests. As the holiday season approaches, this appliance transforms into an indispensable tool for entertaining. Picture serving warm appetizer meatballs, a rich, creamy cheese spread, and a savory spinach artichoke dip, all piping hot and ready at the same time, without monopolizing your stovetop or oven space.
Innovative Design for Effortless Cooking and Serving
What truly sets this slow cooker apart is its ingenious design. It features two convenient 1.5-Quart crocks on the upper level, complemented by a larger 3.5-Quart crock at the base. This elevated, multi-tiered configuration allows you to cook and serve up to three distinct dishes simultaneously, maximizing your countertop space – a huge benefit in any kitchen. Each crock operates independently, giving you the freedom to set different cooking temperatures (High or Low heat) or simply use them to keep food warm. This means you can cook your chili on low, keep a dip warm on high, and simmer a side dish, all according to their individual needs.
For serving ease, the upper crocks ingeniously swing apart, providing effortless access to each dish. When the meal is over, they can be folded back together for remarkably compact storage, making it a dream for those with limited cabinet space. Adding to its thoughtful design, a centralized utensil holder caddy is cleverly integrated into the base of the slow cooker. This handy feature keeps serving spoons or eating utensils neatly organized and always within reach, further enhancing the seamless serving experience. The Swing and Serve™ Crock-Pot® is more than just a slow cooker; it’s a comprehensive solution for efficient and enjoyable cooking and entertaining.
Making Your Crock-Pot® Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese
Crafting this hearty meal is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the most novice of cooks. You start by browning your ground turkey in a skillet, then transferring it to the main crock of your Crock-Pot® Swing and Serve™. Next, you’ll add all the remaining chili ingredients – the diced and crushed tomatoes, robust kidney beans, chicken broth, and a carefully selected blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne red pepper for a gentle kick. Stir everything together, set your slow cooker to low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and let the magic unfold.
During the slow cooking process, the flavors meld and deepen, creating an incredibly rich and aromatic chili. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, simply cook your elbow pasta according to package directions. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and stir it directly into the hot chili along with your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The residual heat from the chili will quickly melt the cheese, creating that creamy, irresistible texture. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant green onions, and a dollop of cool sour cream for the ultimate bowl of comfort. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!
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Crockpot Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey , {or meat of your choice}
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 3 garlic , minced
- 2 – 15 oz. dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 – 15 oz. diced tomatoes
- 1 – 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth , {you can also use vegetable or beef broth}
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne red pepper
- 8 oz. elbow pasta, cooked {use whole wheat for a healthier option}
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese , shredded {or cheese of your choice}
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
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In a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Transfer to your Crock-Pot® Swing and Serve™.
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Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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With a 1/2 hour remaining cook the pasta according to the package.
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When you are ready to eat mix together the pasta, chili and cheese until the cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro, green onion and sour cream.
Notes
- You can use ground beef which also works great in this recipe.
- If you want more veggies feel free to add diced bell peppers. For more spice try adding a jalapeño.
- Many cheeses can work in this recipe including Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I received the Swing and Serve Crock-Pot® for review. All opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that allow me to create new, delicious recipes for you!
