Go Back

Taco Turkey Mac and Cheese

No ratings yet
I love nothing better than a comforting bowl of pasta, and this spicy Taco Turkey Mac and Cheese definitely fits the bill.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta gluten free (if desired–of course regular pasta works too, or even whole grain pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium jalapeno seeded, ribbed and minced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey or beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened (1 block)
  • ¾ cup skim milk
  • 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
  • Salt & pepper
  • hot sauce such as Louisiana Hot sauce, to taste
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, boil pasta according to the package directions. Drain and add a tiny bit of olive oil to keep from sticking. Set pasta aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the jalapeno, onion, and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about five minutes.
  3. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon (or a spatula–it works great to chop with!).
  4. Once the meat is cooked through, sprinkle all the spices on top of the browned meat and stir to combine thoroughly.
  5. Stir in the canned tomatoes.
  6. Cut your brick of cream cheese into small squares, then stir into the tomato and meat mixture along with the milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until thickened.
  7. Add in the cheese over low heat, and stir until the cheese is melted.
  8. Add hot sauce to taste, then stir in the cilantro. Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!