Heart-Healthy Chili Mac

Satisfy your comfort food cravings guilt-free with this hearty and wholesome Heart-Healthy Chili Mac! This lighter twist on a classic combines tender whole grain macaroni with protein-packed extra-lean ground turkey, fiber-rich kidney beans, and a medley of vibrant veggies. Simmered in a flavorful, low-sodium chicken broth with warming spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this dish is big on flavor without the excess fat or salt. Topped with low-fat shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it’s a nutritious one-pot meal the whole family will love. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this satisfying recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prep sessions. Your taste buds—and your heart—will thank you!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole grain macaroni
• 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, low-fat
• 0 optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the chili mixture and stir well to combine. Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes.

Step 8

Serve the chili mac in bowls, topped with shredded low-fat cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2419.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2436.8

Total Fat 51.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 377.5mg	0%
Sodium 3082.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.9g	0%
Total Sugars 33.0g
Protein 214.5g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1176.1mg	0%
Iron 28.3mg	0%
Potassium 4706.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.6%

Protein: 34.3%

Carbs: 47.2%