My Healthier Chili Mac Casserole Oamc

Dive into the comfort of homemade goodness with *My Healthier Chili Mac Casserole OAMC*, a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines the zesty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy appeal of mac and cheese—now made lighter! Featuring lean ground turkey, whole-grain elbow macaroni, black beans, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this casserole is packed with wholesome ingredients without sacrificing bold flavor. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, its smoky-sweet kick is perfectly complemented by melted low-fat cheddar cheese for a satisfying finish. Ready in under an hour, this meal is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or once-a-month cooking (OAMC). Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dinner for busy days. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole-grain elbow macaroni
• 1.5 cups low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup frozen corn
• 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick spray or olive oil.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and veggies with spices.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Meanwhile, cook the whole-grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Stir the cooked macaroni, frozen corn, and black beans into the skillet mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Step 12

To freeze for OAMC: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2813.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3552.0

Total Fat 81.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 384.0mg	0%
Sodium 4430.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 478.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 70.1g	0%
Total Sugars 41.7g
Protein 235.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1705.6mg	0%
Iron 33.9mg	0%
Potassium 4538.8mg	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: 20.4%

Protein: 26.2%

Carbs: 53.4%