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!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with non-stick spray or olive oil.
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.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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.
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and veggies with spices.
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.
Meanwhile, cook the whole-grain macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Stir the cooked macaroni, frozen corn, and black beans into the skillet mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
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
Calories |
3552 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.3 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.6 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 384 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 4430 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 478.8 g | 174% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 70.1 g | 250% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.7 g | ||
| Protein | 235.5 g | 471% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1706 mg | 131% | |
| Iron | 33.9 mg | 188% | |
| Potassium | 4539 mg | 97% | |
*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.
