Turkey Chili Mac
Description
Chef John's turkey chili mac recipe uses simple seasonings, such as chili powder, ground dried chipotle, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano.
Ingredients
•
2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
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2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper, or more to taste
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 pinch ground cinnamon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
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1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1 pound coarsely chopped leftover turkey
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1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
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1 cup elbow macaroni
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1/2 cup grated white Cheddar cheese
Directions
1
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and 1 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until onion starts to soften and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, combine chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cocoa powder, ground chipotle, oregano, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add spice mixture and garlic to onion; cook and stir, 1 to 2 minutes.
3
Stir in 4 cups chicken broth, diced tomatoes with chiles, and tomato sauce; increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
4
Add turkey and more chicken broth if needed; cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes more.
5
Taste; adjust seasonings as needed. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil. Stir in pinto beans and elbow macaroni; cover pot tightly with a lid. Cook, covered, until pasta is just barely tender, about 5 minutes.
6
Turn off heat; remove lid and stir well. Cover; let sit for 5 minutes. Uncover; stir in Cheddar cheese and serve immediately.