Turkey Chili Mac (Slow Cooker)

To make Turkey Chili Mac in a slow cooker, start by browning 1.7 lb of ground turkey with garlic salt and pepper on the stove. Then, transfer the browned meat to the crockpot and add chopped onions, red bell pepper, pinto beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bone broth. Cook on high for 4 hours. After that, add the pasta and cook until tender, then stir in the cheddar cheese before serving.

Yes, you can easily make Turkey Chili Mac gluten-free by substituting the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free or replace it with tamari sauce for a similar flavor without gluten.

To store leftover Turkey Chili Mac, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing.

Turkey Chili Mac is a hearty dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad for freshness or some cornbread for a comforting touch. Additionally, toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro can enhance the flavors and presentation.

If you want to substitute ground turkey in Turkey Chili Mac, you can use ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.