Dairy-Free Turkey Chili Mac
A hearty one-pot comfort meal combining lean ground turkey, tender pasta, and crispy bacon in a mildly spiced tomato-based chili sauce. The addition of Ranch seasoning adds a unique tangy flavor that sets this version apart from traditional chili mac. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this satisfying dish delivers smoky bacon flavor and warming spices in every bite. The Ditalini pasta holds the chili beautifully while the combination of bell peppers and mild green chiles adds subtle heat and texture.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup white onion, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup Anaheim green chile or other mild chile, diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 36 ounces chicken broth
- 10 ounce Rotel diced tomatoes, mild
- 4 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 packet dry Ranch dressing seasoning
- 4 cups Ditalini pasta, cooked slightly underdoneelbow macaroni1:1carb
classic chili mac shape
- 20 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat
- 2
Add onion, red bell pepper, green chile and garlic and cook until softened
- 3
Add turkey, salt and pepper and cook until crumbled and browned
- 4
Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, garlic salt and Ranch seasoning and stir to combine
- 5
Stir in cooked pasta and bacon pieces
- 6
Simmer on low until ready to serve
Tips
Cook pasta slightly underdone since it will continue cooking when added to the chili
Use pre-cooked microwave bacon to save time and reduce cleanup
Let the chili simmer longer for deeper flavor development
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop
Serve hot with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream
Common Mistakes
Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture when combined with chili
Brown turkey completely to avoid bland flavor
Do not boil vigorously after adding pasta to prevent breaking
Substitutions
classic chili mac shape
separate ingredients for same flavor
different but complementary flavor
FAQ
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter version. The dish will still be flavorful from the seasonings.
What if I don't have Rotel tomatoes?
Use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chiles, or increase the fresh chile peppers in the recipe.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.