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birds-eye view of ground turkey mac and cheese in a Lodge cast-iron skillet on a white wooden table
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Mac and Cheese with Ground Turkey

This healthy, easy, weeknight dinner idea is insanely cheesy, oh so flavorful, bursting with nutrition, and made with love! This specific recipe makes a ton, so there was enough for each of us to have seconds and some even thirds ;)
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 446kcal

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet
  • cutting board
  • paring knife
  • large pot
  • whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 16 oz whole wheat macaroni
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee
  • ½ medium onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 cups 2 % or reduced fat milk
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 3 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese
  • ½ tbsp parsley for topping (optional)

Instructions

  • First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp salt and pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, brown the turkey in a cast-iron skillet. Drain in a colander and then transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside.
  • In same skillet, add butter, onion, garlic and saute until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
  • Whisk in flour and whisk for about 2 minutes. Until flour makes a rouge. A roux is basically the consistency of a liquid from thin and drippy to a classic sauce consistency that coats the back of the spoon.
  • Pour in milk and stir, bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Season with remaining ½ tsp salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix to combine.
  • Sir in the cheese and mix until melted.
  • Combine pasta with the cheese then fold in the ground turkey! Top with parsley then serve!

Notes

What can my kids do?
Your kids can help you measure out the ingredients prior to adding them to the hot skillet.  
You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or you can also freeze it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you're looking to pair this dish with another meal and eat it as a side, here are some options. This can totally be eaten as your main dish though!
Some ideas are
1. meatloaf
2. BBQ pulled chicken or pork
3. applesauce
4. sloppy joes
5. or some yummy cornbread

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 8.9g | Sugar: 3.1g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 19mg