Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
This one-pot turkey skillet mac and cheese is like a grownup version of hamburger helper and a much healthier option than that boxed stuff.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca/arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper
- 2 cups milk (1% or 2% regular milk - or use unsweetened nut milk)
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces elbow pasta (use whole wheat or gluten free pasta if desired)
- 2 cups packed baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess liquid from the pot and return to the stove.
- Add the onions and cook with the turkey until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic to the pot and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the peppers to the pot and cook another 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add cornstarch and spices and stir until the meat mixture is thoroughly coated.
- Add the milk, water and pasta, bring to a boil then reduce to a medium simmer, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring a couple of times while cooking.
- Uncover the pot, turn off the heat, add the spinach and cheese and stir until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1SERVING | Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 442mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g