Save This one-pot cranberry turkey chili mac transforms humble ingredients into a festive comfort meal that's become my go-to during the busy holiday season. The unexpected combination of tart cranberries with savory turkey creates a perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I first created this dish when looking for creative ways to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey and cranberries. What started as kitchen improvisation has become a family tradition we enjoy all winter long. My kids now request it whenever the weather turns cold.
Ingredients
- ground turkey: 1 lb
- olive oil: 1 tbsp
- medium yellow onion diced: 1
- garlic cloves minced: 2
- red bell pepper diced: 1
- diced tomatoes with juice: 1 can
- kidney beans drained and rinsed: 1 can
- fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup
- elbow macaroni: 2 cups
- lowsodium chicken or turkey broth: 3 cups
- chili powder: 2 tbsp
- ground cumin: 1 tsp
- smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: Essential for proper seasoning throughout the dish
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add ground turkey breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and some pieces begin to develop golden brown edges. This browning creates important flavor compounds that enrich the entire dish.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion garlic and bell pepper to the browned turkey. Cook for about 4 minutes stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and the peppers begin to soften. The vegetables should release their aroma and begin to sweat but not brown.
- Bloom the Spices:
- Sprinkle the chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano salt black pepper and cayenne if using over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to toast the spices and release their essential oils. The mixture should become intensely fragrant which indicates the spices are properly blooming.
- Build the Base:
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice kidney beans and cranberries to the pot. Pour in the broth and add the dry pasta stirring well to ensure everything is evenly distributed and the pasta is submerged in liquid. This single step combines all remaining ingredients which will cook together creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth while cooking and the cranberries will begin to burst creating pockets of tangy sweetness throughout the dish.
- Reduce and Thicken:
- Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 3 to 5 minutes allowing some liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. The starch from the pasta will naturally help thicken the sauce as it reduces.
Save The cranberries are what truly make this dish special. I discovered their magic in savory dishes years ago when I accidentally added them to a chili instead of dried cherries. The burst of tartness against the rich background of the chili created such a memorable contrast that I began experimenting with cranberries in other savory applications. Their natural acidity cuts through the richness of the turkey and brings brightness to the entire dish.
Leftovers Transformation
This chili mac actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together. To revitalize leftovers the next day add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the perfect consistency. For a completely different meal transform leftovers into stuffed peppers by hollowing out bell peppers filling them with the chili mac mixture topping with cheese and baking until the peppers are tender. You can also use it as a hearty filling for burritos or quesadillas paired with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fall Harvest Version Incorporate diced butternut squash and substitute half the cranberries with diced apple for a sweeter autumnal flavor profile.
Winter Holiday Version Add a pinch of cinnamon and allspice along with a tablespoon of maple syrup to enhance the festive notes of the cranberries.
Summer Garden Variety When cranberries arent in season replace them with fresh cherry tomatoes and add fresh corn kernels and zucchini for a garden fresh twist.
Dietary Modifications
This versatile recipe easily adapts to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For gluten free diners substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten free variety just note you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Those following a dairy free diet can simply omit the cheese topping or use a plant based alternative. For vegetarians replace the ground turkey with plant based crumbles or an extra can of beans preferably black or pinto for textural contrast. If watching sodium intake rinse the beans thoroughly and consider making your own salt free broth.
Save Success Stories
This recipe has saved countless dinner times in my household. When my sister was recovering from surgery I prepared a double batch and portioned it into individual containers for easy reheating. She later told me it was the perfect recovery food comforting yet nutritious. Another friend brings this dish to her annual holiday potluck where it disappears faster than any other dish despite competing with traditional holiday favorites. The combination of familiar comfort food elements with the unexpected twist of cranberries makes it universally appealing while still feeling special.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground chicken for turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as an alternative. Cooking times and methods remain the same.
- → Do fresh or frozen cranberries affect the dish?
Both fresh and frozen cranberries deliver tart flavor and will burst during simmering, adding texture and color.
- → Is the chili mac spicy?
It has mild heat from chili powder and optional cayenne. You can adjust spices to suit your taste.
- → Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes. Omit cheese for dairy-free, and use gluten-free pasta to suit gluten restrictions.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days.