The comfort of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of ground turkey.

Loaded Macaroni and Cheese with ground turkey is a union of comfort and flavor, weaving together the richness of creamy cheese sauce and the savory embrace of seasoned ground turkey. The hearty elbow macaroni serves as the perfect canvas for this culinary masterpiece, absorbing the essence of oregano, basil, and aromatic garlic. Melted Colby jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses unite in a velvety embrace, creating a luscious sauce that enrobes every pasta twist. Baked to golden perfection, the dish emerges with a satisfying crunch, thanks to optional breadcrumbs. This wholesome creation not only tantalizes the taste buds but also elevates classic mac and cheese into a robust, well-balanced delight.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground turkey (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups shredded Colby jack cheese (cheddar cheese works too)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 – 3 cups heavy whipping cream (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook Macaroni
   • Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown Turkey
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Aromatics
   • Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned turkey. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Season
   • Season the turkey mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Make Cheese Sauce
   • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy whipping cream (or milk) until smooth and thickened. Add Colby jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust and add more heavy whipping cream and or milk to get the cheese sauce to the consistency you prefer. I like to make mine creamy.
6. Combine and Bake
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, turkey mixture, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping.
7. Bake
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
   • Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

This Loaded Macaroni and Cheese with ground turkey is a satisfying one-dish meal that combines creamy cheese sauce with the savory goodness of ground turkey. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!

Tip

Adding a bit more heavy whipping cream or milk to this when rewarming it will bring back the creaminess for reheating.