Every once in a while, I come across a dish that feels like a warm hug on a hectic day, and let me tell you, this Mac And Cheese Bowl is one of those comforting wonders. It combines the nostalgic richness of mac and cheese with a delightful twist—each bowl is packed with lean turkey and vibrant spices, turning a classic comfort food into a satisfying and nutritious meal. Honestly, there’s something incredibly heartwarming about a steaming bowl of mac and cheese that makes you feel like home, doesn’t it? With minimal prep time and just the right amount of cozy flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights and meal prep alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Super simple prep: Get this delicious meal on the table in just 15 minutes of preparation!
– Packed with protein: Lean ground turkey takes this from a classic dish to a macro-friendly option, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
– Versatile and customizable: Sneak in extra veggies or change up the spices for a unique experience every time!
– Perfect for meal prepping: These mac and cheese bowls are easy to store in the fridge and reheat perfectly for those busy days ahead.
Ingredients
For this scrumptious Mac And Cheese Bowl, you’ll need:
– Pasta noodles for a hearty texture
– Water to cook and soften the pasta
– Lean ground turkey as a protein-packed base
– Diced onion for flavor
– Salt & pepper to season
– Tomato sauce for tangy goodness
– Green chiles to add a hint of zest
– Taco seasoning to bring in warmth and spice
– Cream cheese to create that creamy spinach-and-cheese texture
– Shredded cheese for a melty finish
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This is a crucial step that sets the stage for your beautifully baked mac and cheese bowls!
2. While the oven is warming up, arrange five oven-safe containers on a cookie sheet. Measure out about 2 ounces of uncooked pasta noodles (just under ½ cup) and distribute them into each bowl.
3. Bring 2½ cups of water to a boil and pour a half cup into each bowl right over the pasta. Don’t worry, those noodles are going to soak up all that deliciousness while we prepare the turkey!
4. In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey and diced onions together. Season it well with a pinch of salt and pepper—this is where the flavor starts to build! Once cooked, strain any excess grease and set the turkey aside.
5. To each bowl of soaked pasta, add 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of green chiles, ½ teaspoon of taco seasoning, roughly 1/5 of the cooked ground turkey (which should be about half a cup), and 1 ounce of cream cheese. Stir everything well and then pop those bowls uncovered into the oven for about 30 minutes.
6. After 30 minutes, pull them out, and here’s where the magic happens! Stir in 1 ounce of shredded cheese into each bowl. That’s how you create that ooey-gooey cheesy goodness we all know and love!
7. Let the bowls cool before covering them with lids and placing them in the refrigerator for later. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy at times – it’s all part of the magic!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– Feel free to throw in some diced veggies or spinach on top before baking! It’s an easy way to sneak in a little extra nutrition and color.
– When choosing your pasta, you can opt for whole wheat pasta to boost the fiber content without missing out on that familiar flavor.
– If you want a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth when mixing in the cheese to enhance the mouthfeel!
– Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially if you adjust the portion sizes. Ovens can be sneaky!
How to Serve
These mac and cheese bowls are delightful on their own, but why not elevate your experience? Try serving them with a side of fresh greens or a crisp salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. You could also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for that touch of elegance. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can make it even creamier!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Mac And Cheese Bowls are fabulous for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to get ahead of the game, you can freeze the uncooked bowls. Just pop them into the oven while frozen; it will take a bit longer to cook, but the result is a cozy, hearty meal ready when you are. Reheat any leftovers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just need a little comfort on a solo night, these delightful bowls of mac and cheese have got your back. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
The best Mac And Cheese Bowl
Equipment
- Oven
- Half Sheet Pan
- 4 cup glass bowls
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta noodles uncooked (about 2 & 1/2 cups)
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 lb lean ground turkey 99/1
- 2 tbsp diced onion
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 10 tbsp tomato sauce
- 5 tsp diced green chiles
- 2.5 tsp taco seasoning
- 5 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 5 oz reduced-fat Mexican shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and arrange 5 oven-safe containers on a cookie sheet. Place 2 ounces of uncooked pasta noodles (just under 1/2 cup) in each bowl.
- Bring 2 & 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Pour 1/2 cup of water in each bowl right over the pasta noodles to let them soak.
- In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey and onions, seasoning with salt and pepper. Strain any excess grease and set aside.
- To each bowl, add 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of green chiles, 1/2 teaspoon of taco seasoning, 1/5 of the cooked ground turkey (about 1/2 cup), and 1 ounce of cream cheese. Stir well and place in the oven uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and stir in 1 ounce of the shredded cheese to each bowl.
- Let cool before covering with lids and placing in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.