The Ultimate Comfort Food: Turkey Taco Mac & Cheese

I realize Fall temperatures have not officially arrived in most of the country just yet, but I promise you, they will come.  They always do. And when the air chills, the sky greys, I long for warmth and comfort.

Yes, I do often find that comfort in food – most specifically the foods that provided me comfort when I was little. Or, at least some version of them.

One of the first dishes that comes to mind? One my grandmother always made – only when it was chilly outside and only when she could tell I needed it….grilled cheese and tomato soup. Since she passed a few years ago, that meal has taken on a new, nostalgic meaning.

The other comfort dish – one that I have passed on to my kids – mac and cheese. Yes, I started them early – and for them, I’d venture to say it is more that simply comfort food. It is a favorite. Since I’d hate for you to be bored with the basic dish, I thought I’d spice it up by combining it with a little ‘Taco Tuesday’ Action.

Allow me to tantalize you with the deliciousness and ease that is Turkey Taco Mac & Cheese.

Turkey Taco Mac & Cheese

Is it easy to make? You bet. Will you love it? You bet? Will your kids love it? Of course they will.

Let’s get started.  Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (I used gnocchi shaped pasta…not actually potato gnocchi)
• 1 ½ lbs ground lean turkey
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 small/medium onion, chopped
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 pouch taco seasoning mix (1oz)
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cheddar jack cheese
• 1 ½ cup 4 cheese mexican blend (Monterey Jack, Asadero, Queso and Cheddar)
• For garnish: sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese

Directions:

• In a large pot with salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
• While pasta is cooking, brown turkey in a pan and drain.
• When pasta is done, drain.
• In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add milk.
• Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the pot, whisking, along with salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Add sour cream and whisk until combined.
• Add taco seasoning and whisk until you see no lumps.
• Put in all of your cheese and whisk until smooth.
• Return drained pasta to the pot along with drained turkey.
• Stir with a large spoon until fully incorporated.

Garnish with your favorites (we LOVE fresh avocados, but you may also love cherry tomatoes, black olives and of course EXTRA CHEESE – you know you can’t resist!) and enjoy.

A few extra tips to help you in the kitchen:

I used frozen ground turkey. Un-frozen/thawed would work fine.

Use reduced sodium taco seasoning to reduce sodium.

Use your favorite cheese(s) instead of the ones listed to make it your own!

Looking for a healthier alternative – check this out: Cauliflower Mac ‘n Cheese.