I’ve felt a bit back on my game lately when it comes to the whole meal planning thing, you guys. I feel like we’re actually eating some good, well-thought out meals for a change, rather than quickly tossing something together that neither of us really want. It’s a good feeling!
When I sit down to do my meal plan for the week (look at me sounding like I’ve been doing this forever…I’m only on week 3!) I try to plan a good variety. Not only in terms of the ingredients, but also the cooking method. For example, I try to do at least one crockpot meal that I know will make some leftovers. I plan for one “quick and easy night,” and I also try to do at least one meal that I know is going to leave me the least amount of dishes possible.
Oh yes…we’ve been ALL about one pot meals over here lately. I mean, really, it doesn’t get much better than that (unless we’re counting the crockpot…that thing rocks)! So last week, I ended up putting together a new recipe that will certainly be making more appearances around here.
Knowing I have just one pot, some silverware, and a couple of bowls to clean (or toss in the dishwasher) is just a wonderful feeling.
Plus, there’s minimal prep for this meal, too. Quickly chop up a pepper, onion, zucchini, and some garlic, let ‘em all sweat it out for a bit, add everything else in, and just let it do it’s thing.
And it doesn’t happen always, but I really do try to make most of our meals something that Lucas can also enjoy. I want him to be exposed to a variety of different foods and flavors, but also let’s be real…I just don’t want to always be making separate dinners for everyone.
This meal was also great for him because it incorporates a few different kinds of veggies, which can sometimes be tough to navigate at dinner time. I’d be willing to bet you could add in a few more veggies of your liking (i.e. mushrooms, carrots, etc.) or maybe even some beans for a little more extra protein.
Either way, whatever you may decide to add, promise me you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know what the fam thinks, mmkay?
One Pot Turkey Chili Mac
(slightly adapted from Eat More of What You Love cookbook)
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp canola oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green pepper, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1lb lean ground turkey (chicken or beef would work fine, too!)
- 1 can (14.5oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (4oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 2 cups dry, small-shaped pasta (such as elbows, ditalini, shells, etc.)
- 1-3/4 cups water
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes or until tender.
- Add the turkey and cook 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Cover and cook on medium-low for 23-25 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
Enjoy!
Ariane says
Sounds great. im going to try this tonight
Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert says
I’ve been waiting for this recipe since I read about it yesterday! I’m definitely putting this on the menu for next week, thanks!!!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Okay this looks delicious. But what I really want to know is…. how do you get Lucas to not throw his plate? That’s quite the challenge over here… we’re a no plate family right now. Well, for the girls at least.
Courtney says
Hahaha, they don’t always last, trust me ;)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
We dealt with this for awhile too… It was a big problem! I would look at Hunter and say “no!” in a stern voice, and he’d just laugh at me. So, we moved on to a different tactic that my friend suggested trying. I started flicking the top of his hand every time he’d try to throw something on the ground. (I know many parents would disagree with me on this, but to each their own.) He would get so mad at me and cry about it at first, but after being consistent about it for a week or two, he very rarely threw anything on the floor again.
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Mmm I can’t wait to give this a go! It looks so good and i love that it sneaks veggies in :)
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Oh, this looks good! I am all for anything that resembles macaroni.
Brynn says
My husband had a chili Mac dish at a restaurant a few years back and raved about it. I recreated it for him and to say this dish is a winner and crowd pleaser would be an understatement! I always get bonus points when this is on the dinner table.
Carrie says
Approx. how many servings would you say this makes?
Courtney says
I’d say it probably made 6 good size servings for us
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
I am SO excited to make this!! Just the recipe I’ve been looking for!!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
you know i love your chili lol i’m oooooobviously going to have to give this a try!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
This sounds perfect for me right now! I’m having such a hard time getting veggies in my diet, but this looks like a good way to sneak them in.
Bethany says
Looks delicious, thanks for sharing!!!!!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I love chili – it lasts awhile and even tastes better reheated if you ask me. Thanks for the recipe!
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
I love meal planning but have really fallen off the wagon since I had a baby. I’m hoping I can get back to it!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
Mmm I love one-pot pasta meals! This looks seriously delicious. I think shells are my favorite pasta shape, too!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
This dish looks right up my alley! I’m all about the one pot, easy clean up meals myself. And the possibility of Hunter liking it makes it even more enticing. ;)
Danica @ It's Progression says
This sounds delicious! I’ve been in a good groove lately with meal planning too – it’s so nice to have a plan! This may go on our menu for next week. Thanks for sharing!
Jessie @ Just Jessie says
Yum, this looks awesome! Definitely adding that to my list of “things to make ASAP” :)
Bri says
Totally picked up ingredients at Target this Am to whip this up for dinner tonight!! Thx for the delish dish idea!! Fingers crossed the tot loves it too ;)
Mey Tseng says
One pot wonders!! Love it. It’s nice to have a game plan during the week and minimize effort required to throw together a meal!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I made a one pot chili last night for dinner. I love that they’re pretty easy and clean up isn’t too bad. Plus the chili is great for leftovers.
Leslie says
I like cooking with turkey. You can’t go wrong and it cuts out some of the fats. This looks good so I’m pinning it to try it. Thanks for sharing!
Kelsey says
We totally have a similar game plan! A lot of the meals we end up planning, we make sure there will be leftovers on the busy nights of the week. And we always try to make sure to ‘use what we have’! =)
Christine says
My husband I loved this! Thanks for the recipe!
Christine says
Oops! Mean to say “My husband AND I loved this!”