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If you love creamy comfort food casseroles that feel indulgent but won’t derail your goals, this Lightened-Up Chili Mac Sloppy Joe Bake is about to become your new obsession. It’s the perfect mash-up of a hearty Sloppy Joe, a cozy chili, and classic cheesy mac — all baked together into one dreamy, bubbly dish.
This version is completely lightened-up, but you’d never guess it. It’s every bit as creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and comforting as the original full-fat versions people grew up with. But instead of heavy ingredients, we use smart swaps to keep it lighter while still tasting downright irresistible.
By the time you pull this out of the oven, the top will be golden, bubbly, and loaded with melty cheese… just like the photo.
And yes — this is a WW-friendly recipe, thanks to lean ground turkey, light cheddar, and low-carb/high-protein pasta. You’ll get maximum comfort with minimal points.
If you need a cozy, family-friendly dinner that reheats beautifully, this one checks all the boxes.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Lightened-Up Chili Mac Sloppy Joe Bake
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High in protein
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Shockingly creamy without heavy ingredients
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WW-friendly
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Perfect for meal prep
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Total crowd pleaser
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Cozy comfort food but still lightened up
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Simple pantry ingredients
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Ready in under an hour
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Ingredients
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Ground Turkey Breast or Regular Ground Turkey
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Barilla High Protein Elbow Macaroni
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Diced Tomatoes
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Tomato Sauce
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Tomato Paste
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Onion
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Garlic
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Chili Powder
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Paprika
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Salt
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Black Pepper
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Worcestershire Sauce
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Fat Free Cheddar Cheese
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Cooking Spray
Creamy Lightened-Up Chili Mac Sloppy Joe Bake
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Ground Turkey or Ground Turkey Breast
- 2 Cups Barilla High Protein Elbow Pasta Measured Dry
- 1 Cup Diced Onion
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 14.5 Oz Can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Tomato Sauce
- 2 Tbl Tomato Paste
- 1 Tbl Chili Powder
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
- 1 Tbl Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Cups Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Vegetable Spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta Prepare the low-carb/high-protein macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Turkey In a large skillet, sauté the ground turkey with diced onion and minced garlic until the turkey is fully browned.
- Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce Add the Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Chili Powder, Paprika, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, and Black Pepper. Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Pasta Stir the cooked macaroni into the saucy turkey mixture. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and nicely coated.
- Add Cheese & Transfer to Baking Dish Fold in a portion of the Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Top with More Cheese Add an even layer of cheddar on top — enough to melt and bubble up like the picture.
- Bake to Perfection Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, stretchy, and golden with slightly browned edges. Serve Hot Scoop generously, allowing the cheese pulls and saucy turkey macaroni to show. Serve immediately.
- This makes 4 HUGE servings. Each serving is 7 WW Points. Enjoy!
❓ FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein pasta?
Yes! But the high-protein, low-carb pasta keeps this dish lighter and more filling. Using traditional pasta increases calories and points.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze this?
Yes — freeze after baking. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even finely chopped spinach blend in perfectly and boost nutrition without changing the flavor.
What can I serve this with?
A crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or even steamed broccoli balance the richness perfectly.
Is this spicy?
Not unless you want it to be. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want heat.
Is this really WW-friendly?
Yes — thanks to lean turkey, low-carb pasta, and reduced-fat cheese. Portion sizes may vary by plan, so calculate points based on your brands.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lightened-Up Chili Mac Sloppy Joe Bake brings together everything you love about classic comfort food — warmth, cheese, flavor, and fullness — but with a smarter, WW-friendly twist. It’s satisfying enough for busy weeknights, cozy enough for fall and winter, and easy enough for meal prep.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating — it helps so much and lets me know what cozy recipes you want next!
