Postpartum Meal Planning – Chili Mac Recipe

This Chili Mac recipe is a great addition to a postpartum meal plan.

I mean, who doesn’t like chili?! It is nutrient-packed comfort food that checks all the boxes of a delicious, simple-to-organize option for postpartum easy eating!

This Chili Mac is one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes, and it is definitely in my top 5 things to prepare and take to a family who has newly welcomed a baby.

This postpartum meal is something that almost anyone can make, and is really easy to ask someone to make for you, either after your birth or beforehand, because it also freezes nicely. It’s a one-pot crowd pleaser and super kid-friendly too!!

This recipe is based on a family recipe that my grandfather used to make and take with him on his hunting trips and my Mom has made her version of this for us for years. So here is my version.

Make it with love and intention and you can nurture and nourish yourself or a new family.

Freeze Your Chili Mac for Later

This postpartum meal freezes beautifully. It can be frozen in a couple of ways to make it easy to access and eat in those first few months when it is such a challenge for new parents to get themselves fed.

Portion out your chili mac into mason jars and freeze!

Support a Postpartum Family

Make and compose a bunch of single servings in Mason jars (leave some room at the top to prevent explosions!) then freeze and deliver to a postpartum family for an easy one-step option for a light dinner or comforting lunch.

You can also freeze portions in extra large silicone muffin tins and send over in frozen single-serve portions which can be thawed in the quantity desired.

Chili Mac Recipe for Postpartum Meal Planning

Nourishing comfort food, perfect for postnatal recovery.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 to 8

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey
salt & pepper (to taste)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium onions, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 pepper, diced (green or red)
4 Tbsp chili powder (or more if you like)
1 small can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato soup
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)
1 can kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans or pinto beans
macaroni (optional)
shredded cheese (optional)
tortilla chips (optional)
scallions (optional)
sour cream (optional)
avocado (optional)

Instructions

Using a bit of oil, brown the turkey in large pot. Add salt, pepper, and half of the garlic. Make sure the turkey is completely cooked. Drain the meat and set aside.
Using a bit of oil, sautée the onions, celery and pepper with salt, pepper and the rest of the garlic. Saute until vegetables are soft and onions are translucent.
Add the turkey back into your pan along with the beans, tomatoes, soup, Worcestershire and chili powder. Taste and add more salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat until the chili thickens and flavors combine. Check for salt right at the end.
Serve with macaroni, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sliced scallions, sour cream and avocado for a complete meal!