In my attempt to make 5 meals a week, chili was one of the first dishes I thought of because it’s probably one of the easiest meals to make. There are so many different ingredients that go into this classic dish that it’s hard for me to make it the same way twice. Sometimes I’ll do ground beef, sirloin steak, all vegetable, or make it super spicy. It really all depends on my mood. I guess that’s why I love it so much, because it comes out different, like a brand new dish, every time I make it. Maybe one day I’ll have a set recipe, but for now I like to keep ‘em guessing.
Turkey Mixed Bean Chili
Servings: 4-6
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ingredients (With No Commentary……JUST KIDDING!)
1 Pound Ground Turkey Breast – it’s a little more expensive, but it is leaner and has less fat versus “regular” ground turkey.
1/2 Pound Turkey Sausage – remove the lining and dice; you could also use spicy sausage, sweet sausage, the list goes on and on.
1 Large Onion – Yellow or Red, diced.
1 Green Pepper – diced
16 oz. of Cooked Red Kidney Beans
16 oz. of Cooked Black Beans
16 oz. Can of Roasted Diced Tomatoes – If you can’t find roasted tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes are fine.
1 Packet of Chili Seasoning Mix – I like McCormick’s Tex-Mex Chili
1 Packet of Chipotle Taco Seasoning – you can find this where they keep the taco seasoning, if not use half of an additional chili mix packet.
1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder
2 Teaspoons of Cayenne Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper – if you like your chili spicy
2 Tablespoons of Cumin
1/4 Cup of Light Brown Sugar
Salt and Pepper – to taste
1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Prep. Time
In a medium size pot, or dutch oven, heat oil on medium high heat. Add onions and let cook for 3-5 minutes. Add ground turkey, and sausage. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Break meat a part, and dice with a spoon or spatula into small pieces. Add green pepper, and let meat brown. Once cooked, add chili and chipotle seasoning packet, cumin and cayenne or crushed red peppers. Stir in diced tomatoes, black and red beans. Then add brown sugar. Stir, cover, and let cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper or brown sugar if needed to suit your taste.
Top chili with diced onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, or fresh tomatoes. Anything goes with this no rules, no recipe chili.
P.S. This dish is 100% leftover friendly. It may taste good today, but just wait until tomorrow. Enjoy!
One Big Mix 
This looks so yummy! I would have never guessed you used Turkey!