Chili con Carne made with Ground Turkey

On halloween I was trying to decide on an easy recipe for dinner that we could help ourseves to as trick or treaters came to the door, and decided on a nice big pot of chili.

Over the past few months, as I've tried to incorporate healthier eating habits into our daily diet, I've been experimenting with making recipes in non-traditional ways.

The following concoction for Chili Con Carne made with Ground Turkey turned out so well, I decided to post it so I'll know what to do for next time!

This is a healthy, fibre filled, incredibly flavourful treat - perfect for these crisp cool days of Autumn.

Best of all, like traditional chili, it gets even tastier the next day and freezes like a dream.

Of course TH wasn't very happy with me about that.

Because I love it so much I froze all the leftovers. He went to have a nice big bowl and had to defrost :-)

Poor child, I know.

Anyways, it gets my family's seal of approval and I hope you enjoy as well...

Chili Con Carne made with Ground Turkey
For printable recipe, click HERE:




Ingredients

To begin...

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 large onion, chopped
  
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 red or yellow pepper, chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped

Saute ingredients in olive oil using a large dutch oven or cast iron pot just until the onions begin to turn translucent.

Add:

• 2 packages of ground turkey (app two pounds) I usually use one package ground turkey breast, and one package regular.
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Mix all together and continue to sautee at medium heat until the turkey is cooked.

When all is cooked through, add:

• One cup frozen corn and stir to incorporate

Now add:

• 1 large tin diced tomatoes
• 2 tins mixed beans
• 1 tin pork and beans (I use a variety called Soutwest bean medley, or another called Smokin Stampede - the recipe is very good if you can find a smoked variety but is just fine with plain old Libby's)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp powdered garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional but very good)
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• A few shakes of hot sauce
• 2 bay leaves

Simmer on medium low heat with the lid on for at least an hour.

Can be made ahead of time or frozen.

To freeze, cool completely and store flat in Ziplock freezer bags.