Meal Planning Monday- Nanna's Turkey Chili

Meal Planning Monday is on Tuesday this week, because that is just life with a toddler and a baby, and this mama enjoyed a night out with girlfriends last night!

My mom has been making this delicious chili recipe for years, and it has always been one of my favorites, especially during the cooler months.  It was originally made with beef, but when I was breastfeeding Cole, I was forced to give up red meat and dairy.  I tried it with ground turkey instead, and I LOVED it!  Nanna even swapped the beef for turkey after tasting it.  I made it yesterday for a friend who recently had a baby, so I don't have any pictures of my little taste tester this time.  Cole probably wouldn't have tasted it anyways, since he is not into soups lately, but my friend does have a two year old and promised to share a picture if he eats it! Here is Nanna's EASY and delicious chili recipe, with a few small changes.  ENJOY! 

From The Store:

2 lbs ground turkey (or beef)

1 green pepper

1 onion

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

1/2 can tomato sauce

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 can light red kidney beans, drained

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 cloves fresh garlic (or garlic powder to taste)

1 cup water

1.  Brown the turkey (or beef.)  I add a little olive oil if the turkey seems dry/hard to break up.

2. Chop the onion and green pepper (I use one large green pepper or two small ones.)

3. Drain the liquid from the kidney beans.

4.  Add the turkey, pepper, onion, beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic (I have used both fresh and garlic powder) and tomato sauce (I use anywhere from half a can to a full can.  It just depends how "soupy" you like your chili.)

5.  Add one tablespoon of chili powder.

6.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  I like to serve it with cheese on top (and of course beer for Phil and wine for me on the side!)

 I don't have any "after" pictures, since I put it in tupperware as I was running out the door last night.

UPDATE:  Here is a picture of the most precious taste-tester, ever, Carter!  His mama served the chili over rice, and he loved it!

Recipe Card:

1.  Brown the turkey (or beef.)  I add a little olive oil if the turkey seems dry/hard to break up.

2. Chop the onion and green pepper (I use one large green pepper or two small ones.)

3. Drain the liquid from the kidney beans.

4.  Add the turkey, pepper, onion, beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic (I have used both fresh and garlic powder) and tomato sauce (I use anywhere from half a can to a full can.  It just depends how "soupy" you like your chili.)
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  I like to serve it with cheese on top.
6. ENJOY! :)