World's Best Turkey Chili

Ok. So this chili hasn't been entered into any cook-offs or won any awards...yet. But it is absolutely the best chili I've ever had. The fact that it is something I can make at home makes it even better. And if you are a busy mom trying to juggle work, school, sports practices, dance recitals, laundry, homework - you get the point - than this recipe is going to be a lifesaver for you!

Growing up, I always thought of chili as a meal that needed to cook on the stove for hours. I have images of large pots with reddish-brown sauce dripping down the sides. Yet I have no idea where these images come from. This recipe is, in fact, my mom's recipe that she has made for years. And in her own instructions, she writes that it only takes about 30 minutes!

My mom's original recipe calls for ground beef, which you can easily substitute here. But having a family with different tastes, allergies and intolerances has encouraged me to modify recipes to fit our needs. It's so easy to make this chili lighter by using ground turkey or chicken, and to make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative.

And the best part is that you can make this ahead of time and it doesn't alter the taste in the slightest! So if you have a busy night ahead, make your chili in the morning or even the night before. I actually made this last night before my son's baseball game and returned home a few hours later and had dinner practically on the table already. I just love meals like this because they make our busy lives SO MUCH EASIER!

So if you are in need of a quick, delicious and make-ahead meal, add this recipe to your monthly rotation. You can even make it a couple times a month if you need to and I guarantee your family will thank you!

World's Best Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (or meat of your choice)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 tablespoons gluten-free cup for cup flour (or use regular if you not GF)

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• A pinch of sugar

• A pinch of oregano

• Salt and pepper

• 1 48 oz can diced tomatoes

• 2 cans red kidney beans

• Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine flour and spices.

2. Spray a large pot with cooking spray (or use oil) to lightly coat.

3. Add ground turkey and cook over medium-high heat until almost browned. Break up meat as it cooks.

4. When meat is almost cooked, add onions. Cook until onions are tender and meat is no longer pink.

5. Sprinkle spice mixture over meat and cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 3 minutes.

6. Add tomatoes and 3/4 can of water. Bring to a boil.

7. Add beans and stir. Cover and reduced heat. Simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Serve in bowls with cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or your favorite toppings.

ENJOY!