Dr. Pat’s Healthy Recipes: Sloppy Joe Chili

This “two-for-one” will give you two different meals from one recipe…and I don’t mean leftovers! As cook and magician, you will make fabulous chili, Sloppy Joe’s or a combination of both all at the same time…and that’s just the beginning.

This is another “I can’t believe this is turkey” recipe: ground turkey masquerading as ground beef. The spices give the ground turkey a whole new identity, and with fewer calories and only a fraction of the saturated fat of ground beef, this version definitely comes out on top.

Preparation is easy, but the trick is to let everything simmer long enough to develop the rich flavor. (If you want to cut prep time, look for packaged chopped onion and pepper in the fresh produce or freezer section of the supermarket.) Make this meal ahead and reheat it for a quick weekday supper with a salad and whole grain bread.

Kid-friendly chili or two meals? If the munchkins in your family aren’t into chili yet, just divide the meat mixture into separate portions before the chili powder and spices are added and simmer separately. You will have hearty “Sloppy Joe’s” for them and delicious chili for you with no extra effort!

1. Heat the oil on medium-high in a Dutch oven; add the onions and peppers and cook about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
   
2. Add the ground turkey and brown well.
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, paste, water and vinegar.
4. Add remaining ingredients (*adjust the amounts if you split the recipe).
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 1 ½ hours (or more), stirring occasionally. Serves 6 to 8.
   

For Sloppy Joe’s: Follow the instructions above through #3, then transfer half the meat mixture to another pan and omit the spices (*).  Simmer as above, stirring occasionally. Serve on buns.

These recipes pack a lot of flavor and nutrition into a simple meal…and you won’t believe this is turkey!

Good nutrition tasting good…more recipes by Dr. Pat…