"Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili." -Harry James
Evenings can be difficult enough with homework, practices, and appointments without adding the need to make dinner into the mix.
So I wanted to create a filling dinner that would be easy to re-heat for my family on those busy nights. It had to be something everyone liked, plus fast and high-protein to fuel my family through the long evening.
That's how Kelly's Simple Chili was born. You make it the day before with just five ingredients!
Kelly's Simple Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of your choice of ground meat. (Turkey, chicken, or beef work great!)
- 1 large jar of chunky salsa
- 1 microwaveable bag of frozen corn kernels or a frozen bag of mixed vegetables
- 1 microwaveable package of a quinoa/rice blend
- Taco seasoning to taste
Optional:
- Garnishes for toppings. Shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or sour cream all taste great!
Directions:
- Heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a frying pan. Add a few shakes of taco seasoning. Add the meat and brown on medium-high. Do not drain.
- In a large mixing bowl add the jar of salsa, then fill the jar with water to get out the remains and dump that in the bowl too.
- Microwave the corn per the package directions and add to the bowl.
- Microwave the rice or quinoa blend and put that in the bowl as well.
- When the meat is finished cooking, toss it right in with all the other ingredients in that big bowl. Stir it together.
- Cover and place in the fridge.
Let the flavors come together overnight and the next day you'll have dinner ready in a flash -- just heat bowls up in a microwave and let your family add toppings of their choice.
Tip: If you notice the bowl of chili decreasing quickly and want leftovers, add another jar of salsa to get more meals out of it! Enjoy!
Related articles:
 |  |  |
Macaroni KID Lower Manhattan is the family fun go-to source for the latest and most comprehensive information in our area. Subscribe for FREE today.
