My husband isn’t really a “soup guy.” He’ll eat it – but he’s never been one to request it for dinner. And as much as he doesn’t love soup – he really doesn’t love chili.

I’ve been wanting to create a chili recipe that he’ll not only put up with – but actually ENJOY….and maybe (gasp) ask for!  For starters, I had to come up with something that didn’t have beans or onions. It also had to be THICK and hearty.

I wasn’t sure I could do it. I looked at about a dozen recipes online and pulled together a version that would work for our family – and I was blown away by how much flavor this chili has….and by how much my family liked it! Not only did my husband like it- my pickiest eaters liked it too! 6 empty bowls!!!

This chili is SO thick – and had just the right amount of spice for our family. (If you like things really spicy, you can definitely kick it up a notch, but this was tasty AND kid-friendly!)

 

I hope you’ll try this thick (and easy to throw-together!) no-bean chilI! My family all agreed this would also be excellent scooped up with tortilla chips! Enjoy and happy cooking!

Ingredients

1 lb. ground turkey (You could definitely substitute ground beef!)

1 lb. hot pork sausage

1 green pepper – diced (My pepper was huge, so I only used half.)

2 cloves garlic – minced

2 stalks celery – diced

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 14.5 oz. can stewed tomatoes (I used a can of stewed “Mexican” tomatoes)

1 packet/envelope chili seasoning

 

To Prepare

Start by cooking your turkey and sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven, until no longer pink.

While your meat is cooking, chop up your pepper, celery, and garlic – and set aside.

Once the meat is fully cooked, add in the green pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir to combine, and let cook for several minutes.

Stir in the can of tomato paste. Add in the packet of chili seasoning.

Next, dump in your can of crushed tomatoes, and your can of stewed tomatoes.

Let your chili simmer on low for about 30 minutes. (The perfect amount of time to make your favorite cornbread!)

I like to serve with a bit of grated cheese on top!

*This served 2 adults and 4 kids (ages 6-12) with a little bit left over.