Meal Prep Monday

Turkey Chili

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Cost: Approximately $9.00 for 4 servings (~$2.25 per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (~$4.00)

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) (~$1.00)

• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz) (~$0.85)

• 1 can black beans (15 oz) (~$0.85)

• 1 onion, diced (~$0.50)

• 1 bell pepper, diced (~$0.75)

• 1 packet chili seasoning mix (~$0.50) or use a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder (about $0.50 worth)

• 1 cup water or broth (~$0.25)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (~$0.15)

• Salt & pepper to taste (~$0.05)

Instructions:

1. Cook the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it's browned (about 6-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the turkey. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened.

3. Add the beans and tomatoes: Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans, then add them to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and 1 cup of water or broth.

4. Season: Stir in the chili seasoning packet or your homemade chili spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder). Mix well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.

5. Taste & adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra heat).

6. Cool and portion: Let the chili cool slightly before dividing it into 4 containers for meal prep.

Why Use This Meal:

1. Affordable: The cost of ground turkey, canned beans, and tomatoes makes this chili a cheap and hearty meal.

2. High in Protein & Fiber: Ground turkey provides lean protein, and the beans offer a good source of fiber and additional protein, making this meal filling and nutritious.

3. Easy to Make: With only a few steps, this chili is simple to prepare. It's also a one-pot meal, which cuts down on cleanup time.

4. Stores Well: This chili will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop.

5. Customizable: You can add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots, or swap out the beans for whatever you prefer. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder or hot sauce.

Total Cost Breakdown:

• Ground turkey: $4.00

• Canned tomatoes: $1.00

• Canned beans: $1.70

• Onion & bell pepper: $1.25

• Chili seasoning: $0.50

• Olive oil & spices: $0.45

  
  

  Total: ~$9.00 for 4 servings, or $2.25 per meal.

Enjoy your tasty and filling turkey chili!