Tracy's Slow Cooker Jersey Chili

This is my Jersey-fied version of chili.  It's one of those dishes that everyone in my family eats and loves and is also good for you.  Since it's made in the slow cooker it's the perfect meal for days when you have some free time in the morning but will be busy later on in the day.  I make it with ground turkey but you can substitute that with ground chicken, beef or pork or a combination of ground meats.  

I use dried beans because I hate anything out of a can (Can = gross!).  Dried beans are also cheaper :) Just put them in a bowl, cover with water and put in the fridge the day before you are going to use them.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lb. ground turkey

1 cup pre-soaked pinto beans

1 cup pre-soaked garbanzo beans

1 1/2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes

1 whole roasted red pepper, chopped

1 whole small red onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons Worcestershire

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt and Pepper to taste

(sometimes I add in a couple tablespoons of salsa but if you don't have any it's still good without it)

Sour cream and shredded cheddar to garnish

First turn the slow cooker on high and add the olive oil, garlic, onion, beans, roasted pepper, tomatoes.  

In the meantime heat a pan with a little olive oil and cook the ground turkey almost all the way through.  Season with salt and pepper.

When the turkey is done add it into the slow cooker with the chicken broth and all the spices. 

If you want the chili done quicker keep the slow cooker on high the whole time and it can be done in about 4 hours.  I start it on high for the first 2 hours and then turn it to low and cook for a total of 5-6 hours.

After 4 hours I usually taste it to see if it needs more salt, pepper or any other spice.  If it does I add them in and let it go another hour if not - still let it go another hour.

Serve in a bowl topped with a spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and tortilla chips on the side for dipping - freaking delicious!!!