As a bitter, “never forget Deflate-gate” Seahawks fan, I’m calling this recipe Cheater’s Chili in honor of the Patriots being back in the Super Bowl yet again!  Super fast and easy and tastes delicious even with the seasoning shortcuts and canned beans! This recipe does not require long hours stewing away in the slow cooker. You can make this right before the game or in advance!

Ingredients

1 pkg. McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix (I use the mild variety; Jake adds cayenne and hot sauce to his servings)

2 lbs. lean ground turkey (I like Butterball brand) or lean ground beef, or a mixture of both

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cans (16 oz. ea)  Bush’s Chili Beans, undrained

2 cloves garlic, minced

Assorted toppings as desired:  shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, corn chips (we like Frito’s or Dorito’s), hot sauce, cayenne, diced jalapenos

Directions

1. Brown meat in large skillet on medium-high heat.  Drain fat.
2. Toss garlic in with meat and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in seasoning mix, tomatoes and beans.
4. Cover.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with toppings as desired

You can also add ½ cup beer or cola (I prefer Dr Pepper or Root-beer) or a teaspoon cocoa at step 3 to bring out additional flavors.

Serves 8.  We like to serve cornbread  with butter and honey alongside.  If also goes great in mac and cheese or on nachos, fries or a hot dog. Of course a cold beer is the perfect  beverage accompaniment.  For game day you can prepare this early and then transfer to a crock pot on warm or lowest heat to keep for game time.  Enjoy!

Seahawks game against the Rams (ironic) in 2015!