Healthy Child’s Play Chili

Need a delicious and healthy chili recipe that is so easy a child could do it?  (With parental supervision of course!) 

Seriously, if you would like to make a quick and tasty dinner and include your children in the preparation, without the hassle that can come along for the ride engaging in such an endeavor, this is for you. 

Or maybe you just need a night where you can make something quickly and easily with no fuss, no muss.  Who doesn’t need that now and then?  Well try this!  It really tastes great and there is no chopping, dicing or mess. 

Does it sound too good to be true?  Not if you follow the instructions below, which takes full advantage of time-saver products, that are readily available in most stores.

****I usually double this recipe for my family of 4 (with some leftovers for easy reheating).  You can multiply it as many times as you need to fit your family’s needs.

Ingredients:
1.  1 package of (7 percent fat or lower) extra-lean ground beef- (This varies in size and is not so important that it be exact, but roughly 1-1 ¼       pounds.)
2.  1 can of Dark Red Kidney Beans-(A big healthy plus in the fiber department!)
3.  1 can of diced tomatoes drained-(Tomatoes are a lycopene source deluxe!)  Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in red tomatoes, which may help reduce the chances of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
4.  1-2 tablespoons cloves of chopped garlic in a jar depending on taste.-(In my family we say everything is better with garlic!) – Of course the health benefits of garlic have long been known, such as its antibacterial and antifungal properties and it is also considered a natural antibiotic.  As my father always says, "You can’t get sick if no one comes near you!"  Well, that is a personal choice of course…. but all is fair in love and garlic!
5.  1 10 oz. bag frozen minced onions- (Onions contain a quercetin, a flavenoid, which is a category of antioxidant compounds.) Antioxidants are compounds that help delay or slow the oxidative damage to cells and tissue of the body.  So eat up and enjoy!
6.  ½ of a 10 oz. bag frozen minced green peppers-(Recommended but optional)- Green peppers contain lots of Vitamin A, which helps with the proper development and functioning of our eyes, skin and immune system.
7.  McCormick’s chili seasoning packet -(Regular, mild or hot…you choose for your family’s taste tolerance)- The substance that makes a chili hot is called capsaicin, also known for its ability to improve one's health by increasing blood circulation and increasing metabolism.
8.  1-1/2 cups reduced-fat, finely shredded Cheddar/Jack cheese blend-(Reduced fat please if you want to keep it healthy!)
9.  Serve with Low-fat, Wow Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips or over cooked barley or rice- (Pictured above with tortilla chips) (Barley is high in fiber, healthier and is a great replacement for rice.)
10.  1-2 teaspoons Brummel & Brown spread-(or other reduced-fat butter substitute.)
11. 1 cup of water
12.  Salt to taste

Quick and Easy Cooking Instructions:
1. In a non-stick skillet sauté garlic, onions and green peppers in the Brummel & Brown on a medium-high setting for 3-5 minutes.  Then remove and set aside.
2. Next, Brown ground beef until thoroughly cooked and drain fat.
3. Then add garlic, onion and pepper mixture back into the skillet and add drained tomatoes, kidney beans seasoning packet and one cup of water.
4. Continue cooking on Medium heat until bubbling then reduce heat and continue to simmer for at least 5 –10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips or over barley or rice.

Eat and Enjoy for a Healthier You Without The Hassle!

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