Whether you’re throwing a Super Bowl party or just a gathering for a game during the season, a make-ahead dish is the way-to-go. Not only are most make-ahead recipes easy to make, but they save you time in the kitchen on the day of the party. Instead of spending all morning in the kitchen, you can spend the morning relaxing or setting up the party. If you’re going to a potluck, you can sleep in knowing that your dish was made the day before. One of the best make-ahead recipes that pairs well with the beer and soda often found at a Super Bowl party is turkey chili.
Like most chilis, turkey chili is easy to make and can be made the night, day or even two days before serving.
Turkey Chili
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
1 Half pound dry red kidney beans, soaked overnight
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Pound ground turkey
1 Medium onion, peeled and small dice
2 Garlic cloves, peeled and minced
28 Ounces canned crushed tomatoes
2 Cups water
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper
3 teaspoons sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Garnish:
½ Red onion, peeled and finely diced
1 Cup grated cheddar cheese
½ Cup sour cream
Place beans in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until the beans are tender-about 50-55 minutes. Drain and place them in a bowl. In a large sauté pan heat 1 Tablespoon of the oil until shimmering. Add the ground turkey and stir with a wooden spoon until the meat breaks up and is cooked through. Remove from the pan into a colander and drain. Add 2 Tablespoons of oil to the pan and heat until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion mixture is softened and slightly colored, about 6-8 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes, water, turkey and the beans. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve garnished with chopped red onion, grated cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
Want to make the cooking time even faster? Use canned kidney beans instead of dry for a super quick weeknight meal. This recipe can also be made ahead of time and make a great make-ahead meal. Bring it to parties, potlucks, or just have it for dinner during the week. Be sure to pair it with another make-ahead meal dish to make for one easy night around the dinner table.