Crockpot Taco Turkey Chilli & Happy 5th Birthday Audrey!
Family-Talk
So before I share with you today’s recipe, I thought I would take a moment and share with you a little bit from the Fuchsia Freezer Household. Our middle daughter turns 5 YEARS OLD TODAY! EEK! I am a flood of emotions of over this. Firstly, I’m so excited for her. I feel like this is going to be ‘her year’. The year she turns from more toddler play and thinking, to ‘big-girl’ decisions… this is the year I think she will really break out of her shell a little more, and become more of who she is.
Audrey is… well she’s Audrey. She’s a tough cookie and has no issues getting down in the mud and getting dirty (thanks to her, my washer and dryer get used on almost a daily basis ;)). She’s also one of the most caring people I know. I don’t just say that because she’s my daughter, but there is a level of empathy that you can not teach a child and she has it. It’s hard to explain, but she has this natural ability to genuinely care for those around her, it’s one of the most touching things to witness on any day. She’s shy, but always makes sure those around her are cared for.
I am literally tearing up as I write this, as this ‘Year Of Audrey’ also means she really isn’t that goofy toddler anymore. She is becoming a little girl. I have watched her struggle from trying to take her first step, to the excitement of catching the bus on the first day of school, to wandering into her little sisters room at 6:30 in the morning to make sure she has her soother, to asking her older sister to read stories to her.
Audrey, may your curiosity take you through a lifetime of wonderful adventures. May your kind heart lead to helping those along your way, and learning from each person you meet. And that care-free attitude towards dirt? May it give you strength in your life as challenges arrive that this Mama Bear can’t always protect you from. Your Dad and I (and sisters) love you more then you will ever know, and more then we can ever express. Happy 5th Birthday Baby Girl. XO
Slow cooker season is still upon us folks! Yup! I actually tend to believe that slow cookers are great all year around. Think about it… hot weather, and what’s the last thing you want to do after working a long day? Fire up the oven and heat up your kitchen – no thanks. I especially enjoy slow cooker meals in the spring when it’s warm during the days but cooker in the evenings and you’re not quite ready to give up that comfort food feeling… you know what I mean?
But slow cooking and comfort food doesn’t have to mean extra heavy meals. I actually prepare a lot of healthy, and lighter meals in my crock pot that are not only satisfying, make enough for lunches the next day! Plus If you’re on weight watchers, this amazing chilli serves 8 people, and is worth 4 smart points a serving (toppings add points and should be calculated accordingly)! That’s it!
Don’t you just love when something so good can be so easy?!
- 1 lb of ground turkey
- 3 tbsp low sodium taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed
- 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- In a non-stick pan, add ground turkey and brown. Once browned, add the taco seasoning and water. Continue to cook until meat is coated completely. Add to crock pot.
- With out rinsing the pan add 1 tbsp of olive oil, the onion, garlic and pepper. Sauté over medium heat until everything is soft. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin and smoked paprika. Bring everything to a boil, then remove from heat and pour over the ground turkey.
- In the crock pot add the remaining corn, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and cilantro. Give everything a big stir and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Once done, season with salt & pepper, serve hot!
- Top with sour cream, cheese, hot sauce and additional cilantro if desired.
Freeze It: I sometimes make a big batch JUST to freeze! Once cooled completely, I portion out 1 – 2 servings in freezer bags. That way when I’m in a rush, I can grab a bag of chilli to go with me to work (and let defrost in the fridge), OR if I’m out of lunch options for the kids, I re-heat on the stove and I am serving a healthy and delicious meal (that sticks with them all day long).
Oh I have a soft spot for chillis this sounds and looks so yummy I just drooled on the keyboards. Oops. lol I guess I should have some dinner before I read recipe posts. Sounds delicious. Pinning it for later! Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe on #ShareWithMe Hope to see you again tomorrow for another great round of blog sharing.
Thank you for sharing Audrey’s year and her exciting accomplishments to date! She sounds like a lovely little girl – happy birthday!
And your recipe, delish! I agree – just because it’s comfort food it doesn’t have to be heavy – thanks for sharing such a great post!
I’m totally with you on the year-round crock pot cooking 😀 i’ve already got mine working overtime. I’ll def be trying this recipe soon!
Aww, happy birthday to your little girl!! Five is an exciting one 🙂
I adore chili, this sounds fantastic!
Thanks Julie! It was a great birthday with her and I love Chilli too!!
Tacos and chili? Sound like pretty much the most perfect combo :). I’m pinning! Thanks so much for linking up at You Link It, We Make It. Hope to see you back tomorrow!