Cold days call for warm, hearty comfort food and, today I have the perfect recipe for you. This Meaty Comfort Chili has all of the warmth, flavor and comfort that you could ask for in a healthy dinner. This recipe tastes even better the next day!

6 oz. hot turkey Italian sausage, loose

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 Tablespoon garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped and seeded

2 Tablespoons chili powder

2 Tablespoons coconut sugar OR honey

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

3 Tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

2 bay leaves

1 ¼ cups Merlot or other fruity red wine

1 (28oz) can no-salt-added whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped

2 (15oz) cans no-salt-added kidney beans, drained

Sour cream (optional garnish)

Shredded cheese (optional garnish)

Green onion (optional garnish)

Diced tomatoes (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat a large heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, ground beef and jalapeno to pan; cook 8 minutes or until sausage and beef are browned, stirring to crumble.

2. Add chili powder, coconut sugar, cumin, tomato paste, oregano, black pepper, salt and bay leaves and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, tomatoes, and kidney beans; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

3. Uncover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle each serving with the garnishes.

Nutrition

One serving equals: 284 calories, 1g fat, 79mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, 12g fiber, and 16g protein