Drunken Turkey Chili-Mac

It's tasty, it's healthy and it's an awesome bowl of yum! Make Drunken Turkey Chili-Mac for tailgating or for football parties at home in front of the TV. SCORE!

*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2011. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

Pair it with your favorite team (and beer) and you'll be ready for an afternoon of good food, and good fun!

DRUNKEN TURKEY CHILI MAC     
Serves 8-10    Prep Time: 15 min.   Cook Time: 45 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds of ground turkey
1-½ tablespoons fennel seed
1 teaspoon each ground thyme and sage
1 medium red onion, grated
1  red pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1-15 oz. can corn
2-15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
1-29 oz. can tomato purée
1-29 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup beer
2 tablespoons garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
½ teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
1 16 ounce box whole grain elbow macaroni, cooking according to package directions
grated cheddar cheese  (garnish)
chopped red onion (garnish)

-In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the oil and brown the turkey meat, along with the fennel seed, thyme, and sage, until it's nicely caramelized.
-Add the grated onion (juice included), diced peppers, corn, and beans.
-Stir to combine and cook for a few moments for the peppers and onion to soften slightly.
-Add the tomato purée, sauce, and beer.
-Turn the heat to low and stir well to combine.
-Add the remaining ingredients and continue to simmer, covered, stirring occasionally.
- To serve you can either mix the macaroni and chili together or you can spoon the macaroni into a dish first and top with the chili mixture.
-Garnish with chopped red onion and grated cheddar cheese (if desired) and serve alongside some hearty cornbread.

Mmmmmm, now that's goooood eatin'  

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and let me know what you think.  This recipe would certainly also score big points at a Super Bowl party.  You might want to keep it in mind!