Three Bean Chili with Sausage

(This has quickly become my favorite chili. Our favorite way to eat it is over scones as Navajo tacos)

Makes 8-12 servings

1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound maple-flavored ground sausage
1/4 medium onion, diced
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
46 oz. tomato juice
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, undrained
3 T. chili powder
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/4 t. cayenne (optional)
2 t. salt
1 t. paprika

1. Optional step: crush the tomatoes with their juice in a blender and set aside.
2. Brown the beef, sausage, and onion in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain the fat. Add the vinegar and cook for 1 minute to reduce the liquid. Add the tomatoes, tomato juice, beans, chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, and paprika. Decrease the heat and simmer for 1 hour. (I find it thickens up a bit and is really good leftover).
3. Serve topped with cheese, sour cream etc.

Chicken Sausage Orzotto

Serves 4

1 medium sized Zucchini

2 Green Onions

1/2 lb Italian Chicken Sausage *you can use ground or links cut into coins, I've done both

6 oz Orzo Pasta

7 oz (half can) of Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes 

1/2 cups Chicken Stock

1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs 

Olive Oil

Butter

Salt and Pepper

Preheat broiler to 500. Slice green onions, separating greens from whites. Trim ends off zucchini and grate on the large hole side of a box grater. 

Heat a drizzle of oil in an ovenproof pan and cook sausage until brown. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel lined plate. 

In the same pan (add more oil if needed) add the shredded zucchini and whites of green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Saute on medium-high heat until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and place in a bowl. Wipe out pan.

In the same pan, melt 1 Tbs of butter and add orzo. Toast pasta on medium-high heat until golden, 2-3 minutes. Stir in Italian Seasoning, chicken stock and tomatoes/sauce. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente, about 12 minutes. *Add more water if orzo is not cooked but liquid has evaporated, I didn't feel like there was enough liquid when I've made this*

Once orzo is cooked, stir in 1 Tbs of butter, zucchini and sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If your pan isn't oven proof, you can transfer to a baking dish at this point. Top with panko bread crumbs and cheese. Place until broiler until cheese is bubbly. Do not walk away! Top with scallions and enjoy! 

One Pot Brazilian Beans and Rice

I don't know how authentic this is but it was easy and delicious and my Brazilian approved! I'm always good with something that's a one pot meal and aside from sausage, you probably have everything you need already on hand.

2 Tbsp. Oil (olive or vegetable is fine)
1 lb. sausage (links, cut in slices) - I used turkey sausage because that's what I prefer but use whatever you like.
1/2 c. Green onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 c. Rice
2 c. Chicken broth
1 14oz can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 bay leaves (I didn't have bay leaves so I used thyme and I thought it was good)

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage, green onion and garlic and sauté until onions are soft and sausage has nice color. Add rice, chicken broth, beans, salt and pepper and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is done. Stir and enjoy!