(My brother, Will, is filling in for me today while I’m doing important things like eating and sleeping. I highly suggest you read the entire post. He took his own pictures, too.)
Enjoy. :))
That’s right — I’ve got the keys to the car. My sister asked me months ago to write a guest post for her blog. Truth be told, I’ve been so busy working that I kept putting it off. But after seeing the mini s’mores tarts, I decided it was time to bring something heartier. We’re going to BEEF it up with some man food.
First, a quick intro. I’m Will: 25, single, living on the South Side of Pittsburgh. I recently finished a Master’s degree in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University and am applying to doctoral programs with hopes of teaching at the college level someday. I drive the Zamboni at the Rink at PPG Place in winter and work at a public golf course in the summer (I’m an 8 handicap). In my life I’ve learned there are two things I love most: hockey and my family.
Recap: 25, single, bachelor’s pad on the South Side, educated, Zamboni-driving, golf-loving, hockey-obsessed — and I can cook. So to all the readers (especially the women who leave kind comments), if you want my contact info, ask Jess and we’ll stop playing games already.
So what does a single man eat? Let’s head a little south of the border and make Ground Turkey Tacos. Ground turkey gives you that satisfying meaty bite while staying lean and healthy. This meal is quick to make, and sautéed vegetables fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma — which, for me, is half the battle. If it smells good, I can probably finish it. Gentlemen: cook this for your partner and you’ll score major points.
Start with your knife and chopping board. Finely chop a red onion, some garlic, and red and green bell peppers.
All men need a good knife set — sharp and ready. Use the knife to finely dice the onion. Yes, it will make you tear up, but that’s fine — a little manly crying never hurt anyone.
Chop the garlic next. I like to buy local, organic produce when I can — it supports local farmers and tastes great. Then sauté the peppers and onions in a bit of olive oil over low heat until they soften and smell amazing.
Now it’s meat time. Add lean ground turkey to the skillet with the veggies. Cooking on medium heat helps the turkey absorb the flavors of the vegetables. I like 99% fat-free turkey for a lean option.
Season the meat to taste. If you prefer convenience, a packaged taco seasoning works fine; if you like to cook from scratch, use your favorite blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the meat simmer with the veggies until fully cooked and the flavors meld.
To add body and a bit of spice, stir in drained black beans. I like jalapeño-flavored canned black beans for an extra kick. Make sure to drain them well so your tacos don’t get soggy.
For the taco shell, whole-wheat tortillas are my choice — they pair well with the lean turkey and make the meal feel more balanced and hearty.
Top your assembled tacos with a dash of hot sauce — I’m a fan of Frank’s RedHot — and any additional toppings you like: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, plain Greek yogurt or a little shredded cheese.
Your final plate should look inviting and satisfying.
Even if you roll your eyes at my tone, I hope you can give me credit for presentation. If you enjoyed this, know I had fun sharing — and if it inspires even one guy to cook a quick, healthy meal, I consider that a win.
No manly meal is complete without a drink. I’ll take a Jack and Coke — simple and satisfying.
Jess usually lists exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions, but I cook by feel. Use roughly 1 pound of lean ground turkey, one small onion, one to two peppers, 2–3 cloves garlic, one can of black beans (drained), taco seasoning to taste, and 8–10 whole-wheat tortillas. Adjust seasoning and toppings to suit your taste.
I hope you enjoy this manly, healthy, and quick meal. Thanks for reading — good luck and Godspeed.
Will