Ground Turkey And Bean Chili Bake

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 3 tablespoons oil (can use more)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 2 -4 teaspoons dried chili pepper flakes (or to taste, if you like heat add in lots!)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and finely chopped) (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/4 cup chili powder (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 large bay leaf (or use 2 small)
• 1 tablespoon hersey's dark cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 (15 ounce) cans small beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dark beer
• salt and pepper
• 2 cups grated old cheddar cheese (or to taste)

Recipe

• 1 heat oil in a dutch oven over medium heat; add in onions and saute for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned (adding in the garlic the last 3 minutes of cooking).
• 2 add in the oregano, cumin and chili powder, chili flakes and jalapeno pepper (if using) cook for 1-2 minutes.
• 3 add in tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
• 4 add in ground turkey; cook until no longer pink.
• 5 stir in bay leaf and cocoa powder, then add in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth and beer; bring to a boil and simmer on top of the stove for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then season with salt and pepper.
• 6 set oven to 325 degrees.
• 7 place in oven uncovered, and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally (the longer you cook this in a low heat oven the richer and thicker it will be, you can even cook it for even 2 hours!).
• 8 after 1 hour cooking add in drained beans, and season with more salt if desired; return to oven and cook uncovered for another 35-40 minutes.
• 9 sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top the last 5-6 minutes of cooking time.