Ground Turkey & White Bean Chili Bake

Submitted by Sandy Michael

Don't omit the Hersey's cocoa and cinnamon, it makes this recipe! This is even better if made a day ahead, the flavors really intensify! This can also be made on top of the stove. Serve this with crusty buns!

2½ hours 20 min prep 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

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 jalapeño 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 white beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups beef broth
1 cup dark beer
salt and pepper
2 cups grated old cheddar cheese (or to taste)

Directions:

? 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, cocoa powder and cinnamon, 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.

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