Ground Turkey And White Bean Chili Bake - cooking recipe

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 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 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)

Preparation

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).
Add in the oregano, cumin and chili powder, chili flakes and jalapeno pepper (if using) cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add in tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
Add in ground turkey; cook until no longer pink.
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.
Set oven to 325 degrees.
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!).
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.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top the last 5-6 minutes of cooking time.