Savory Turkey and White Bean Chili Bake with a Cocoa Twist
This Savory Turkey and White Bean Chili Bake is a delightful blend of spices and hearty ingredients, elevated by a surprising hint of Hershey's cocoa and a dash of cinnamon. These unique flavors create a rich and comforting dish, perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Make it a day in advance to let the flavors meld and deepen. Serve this delicious chili bake with warm, crusty buns for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you choose to bake it in the oven or prepare it on the stovetop, the satisfying combination of ground turkey, white beans, and aromatic spices will surely become a new favorite.
6-8 servings
Servings
400
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onions
2 large (chopped)
garlic
3 tablespoons (minced (or to taste))
dried chili pepper flakes
2-4 teaspoons (to taste (add more if you like heat))
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped (optional))
dried oregano
2 teaspoons
cumin
2 teaspoons
chili powder
1/4 cup (or to taste)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
ground turkey
1 1/2 lbs
bay leaf
1 large ((or use 2 small))
Hershey's dark cocoa
1 tablespoon
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
small white beans
3 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
beef broth
2 cups
dark beer
1 cup
salt and pepper
to taste
old cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
3
Add the dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, chili flakes, and finely chopped jalapeno (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to combine.
5
Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink.
6
Mix in the bay leaf, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Then, carefully add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and dark beer. Raise the heat and bring to a boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9
After 1 hour, add the drained white beans to the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt if desired. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes.
10
During the last 5-6 minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated old cheddar cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
35g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey and White Bean Chili Bake with a Cocoa Twist?
It is a rich, hearty chili dish made with ground turkey, white beans, and aromatic spices, featuring unique hints of Hershey's cocoa and cinnamon.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Why is cocoa powder added to the chili?
Cocoa powder adds a deep, savory richness and complexity to the flavor profile without making the dish taste like dessert.
Can I make this chili bake in advance?
Yes, making it a day in advance is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen over time.
What type of turkey should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground turkey, which serves as a lean protein base for the chili.
What kind of white beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses three 15-ounce cans of small white beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
Is the jalapeno pepper required?
No, the jalapeno is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder chili.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes, while the recipe includes baking instructions, it can also be prepared entirely on the stovetop.
How long does the chili bake in the oven?
The chili bakes for an initial hour, then for another 35-40 minutes after adding the beans, totaling about 1 hour and 40 minutes of bake time.
What kind of beer is best for this recipe?
One cup of dark beer is used to provide a robust, earthy flavor to the sauce.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of beef broth, but you could substitute chicken or vegetable broth if needed.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Two cups of grated old cheddar cheese are sprinkled on top during the last few minutes of baking.
How much chili powder is needed?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of chili powder, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use one 28-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes to ensure there is enough liquid for the bake.
What are the main spices used?
The primary spices include dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, dried chili pepper flakes, and a touch of cinnamon.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving based on the provided nutritional data.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 20 grams of protein.
Is there a lot of fat in this dish?
There are approximately 20 grams of fat per serving in this turkey chili bake.
What should I serve with this chili bake?
It is delicious when served with warm, crusty buns for a complete and satisfying meal.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Do I need a specific type of pot for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven is recommended as it can transition from the stovetop to the oven easily.
When do I add the white beans?
The beans are added after the chili has already baked for one hour in the oven.
What is the role of tomato paste in this recipe?
The tomato paste is sautéed for a minute to deepen the base flavor and thicken the sauce.
How much cinnamon is included?
Only 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon is used to provide a subtle aromatic warmth.
Can I use more chili flakes?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2-4 teaspoons of dried chili pepper flakes, but you can add more if you like extra heat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I bake the chili covered or uncovered?
The chili should be baked uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to concentrate.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly browned before adding other ingredients.
Is there a specific brand of cocoa recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions Hershey's dark cocoa powder for the best flavor result.