Halftime Chili

http://www.recipegirl.com/2012/02/02/halftime-chili/
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Prep Time: 25 min
Cook Time: 1 hr, 30 min

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped sweet onion
6 large garlic cloves, minced
3 pounds ground beef
5 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teapsoon dried thyme
2 mild jalapeños, seeds & ribs removed and chopped finely
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with puree
One 14.5-ounce can low-sodium chicken broth
One 12-ounce bottle of beer
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce
One 15-ounce can chili beans in sauce
Directions:

Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are soft and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add beef and sauté until browned, about 5 min. Add chili powder, cumin, basil, bay leaves, oregano and thyme. Stir 2 minutes. Mix in jalapeños, tomatoes, broth, beer, tomato paste, and barbecue sauce. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Let simmer until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to reincorporate the ingredients, about 1 hour and 15 min. Mix in the beans and heat an additional 5 minutes.

Tips:
*This can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.
*Try adding a variety of things: a bunch of fresh cilantro, different kinds of beans, cheese, sour cream, ground veal or turkey.

Source: Adapted slightly from Bon Appetit