Barefoot Contessa turkey chili recipe has complex flavors, with rich ingredients and a healthy spin. This is a recipe from Ina Garten that embraces her style of cooking – elegant but accessible food made with fresh ingredients and elevated flavors.
This recipe is nice for busy weeknights, cozy get-togethers, or weekend meal prep. Filled with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and warming spices, it’s not only satisfying but also healthy. Whether you’re a chili lover or hearing about turkey chili for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground turkey (preferably 93 percent lean)
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 (14-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (add for spice if desired)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips or cornbread
Procedure
Sautéing the Aromatics
Start with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent once the oil is shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance but not to burn.
Next, stir the red and green bell peppers into the pot. These peppers and quinoa add vibrant color and natural sweetness to the chili. Add and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Cooking the Turkey
Place the ground turkey into the empty portion of the pot. Add turkey, increasing heat to medium-high; break turkey apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir often to keep the turkey browning evenly. Keep cooking until the turkey is no longer pink and has a pale golden-brown color.
At this point, season the turkey and vegetables well with salt and black pepper. The secret to a good chili is building the seasoning as you go.
Adding Tomatoes and Beans
When turkey has cooked through, stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. These ingredients create the savory, spice-ridden foundation of the chili.
Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. The beans are a hearty addition to the chili, providing texture and protein. Make sure everything is stirred well.
Add the chicken broth to loosen everything and give it a rich, stew-like consistency. The broth also lets the flavors come together beautifully as the chili simmers.
Seasoning and Simmering
Now it’s time for the bold spices that give this Barefoot Contessa turkey chili its signature flavor. Add in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if you want more heat).
After that, bring it to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir every so often to keep it from sticking and help the flavors develop. As the chili bubbles, the sauce will get thicker, and the aroma will waft throughout your kitchen.
If the chili gets too thick, splash in a little more chicken broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Serving the Chili
Taste the chili after it has simmered and adjust for seasoning. Spoon the turkey chili into bowls and sprinkle with your favorite garnishes. Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro are traditional toppings that complement the flavors of the chili well.
For extra texture, accompany the chili with crispy tortilla chips or warm cornbread.
Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Use Quality Turkey: Look for turkey that contains about 93 percent lean for the optimal combination of flavor and moisture. Turkey can dry out the leaner ways, and greasiness can be an issue with the higher-fat turkey.
- Layer the Flavors: Season throughout the cooking process to develop more complex flavors.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Give the chili its due by simmering for 30 to 40 minutes to boost flavor and texture and develop a rich, robust chili.
- This Overwhelmed the Spice, Adding Heat in Gradually: Less cayenne pepper and taste- adjust to your palate. It’s more difficult to cut back on heat than to ramp it up.
- Make it Ahead: Turkey chili is better the next day since the flavors develop further. Chill overnight and heat for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition Facts for a Serving of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
For a less caloric option, use less olive oil and half the turkey, and fill in with extra vegetables instead. To make this saucy goodness even more fibrous, add more beans or throw in some lentils.
Storage and Reheating
- Cool: Make sure the chili has cooled completely before putting it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for 4 days.
- Freezing Your Chili: For long-term storage, freeze chili in individual batches for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Place the chili in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too thick, splash in a little water or chicken broth.
Cultural Background and History
Chili is an integral part of American cuisine, particularly in the American Southwest and Texas. Traditionally, it’s made with beef, but in Ina Garten’s version, she swaps it for turkey, a leaner but just as comforting option.
Ina’s recipe is no exception: Her signature style involves taking humble ingredients, adding a fancy spin here and there, and ending up with a dish that feels special and accessible at the same time. The combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives this turkey chili a well-rounded depth of flavor without interfering with the natural flavor of the turkey and vegetables.
Conclusion
The Barefoot Contessa’s turkey chili adds just enough hearty comfort with liturgical flourish. Whether you’re adding it to your rotation for a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving the warmth of a good bowl of chili, this turkey chili hits all of the right notes in flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Good with anything you love and get a bite of it and love it!
