Quick & Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Barefoot Contessa’s turkey chili blends hearty comfort with nutritious ingredients that transform ordinary weeknight meals into spectacular dining experiences.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of warmth and satisfaction.

Home cooks appreciate this recipe simplicity and adaptability to personal taste preferences.

Lean protein mingles seamlessly with aromatic spices, promising a delightful meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Nutritious and filling, this chili offers a perfect balance between health-conscious choices and rich, bold tastes.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and complexity to every carefully crafted bite.

Families and friends will gather around steaming bowls, eager to savor this comforting classic: prepare to be amazed.

Why Contessa Turkey Chili Is So Satisfying

• Savor Lean Protein Power: Ground turkey transforms traditional chili into a healthier protein-packed meal that won't compromise on flavor, delivering a nutritious punch without feeling like you're eating diet food.
• Customize Your Comfort Bowl: The recipe offers endless topping possibilities, letting you transform each serving into a personalized flavor adventure with toppings like creamy avocado, sharp cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior Meal: Ready in under an hour, this chili becomes your go-to solution for busy evenings when you want something delicious, satisfying, and hassle-free without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Spice Up Your Senses: Perfectly balanced spice blend of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne creates a warming, deep flavor profile that tingles your taste buds and provides comforting heat without overwhelming your palate.

Essentials for Contessa Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the base of the chili, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.
• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor and texture to the chili.
• Kidney Beans, Corn: Add heartiness, texture, and additional nutrition to the chili.
• Chicken Broth, Canned Tomatoes: Create the liquid foundation and provide rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Essential for building complex, warm flavor profile and adding a touch of heat.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking, adds subtle flavor to the base.
• Cheese, Avocado, Tortilla Chips, Cilantro, Sour Cream: Provide additional texture, freshness, and customization to the chili.

Cooking Contessa Turkey Chili Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Base

• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 red bell pepper

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Add ground turkey to the pot. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until completely browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Stir to combine and coat the meat with spices.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-45 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld together.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream

Helpful Tips for Contessa Turkey Chili

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their deep, rich aromatics and eliminate any raw, dusty undertones.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by adding different types of peppers like jalapeños, poblanos, or chipotles based on personal preference and heat tolerance.
• Control Texture Perfectly: Use ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content (85/15) to prevent dryness and ensure a more succulent, tender chili.
• Elevate Toppings Game: Layer fresh garnishes like cilantro, diced avocado, crisp green onions, and a dollop of tangy sour cream to add complex textures and bright flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Make larger batches and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals during busy weeknights – chili actually tastes better after flavors meld for a day or two.

How to Store Contessa Turkey Chili

• Freezer Preservation: Portion out chili into individual serving containers or freezer bags. Carefully seal each container, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Frozen chili maintains its delicious taste for up to 3 months, offering a convenient meal option for busy days.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer chili to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Reheating Method: Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Variations to Try with Contessa Turkey Chili

• Quick Turkey Chili Verde: Swap traditional tomatoes with salsa verde and green chilies for a tangy, zesty Mexican-inspired version. Add tomatillos for extra brightness and complexity.
• Smoky Southwestern Turkey Chili: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and smoked paprika. Replace kidney beans with black beans and add roasted corn for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
• Hearty Mediterranean Turkey Chili: Include kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Replace kidney beans with cannellini beans and top with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean touch.
• Spicy Coconut Turkey Chili: Blend in coconut milk for creamy richness and add red curry paste for heat. Use sweet potatoes instead of corn and garnish with fresh lime and chopped Thai basil for an unexpected tropical spin.

Concluding Remarks on Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

Barefoot Contessa’s turkey chili emerges as warm comfort wrapped in culinary craft.

Spices dance through hearty ingredients, creating layers of robust southwestern charm.

Complex flavor profiles invite passionate home cooks into delightful kitchen adventures.

Nutritious ingredients merge seamlessly, promising satisfying meals for family gatherings.

Quick preparation meets gourmet sensibilities in this memorable recipe.

Readers, savor each spoonful, share this delightful discovery with friends on social platforms, spark conversation around your chili masterpiece, and spread delicious inspiration.

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey chili delivers hearty comfort with robust southwestern flavors. Warm spices and lean ground turkey create a satisfying meal that promises delicious warmth in every spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound extra lean ground turkey (0.45 kilograms)
• 2 (15 ounces) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (2 x 425 grams)

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 ounces) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained (425 grams)
• 1 (28 ounces) can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes (794 grams)
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth (296 milliliters)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons chili powder (McCormick chili powder recommended)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Toppings:

• cheese
• avocado
• tortilla chips
• cilantro
• sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell peppers until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the lean ground turkey to the vegetable mixture, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly until the meat loses its pink color and develops a light golden brown appearance, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate the dried spices: chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Stir vigorously to distribute the seasonings evenly and toast them slightly for enhanced flavor intensity.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, dark red kidney beans, and sweet corn kernels. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will gradually reduce, creating a thicker, more concentrated consistency as the flavors meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding additional salt, spices, or a splash of broth if needed to balance the flavor profile.
7. Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, crisp tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of tangy sour cream.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños for spice enthusiasts.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick meal is always ready.
• Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve overall flavor profile.
• Choose lean ground turkey (93/7 ratio) for healthier protein with less fat and better texture.
• Sauté onions and turkey together to develop deeper, richer flavor before slow cooking.
• Garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added freshness.
• Store any remaining chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to continue melding.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance the chili’s natural seasonings.
• Consider using a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup and minimal stuck-on residue.
• Stir ingredients occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg