Ina Garten’s Soulful Turkey Chili Recipe: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Comfort arrives with a delightful twist in this hearty Ina Garten turkey chili recipe that promises warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Rich, robust seasonings mingle with lean ground turkey to create a soul-satisfying meal.

Herbs and spices dance through the pot, building layers of depth that make this chili stand out from ordinary recipes.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of zesty and smooth textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The recipe blends simplicity with gourmet touches, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this delectable chili that turns ordinary ingredients into an exceptional meal.

Grab your pot and get ready to savor a chili that redefines comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates a hearty base, choose fresh and high-quality ground turkey for the best flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the turkey and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the dish, select extra virgin for a more robust taste.

• Onion, Poblano Pepper, Garlic: Provide depth and complexity to the chili, select firm and vibrant vegetables with no soft spots or blemishes.

• Beans, Corn: Add texture and bulk to the chili, use canned beans for convenience and frozen corn for sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a rich, tangy sauce base that develops deep flavor during cooking.
• Water: Helps create the perfect chili consistency and allows ingredients to meld together.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Craft a complex spice profile that brings warmth and depth to the chili, use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor impact.

Cooking Tools for Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the chili, with enough space to mix ingredients comfortably.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground turkey and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, poblano pepper, and garlic safely and cleanly.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise chopping of vegetables and ensuring even-sized pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings.
• Can Opener: Required for opening canned beans and diced tomatoes easily.
• Colander: Useful for draining beans before adding them to the chili.

How to Cook Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

• Savory Turkey Base

Brown ground turkey in a large pot, breaking it into small, delicate fragments while cooking over medium heat until completely done.

• Aromatic Vegetable Blend

Dice onions, poblano peppers, and mince garlic. Sauté these vibrant ingredients alongside the turkey until onions become translucent and fragrant.

• Flavor Symphony

Combine beans, corn, tomatoes, spices, and liquid into the pot. Create a rich, robust mixture that will develop deep, complex flavors during simmering.

• Gentle Simmering

Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently on low heat. Allow ingredients to meld together, stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes, taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. The chili is ready when flavors have harmonized and developed a luxurious, comforting depth.

Adjusting Spice in Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder, or include diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Swap ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase nutrition and add texture.
• Serve with creative garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla strips to elevate the dish.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense taste experience.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• Garnish with Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños on top for extra color and flavor burst.
• Serve with Comfort Sides: Pair the chili with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips to complete the hearty meal.
• Create a Cheese Lover's Dream: Add a generous handful of shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese, letting it melt slightly into the hot chili for creamy richness.
• Elevate with Cool Cream: Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the chili's spicy warmth and add a tangy contrast.

Storing and Freezing Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover turkey chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its fresh flavor.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and add a splash of water if the chili seems too thick.
• Portion and Pack: Divide chili into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. Label containers with the date to keep track of storage time and ensure maximum freshness.

Hearty Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic turkey chili recipe brings comforting southwestern flavors to hearty weeknight dinners. Packed with robust spices and lean protein, home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying meal that welcomes personal garnish preferences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 poblano pepper
• 1 cup (237 ml) frozen corn
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper
• 2 cups (474 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains.
2. Aromatic Infusion: Add diced onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic to the turkey, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Integration: Incorporate rinsed black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and comprehensive spice blend (chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper) into the pot, stirring to ensure even distribution.
4. Simmering Process: Pour water into the mixture, bringing to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight lid and allow chili to develop flavors for 25-35 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent bottom scorching.
5. Final Touch: Taste and fine-tune seasonings as desired, then serve piping hot, allowing the robust flavors to shine through.

Notes

• Meat Crumbling Technique: Break ground turkey into fine, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent large clumps, creating a better texture.
• Vegetable Sautéing Tip: Cook onions, poblano, and garlic until translucent to develop deep, rich underlying flavors that enhance the chili’s overall taste profile.
• Liquid Balance Strategy: Use water carefully to create ideal consistency; too much liquid makes chili watery, while too little can cause burning and uneven cooking.
• Seasoning Layering Method: Add dry spices during cooking to allow them to bloom and release maximum flavor, creating a more complex and robust chili experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg