Homemade Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

Try This Homemade Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe Today

Turkey chili brings warmth and robust flavors to any meal with its hearty blend of lean protein and aromatic spices.

Home cooks appreciate this versatile dish for its nourishing qualities and simple preparation method.

The balanced combination of tender meat and rich seasonings creates a satisfying culinary experience that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Nutritious ingredients transform ordinary ground poultry into a deeply comforting meal that appeals to health-conscious individuals.

Spices play a magical role in elevating the humble protein into something extraordinary and memorable.

Each spoonful promises a complex layering of tastes that dance across your palate with surprising depth and character.

Families and friends gather around this inviting meal, ready to savor its hearty goodness: prepare to be delighted.

Expert Hints for Turkey Chili

  • Choose Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for low-fat ground turkey to create a healthier chili that won't feel heavy or greasy on the palate.
  • Customize the Spice Level: Start with a conservative amount of chili powder, then gradually increase heat according to your personal taste preferences.
  • Master the Slow Simmer: Allow the chili to gently bubble and meld flavors for at least an hour, which deepens the overall taste and creates a more complex dish.
  • Elevate with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Select fire-roasted tomatoes to inject a subtle smoky undertone that transforms the entire chili's flavor profile.
  • Create Texture with Creative Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese, dollop sour cream, or scatter fresh herbs to add layers of flavor and make your chili more exciting and visually appealing.

Smart Storage for Turkey Chili

  • Freeze Smart: Transfer completely cooled chili into heavy-duty freezer bags or sturdy containers with tight-sealing lids. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor intensity. Label each container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Refrigerator Strategy: Store chili in shallow, wide containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth. Use glass or ceramic containers with airtight lids to preserve taste and prevent odor absorption. Keep chili in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.
  • Reheating Technique: Restore chili's original texture by warming slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water to prevent scorching. Avoid repeated reheating, which can diminish flavor and potentially create food safety risks.

Innovative Spins on Turkey Chili

  • Spicy Southwest Turkey Chili: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Top with pepper jack cheese and crispy tortilla strips for extra zest.
  • Vegetable-Packed Turkey Chili: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to boost nutritional value and add more texture. Garnish with fresh avocado slices and cilantro for brightness.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Chili: Replace traditional beans with chickpeas, add cinnamon and smoked paprika. Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial browning. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply and creating a hands-off cooking experience.

A Closing Note on Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili

Barefoot Contessa’s turkey chili transports taste buds on a culinary adventure through comforting southwestern flavors.

Each spoonful reveals layers of complexity from perfectly balanced spices and hearty ingredients.

Robust ground turkey melds seamlessly with three bean varieties, creating a protein-packed meal that satisfies deeply.

Rich tomato base provides warmth and depth, while subtle spices dance across palates with understated elegance.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe promises a memorable dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Chili enthusiasts, share this mouthwatering masterpiece, spread delicious inspiration, and let culinary passion spark conversations among friends and family.

Delight in Hearty Turkey Chili

Delight in Hearty Turkey Chili
  • Unlock Hearty Comfort: This turkey chili delivers soul-warming goodness packed with rich, robust flavors that hug your taste buds like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
  • Customize Your Bowl: The recipe offers incredible flexibility with multiple topping options, allowing each person to craft their perfect chili experience by adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
  • Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Designed for minimal kitchen cleanup, this recipe simplifies cooking with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a delicious meal in just about two hours, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Protein-Packed Nutrition: Ground turkey provides a lean protein base, while three different beans add extra nutritional value, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized without feeling heavy.

Essential Picks for Turkey Chili

Protein Base:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein that provides the main body of the chili, choose fresh and high-quality ground meat for best flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the chili, provides a light and savory liquid base.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion: Creates a flavor foundation and adds sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic: Enhances overall taste with its robust and aromatic profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the spices and adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Chili Powder: Provides signature chili heat and warm flavor.
  • Cumin: Brings earthy and smoky undertones to the dish.
  • Oregano: Adds herbal notes and complexity to the seasoning.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavors.
  • Tomato Paste: Deepens the color and adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Beans and Liquid Components:
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the sauce base with bright, tangy tomato flavor.
  • Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Provide texture, protein, and additional heartiness to the chili.

Step-by-Step for Turkey Chili

Step-by-Step for Turkey Chili

Step 1: Sizzle the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened. Toss in ground turkey and break it apart while cooking until nicely browned. Sprinkle minced garlic and sauté briefly.

Ingredients:
  • Olive oil
  • Onions
  • Ground turkey
  • Garlic

Step 2: Spice Up the Mixture

Stir in these flavor-packed seasonings:
  • Brown sugar
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Tomato paste

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pot’s bottom to release delicious browned bits. Add crushed tomatoes and beans:
  • Kidney beans
  • Black beans
  • Pinto beans

Blend everything together gently.

Step 4: Let the Chili Develop Depth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered. Cover the pot initially, then uncover during the final 30 minutes to help thicken the chili. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Ladle chili into warm bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced green onions

Enjoy your hearty, comforting turkey chili!

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Homemade Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s hearty turkey chili brings robust southwestern flavors to comfort seekers. Simmered with tender ground turkey, rich spices, and colorful vegetables, this dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 450 grams (16 ounces) ground turkey

Beans:

  • 425 grams (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 425 grams (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 425 grams (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Spices:

  • 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 medium onion)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 30 grams (1 tablespoon) chili powder
  • 15 grams (1 tablespoon) ground cumin
  • 2.5 grams (1 teaspoon) dried oregano
  • 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon) salt
  • 1.25 grams (¼ teaspoon) black pepper
  • 45 grams (3 tablespoons) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Liquids:

  • 420 milliliters (14 fluid ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 800 grams (28 ounces) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Fresh coriander
  • Chopped onions

Instructions

  1. Transform a large pot or Dutch oven into a flavor foundation by drizzling olive oil and heating over medium-high temperature. Introduce finely diced onions, allowing them to become translucent and fragrant for approximately 2 minutes.
  2. Incorporate ground turkey into the aromatic base, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden spoon until it achieves a rich, golden-brown complexion, which typically requires about 5 minutes of continuous stirring.
  3. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, sautéing briefly for 30 seconds to release its robust essence and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  4. Elevate the dish’s complexity by incorporating brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Thoroughly integrate these seasonings, ensuring an even distribution throughout the protein and vegetable mixture.
  5. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, carefully scraping the caramelized bits from the bottom to capture maximum flavor intensity. Introduce crushed tomatoes and three varieties of beans, stirring gently to create a harmonious blend.
  6. Propel the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to develop its rich character uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and promote even cooking.
  7. During the final 30 minutes, uncover the pot to facilitate liquid reduction and concentrate the flavors, creating a robust and hearty texture.
  8. Plate the chili and embellish with an array of complementary garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of sour cream, Greek yogurt, freshly chopped cilantro, or finely diced red onions.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and prevent excess grease from taking over.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes pack a smoky punch that elevates the entire chili’s flavor profile, making regular tomatoes seem bland in comparison.
  • Slow-cooking transforms this recipe, allowing ingredients to meld together and develop a rich, deep taste that gets better with each passing hour.
  • Customize the heat level by starting with a conservative amount of chili powder, then gradually increasing to match your spice tolerance.
  • Dress up your bowl with vibrant toppings like sharp cheddar, cool sour cream, or fresh chopped cilantro to create a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 25g
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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