Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

This turkey chili from the Barefoot Contessa is packed with richness, hearty texture, and just the right kick!

I always brown the turkey up deeply—it adds so much more character than just cooking it until it’s no longer pink.

The cumin and coriander balance everything out without overwhelming the dish, so don’t skip either one.

I like using red bell pepper instead of green—it adds sweetness and softens nicely without getting mushy.

Use crushed tomatoes instead of diced for a smoother finish, and drain the beans well so the chili doesn’t turn soupy.

It’s my go-to when I want something warming that also holds up well for leftovers the next day!

How to Make Barefoot Contessa’s Turkey Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Turkey (99% fat-free)
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (diced)
• 1 Bell Pepper (chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
• 1 can Black Beans (15 oz., drained)
• 1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz., drained)
• 3 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Once hot, add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.

Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Add the lean ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon while it cooks.

Brown the turkey thoroughly until it loses its pink color.

Step 3:

Pour the canned tomatoes along with their juices into the pot.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Combine all the ingredients well.

Step 4:

Add the drained black beans and kidney beans to the turkey mixture.

Stir everything and let it simmer over low heat.

Cook uncovered for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5:

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve warm with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Adjust Spice Levels

Feel free to add more or less chili powder depending on your taste preference or tolerance for spice level.

Freeze for Later

This turkey chili freezes well, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and store it for future meals without losing flavor.

Add Veggie Variety

Consider adding other vegetables such as corn or zucchini to give the chili more texture and nutritional benefits.

Serve With Extra Sides

Pair your chili with a slice of cornbread or a side salad for an additional flavorful and balanced meal.

What to Serve with Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

Classic Cornbread

One of my favorite sides to serve with turkey chili is cornbread.

Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the savory chili flavors.

You can enjoy it warm from the oven with a pat of butter on top!

Avocado Slices

Slicing up some avocado to add on top of your chili bowl is a fantastic choice.

The creamy texture complements the chili’s spices perfectly.

I suggest adding a dash of lime juice to keep the avocado fresh and tangy.

Shredded Iceberg Salad

I like to serve a fresh shredded iceberg lettuce salad.

Top it with diced tomatoes, black olives, and maybe some jalapeños for a kick.

It provides a light, crunchy contrast to the warm chili.

Jalapeño Cheddar Muffins

Instead of plain cornbread, consider baking jalapeño cheddar muffins.

These muffins add a spicy twist and a cheesy flavor, enhancing the chili.

You’ll love how the flavors work together!

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Try serving grilled veggie skewers as an accompaniment.

Bell peppers, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes work well for this.

They add a healthy and colorful option alongside your chili.

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

If you’re looking for something a bit different, garlic parmesan breadsticks are a great idea.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the cheesy garlic flavor is unbeatable.

These are sure to be a hit at your table!

Variations and Substitutions

Go Vegetarian

To make the turkey chili vegetarian, swap out the ground turkey for lentils.

Quinoa or additional beans also make a great plant-based protein option!

Spice Level Adjustments

For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or skip the cayenne pepper entirely.

Bring down the heat without sacrificing flavor!

Different Bean Choices

Using different beans is an easy substitution!

Replace kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas for a unique twist.

Add Extra Veggies

Enhancing your chili can be as simple as adding chopped bell peppers or zucchini.

They bring more flavor and improve texture!

Dairy-Free Options

Omit cheese or sour cream for a dairy-free version.

Try topping it with diced avocado for creamy goodness.

How to Store Leftover Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili

Refrigeration

To keep your leftover Barefoot Contessa turkey chili fresh, place it in an airtight container.

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days without losing its quality.

Try to use a container that minimizes air exposure to maximize freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the chili if you want to store it for longer periods, such as more than five days.

Pour the chili into freezer-safe containers or sturdy freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Don’t forget to write the date on the storage container, so you know how long it’s been there!

Portioning

Consider freezing the chili in single-portion containers if you plan on having it available for quick meals.

This way, you only take out what you need each time, reducing waste and maintaining quality.

Portioning also allows for easy and quick access whenever you crave a delicious chili meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Lean Turkey

You might think using lean turkey is healthier, but it can lead to dry chili.

Choose ground turkey with a bit more fat content to ensure juicier results.

This will greatly enhance the texture and overall taste of your dish!

Overcooking the Turkey

It’s tempting to let your chili simmer for a long time, but turkey can quickly become dry.

Cook the turkey until just browned and then promptly move on to the next steps.

This keeps the meat tender and prevents it from turning grainy.

Skipping the Overnight Rest

Don’t rush the process by skipping the overnight rest in the fridge.

Letting your Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili develop flavors overnight is crucial.

This step enhances the depth and richness of the flavors.