Looking for a cozy, satisfying chili that doesn’t weigh you down? Ina Garten’s Turkey Chili with Beans is a perfect balance of hearty and healthy. With lean ground turkey, protein-packed beans, bold spices, and a rich tomato base, this chili is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or meal prep.
What Is Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili with Beans?This recipe features lean ground turkey simmered with onions, garlic, bell peppers, beans, and tomatoes, all seasoned with warming spices like chili powder and cumin. Ina keeps it simple yet florful, offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili without sacrificing depth or comfort.
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili with Beans
Other Ina Garten Recipes
Ina Garten Turkey Burger Ina Garten Turkey Gry Ina Garten Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Ina Garten’s Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Ina Garten Buffalo Chicken Wings Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Turkey Chili with Beans Lean and nutritious – Ground turkey and beans are high in protein Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – Ideal for meal prep Bold flor with everyday ingredients – Pantry-friendly recipe Customizable heat level – Adjust the spice to your preference Naturally gluten-free – Great for dietary needs Feeds a crowd – Perfect for family meals or gatherings Barefoot Contessa-approved – Balanced, elegant, and satisfying Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili with Beans 3 tablespoons good olive oil 2 cups chopped yellow onions (about 2 large) 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves) 1½ pounds ground turkey (preferably dark meat) 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1½ teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar, ocado, scallions, cilantro Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili with Beans Step 1: Sauté AromaticsIn a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Brown the TurkeyAdd the ground turkey to the pot and cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until fully browned and crumbled.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and SeasoningStir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Mix well.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and SimmerAdd the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly and flors develop.
Step 5: Add the BeansStir in the kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve HotLadle into bowls and top with your forite toppings like sour cream, cheese, ocado, or fresh herbs.
What to Serve With Turkey Chili
Cornbread or corn muffins – Sweet and sory combo
Tortilla chips or baked pita – Great for scooping
Steamed rice or quinoa – Adds volume and texture
Simple green salad – Fresh contrast
Roasted sweet potatoes – Naturally sweet pairing
Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce – To turn up the heat
Sliced ocado or guacamole – Creamy topping
Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe
Use dark meat turkey – For more flor and moisture
Simmer uncovered – Helps the chili thicken naturally
Rinse canned beans – To remove excess sodium and starch
Let it rest before serving – Flors intensify as it sits
Add broth if needed – To adjust thickness
Customize the spice level – Add more chili powder or cayenne to taste
Double the recipe – It freezes beautifully
Variations of the Recipe
Use ground chicken or beef – If turkey isn’t ailable
Swap in pinto or cannellini beans – For different textures
Add corn kernels or zucchini – For extra veggies
Stir in chopped spinach or kale – For a nutrition boost
Use smoked paprika instead of cayenne – For a smoky flor
Top with crushed tortilla chips – For crunch
Make it dairy-free – Skip the sour cream and cheese toppings
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate in airtight container – Keeps up to 4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months – Great for future meals
Thaw overnight in the fridge – For even reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop – Add water or broth as needed
Label and date containers – For freezer tracking
Store toppings separately – To maintain freshness
Don’t freeze with dairy toppings – Add fresh after reheating
How Do I Reuse Leftover Turkey Chili?
Top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes – Easy and filling
Use in burritos or tacos – For a second meal
Make chili nachos – With cheese and jalapeños
Serve over pasta or rice – Quick and hearty dinner
Stuff into bell peppers and bake – For a new twist
Add to scrambled eggs or frittatas – Spicy breakfast
Create chili mac and cheese – Ultimate comfort food mash-up
Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 390
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
Can I make Ina Garten’s turkey chili ahead of time?
Yes, turkey chili is perfect for making ahead. The flors deepen over time, and it can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
What type of ground turkey works best for chili?Use dark meat ground turkey for better flor and moisture. Lean breast meat can be used, but may result in a drier texture.
Can I make this turkey chili in a slow cooker?Yes, after sautéing the onions, garlic, and turkey, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I make this chili spicier?Absolutely. Increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to reach your desired heat level.
Final WordsBarefoot Contessa’s Turkey Chili with Beans is a lighter, healthier version of a comfort food forite—without sacrificing flor. It’s a go-to recipe for cold nights, family dinners, or anytime you need a warm, satisfying bowl of chili. With bold spices, hearty beans, and Ina’s signature ease, this chili is both nourishing and delicious.
Print Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili with Beans
Print Recipe
Print Recipe
This recipe features lean ground turkey simmered with onions, garlic, bell peppers, beans, and tomatoes, all seasoned with warming spices like chili powder and cumin. Ina keeps it simple yet florful, offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili without sacrificing depth or comfort.
Author: Anabelle Mclean Prep Time: 15 Cook Time: 55 Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Yield: 6 1x Category: Main Course Method: Sautéing + Simmering Cuisine: American Ingredients Scale3 tablespoons good olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onions (about 2 large)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1½ pounds ground turkey (preferably dark meat)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar, ocado, scallions, cilantro
Instructions Step 1: Sauté AromaticsIn a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Brown the TurkeyAdd the ground turkey to the pot and cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until fully browned and crumbled.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and SeasoningStir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Mix well.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and SimmerAdd the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly and flors develop.
Step 5: Add the BeansStir in the kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve HotLadle into bowls and top with your forite toppings like sour cream, cheese, ocado, or fresh herbs.
Did you make this recipe?Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!