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barefoot contessa turkey chili copycat recipe

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

Sharon Brown
As the weather cools, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort and joy. Recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic recipe from the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 346 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ultra-lean ground turkey 99% fat-free
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 15 oz cans of dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 oz can of sweet corn kernels, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder McCormick recommended
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This usually takes around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir constantly until the turkey is browned all over. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Ensure the turkey is completely cooked, with no pink remaining.
  • At this point, it’s time to introduce the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the tomato paste next, ensuring it is well mixed. Then add the rinsed kidney beans and sweet corn, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
  • Now it's time for the spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to infuse into the chili.
  • Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. After it thickens to your liking, add the fresh spinach. Stir until it wilts and is incorporated into the chili.
  • Ladle the chili into bowls, and don't skimp on the garnishes! Top with shredded cheese, slices of avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for that extra creaminess.

Notes

  • Cook Low and Slow: If you have time, let it simmer longer. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust spices according to your preference. If you love heat, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
  • Make Ahead: This chili tastes amazing the next day. Make it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the fridge.
  • Freeze for Later: Portion some out and freeze it. It freezes well, making for an easy meal on busy days.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding different veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to the mix. They can boost flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcal
Keyword barefoot contessa turkey chili recipe
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