The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe is warm, hearty and full of flavor. It is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
This healthy chili uses lean turkey, beans and simple spices. The result is a rich and comforting bowl of chili. If you want a lighter chili that still tastes amazing, this recipe is perfect.
In this guide, you will learn how to make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe step by step using simple ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this turkey chili on a cold evening. I wanted something warm but not too heavy. This recipe was perfect.
The flavor surprised me. It tasted rich, hearty, and comforting. The turkey made the chili lighter than beef chili. I also love how easy it is to cook.
Everything cooks in one pot. That means fewer dishes to wash later. Now I cook this recipe often. It is great for family dinners and meal prep.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook for five minutes. Break it into small pieces while cooking. Stir often until turkey turns lightly brown.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add chopped onion, bell peppers and garlic to the pot. Cook for about five minutes. Stir often until vegetables become soft and fragrant. This step builds strong flavor.
3. Add the Spices
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper. Stir well for one minute. Cooking spices in oil helps release their aroma and deep flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Beans
Add kidney beans and black beans to the chili pot. Stir gently so beans stay whole. Let the chili simmer for twenty minutes so flavors blend.
6. Finish the Chili
Taste the chili and adjust salt if needed. Add a little sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic. Stir fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe
- Use fresh spices for stronger flavor.
- Let the chili simmer longer for deeper taste.
- Add a little lime juice for extra freshness.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.
- Stir the chili occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Cook chili a day ahead for even better taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not rush cooking the vegetables. They add important flavor.
- Avoid using very lean turkey without oil. The chili may taste dry.
- Do not skip spices. They create the chili flavor.
- Avoid adding too much salt early. Adjust at the end instead.
- Do not boil the chili too hard. Gentle simmer works best.
Serving Suggestions
This chili tastes amazing served hot in a deep bowl. Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream or chopped cilantro. Some people enjoy crushed tortilla chips on top.
Cornbread also pairs perfectly with this chili. The soft bread balances the rich and spicy flavor. You can also serve it with warm rice or toasted bread for a filling meal.
Variations You Can Try
- Add corn kernels for sweet flavor.
- Use white beans instead of kidney beans.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Replace turkey with ground chicken.
- Add sweet potatoes for a healthy twist.
- Stir in cooked quinoa for more protein.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze chili for up to 3 months.
- Reheat chili on the stove over medium heat.
- Add a little water or broth if chili becomes thick.
- Stir often while reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Health Benefits
The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe is both tasty and nutritious. Turkey is a lean protein that supports muscle health. Beans add fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you full longer.
Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene. The vegetables also supply vitamins and minerals. Overall, this chili is a balanced and satisfying meal.

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook for five minutes. Break it into small pieces while cooking. Stir often until turkey turns lightly brown.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add chopped onion, bell peppers and garlic to the pot. Cook for about five minutes. Stir often until vegetables become soft and fragrant. This step builds strong flavor.
Add the Spices
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper. Stir well for one minute. Cooking spices in oil helps release their aroma and deep flavor.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Beans
- Add kidney beans and black beans to the chili pot. Stir gently so beans stay whole. Let the chili simmer for twenty minutes so flavors blend.
Finish the Chili
- Taste the chili and adjust salt if needed. Add a little sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic. Stir fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for stronger flavor.
- Let the chili simmer longer for deeper taste.
- Add a little lime juice for extra freshness.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.
- Stir the chili occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Cook chili a day ahead for even better taste.
FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe
Can I make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this chili in a slow cooker. First brown the turkey and vegetables. Then place everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for six hours for rich flavor.
What beans work best for this chili recipe?
Kidney beans and black beans work very well in this recipe. They hold their shape during cooking. You can also try pinto beans or white beans.
How can I make this chili thicker?
You can simmer the chili longer to reduce the liquid. Another option is mashing a few beans in the pot. This naturally thickens the chili.
Can I make this chili spicy?
Yes, you can add more heat easily. Try adding chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot chili flakes. Adjust the spice level based on your taste.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, chili tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe is a comforting and easy meal. It is full of flavor but lighter than traditional beef chili.
Now that you know how to make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe, you can cook it anytime. The ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili With Beans Recipe are simple and easy to find.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep or cozy nights at home. Once you try it, it may become one of your favorite chili recipes.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
















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