Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to warm you up after a long day. Comforting, flavorful, and loaded with goodness, this Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe is a spin on turkey chili that you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. With just the right balance of spices, beans, and a touch of sweetness, this chili feels like a hug in a bowl.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy techniques, just a big pot, a few fresh ingredients, and about an hour of simmer time. It’s an easy one-pot meal that works equally well for weeknights, meal prepping, or serving a crowd.

Whether you like your chili hearty with beans or closer to a Texas-style version without, this recipe is totally adaptable. And with plenty of room to adjust the spice level, you can make it mild and cozy or bold and fiery.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Barefoot Contessa Chili?

Barefoot Contessa’s chili is a turkey-based chili that delivers a rich, smoky depth of flavor without being heavy. The ground turkey is cooked with onions, garlic, bell pepper, and a medley of spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Tomatoes and beans round it out, making every spoonful hearty and satisfying.

The taste is layered and comforting savory with just a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, balanced by the earthy spices. The beans add creaminess, while the optional cocoa powder brings a subtle depth that makes the chili taste like it’s been simmering all day.

When finished, this chili has the perfect texture thick enough to hold its own, yet not overly dense. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños, and you’ll have a chili bowl that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients Required for Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Barefoot Contessa Chili

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1–2 stalks celery (optional), chopped
• 1 lb ground turkey (dark meat preferred)
• 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans (or black/pinto beans)
• ½–1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh jalapeños
• Salsa

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
2. Cutting board & sharp knife
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Measuring spoons & cups
5. Small mixing bowl (for spices)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Servings: 6

Copycat Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Barefoot Contessa Chili in a delicious way.

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and optional celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.

2. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey (dark meat for best flavor) and use a spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the spices: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the turkey and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

4. Build the chili base: Pour in the diced tomatoes, drained beans, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly, then add ½–1 ½ cups chicken broth depending on how thick or soupy you like your chili. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer for flavor: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce slightly and the flavors will deepen. For a thicker consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water) during the last 5 minutes.

6. Serve and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for the perfect finishing touch.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Barefoot Contessa Chili

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Barefoot Contessa Chili deliciously

1. With Cornbread
Honestly, nothing beats dunking a warm, buttery slice of cornbread into chili. We love baking a skillet cornbread with a drizzle of honey on top it soaks up the chili beautifully.

2. Over Rice
Whenever we want to stretch the chili for more servings, we spoon it over fluffy white or brown rice. It makes the dish extra filling and budget-friendly.

3. Chili Mac
This is a family favorite! We mix leftover chili with cooked macaroni and sprinkle cheddar on top. It turns into the ultimate comfort food.

4. With Tortilla Chips
Sometimes we skip the spoon and just scoop the chili with crunchy tortilla chips. Add guacamole and it feels like a Tex-Mex feast.

5. Loaded Baked Potatoes
We love spooning hot chili over baked russet potatoes, then piling on sour cream, green onions, and cheese. Pure comfort in a potato boat.

6. On Hot Dogs
When we want something fun and casual, we make chili dogs. Just add chili, shredded cheese, and diced onions over grilled hot dogs.

7. With Avocado Toast
It may sound unusual, but we’ve spread avocado on toasted sourdough and topped it with a scoop of chili it’s creamy, spicy, and hearty.

8. As a Nacho Topping
We layer tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and chili, then bake until bubbly. Perfect for game night snacking.

9. Over Polenta
Creamy polenta with chili on top feels like an elevated dinner. It’s rich, cozy, and so satisfying.

10. With Fresh Salad
On days we want to balance things out, we pair chili with a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe

I make this chili almost every week. It’s cozy, warm, and makes my kitchen smell amazing. I love how easy it is to change up with different beans or toppings. Sometimes I add cheese and avocado, other times I keep it simple with just a spoon of sour cream.

The best part is how everyone in my family always asks for seconds. It feels like home in a bowl, every single time.

1. Use dark ground turkey it tastes richer.

2. Dice veggies ahead to save time.

3. Taste the spice mix before adding.

4. Add more broth if you like it soupy.

5. Cocoa powder makes it extra deep.

6. Let it simmer longer for bold flavor.

7. Don’t forget fun toppings like cheese or avocado.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Barefoot Contessa Chili Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

FAQs on this Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe

When you give this Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, we’ve swapped it before! Ground beef makes the chili richer, but turkey keeps it lighter. Both work great.

2. Do I have to add beans?

Not at all. We’ve made it with and without beans. With beans, it’s heartier. Without, it’s closer to Texas-style.

3. How spicy is this chili?

It’s medium-spicy as written. If you like it mild, use less chili powder and skip cayenne. If you love heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.

4. Why do you add brown sugar?

The sugar balances the spice and tomatoes. We tried leaving it out once, but the flavor wasn’t as round. Just a tablespoon makes a difference.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! We think it tastes even better the next day because the flavors blend more. Perfect for meal prep.

6. What toppings go best?

We always add avocado, cheese, and sour cream. Jalapeños give a great kick too. Sometimes we even add tortilla chips for crunch.

7. How long does it last in the fridge?

About 4 days. We keep ours in glass containers, and it reheats beautifully.

8. Can I freeze the chili?

Yes, we freeze it in portions. It lasts up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you need a quick dinner.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. We often make double batches when we have friends over. It scales really well.

10. How do I thicken chili if it’s too soupy?

We simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid. If we need it thicker fast, a cornstarch slurry works like magic.

This Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food flavorful, hearty, and perfect for sharing. Whether you serve it at a cozy family dinner, bring it to a potluck, or meal prep for the week, this turkey chili never disappoints. Give it your own twist with toppings and spice levels, and you’ll soon find it’s a recipe worth keeping in rotation.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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