Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of Turkey chili simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. When it comes to creating the perfect bowl of comfort, few recipes can compete with this incredible Barefoot Contessa turkey chili recipe or Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe that has won hearts (and awards!) for decades.

This isn’t just any ordinary chili recipe – it’s an award-winning masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Originally crafted by Devon Fredericks, this recipe has stood the test of time, bringing together the rich flavors of perfectly browned meat, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or craving soul-warming comfort food on a chilly evening, this Barefoot Contessa chili recipe made wit turkey delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

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

This award-winning Classic turkey chili recipe is a beautiful fusion of New York sophistication and Texas heartiness, creating a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chili recipes. The secret lies in using high-quality brisket instead of ground meat, which creates incredibly tender, flavorful chunks that melt in your mouth.

The taste is bold and complex – a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes that dance on your palate. The cumin and chili powder provide that classic southwestern warmth, while the cayenne pepper adds just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.

What truly makes this chili extraordinary is the unexpected addition of coffee, which deepens the flavor and adds a rich, earthy undertone that complements the meat beautifully. Fresh basil at the end brightens the entire dish, creating a sophisticated twist that elevates this from ordinary chili to gourmet comfort food.

Ingredients Required for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

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

• 5 pounds turkey, cut into large chunks
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 6 large fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup strong coffee
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
2. Sharp chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Wooden spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Can opener
7. Ladle for serving

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 8-10 generous portions

Copycat Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

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

Step 1. Brown the Brisket: Pat brisket chunks completely dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Brown brisket in batches without overcrowding, turning to brown all sides (8-10 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.

Step 2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes more until fragrant.

Step 3.  Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Add chopped tomatoes and return browned brisket to the pot with any juices.

Step 4. Season and Simmer: Add salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally until meat is tender.

Step 5. Add Coffee and Beans: Stir in coffee and continue cooking for 30 minutes. Add drained kidney beans and cook for another 30 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 6. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh basil to maintain its bright flavor. Serve hot with desired toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili

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

1. Classic Loaded Bowl Style
Nothing beats the traditional approach! I love ladling this rich chili into deep bowls and creating a toppings bar. My go-to combination is a dollop of cool sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, diced green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The contrast between the warm, spicy chili and cool toppings is pure perfection.

2. Over Crispy Baked Sweet Potatoes
This combination surprised me the first time I tried it, but now it’s one of my absolute favorites. Split open a perfectly roasted sweet potato, fluff the flesh, and top with this hearty chili. The natural sweetness of the potato balances the heat beautifully, and it makes for such a satisfying, wholesome meal.

3. Chili Mac Perfection
When I want ultimate comfort food, I serve this chili over al dente elbow macaroni with plenty of sharp cheddar melted on top. It’s like the sophisticated cousin of boxed mac and cheese, and trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll never go back to regular pasta night.

4. Cornbread and Honey Butter Pairing
There’s something magical about dipping warm, crumbly cornbread into this rich chili. I always make sure to have a batch of my favorite cornbread recipe ready, served alongside whipped honey butter. The slight sweetness and cornmeal texture create the most satisfying contrast.

5. Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
For a hearty winter meal, I love stuffing this chili into fluffy baked russet potatoes. I split the potatoes open, fluff with a fork, add a pat of butter, then top generously with the chili. A sprinkle of cheese and green onions makes it restaurant-worthy.

6. Warm Tortilla Wraps
Sometimes I turn this into a handheld meal by serving it in warm flour tortillas with Mexican rice, black beans, and all the fixings. It’s like a chili burrito that’s absolutely divine. I often set up a DIY wrap station when we have friends over.

7. Over Crispy Polenta Rounds
This might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple and so delicious. I pan-fry thick slices of prepared polenta until golden and crispy, then top with the chili. The creamy corn flavor of polenta pairs beautifully with the robust meat and spices.

8. Chili Nachos Supreme
For game day or casual entertaining, I layer this chili over crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and all the usual nacho toppings. It’s elevated nachos that actually fill you up and taste incredible.

9. With Warm Crusty French Bread
Sometimes simple is best. I serve this chili alongside thick slices of crusty French bread for dipping. There’s something so comforting about sopping up every last bit of that flavorful broth with good bread.

10. Breakfast Chili Bowl
Here’s my favorite weekend discovery – serving leftover chili for breakfast! I top it with a fried egg and some crispy hash browns on the side. The runny yolk mixes into the chili creating this incredibly rich, satisfying morning meal that keeps me full for hours.

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

I first made this chili on a cold Sunday. My kitchen smelled so good! My kids kept asking when it would be ready. When we finally sat down to eat, everyone went quiet. They were too busy eating to talk! My husband said it was the best chili he ever had. Now I make it every winter. It always makes our house feel warm and happy. This recipe brings my family together every time.

1. Dry Your Meat First
Pat the meat with paper towels. Wet meat won’t get brown. Brown meat tastes much better.

2. Don’t Rush the Browning
Take your time. Brown each piece on all sides. This step makes the chili taste amazing.

3. Cook in Small Batches
Don’t put too much meat in the pot at once. Give each piece room to brown.

4. Taste as You Go
Try your chili while it cooks. Add more salt or spices if needed. Your taste buds know best.

5. Let It Bubble Slowly
Keep the heat low after it starts to boil. Fast cooking makes tough meat. Slow cooking makes tender meat.

6. Add Coffee for Magic
The coffee makes the chili taste rich. Don’t worry – it won’t taste like coffee. Trust me on this one!

7. Save Basil for Last
Put fresh basil in at the very end. This keeps it green and fresh. It makes the whole pot smell wonderful.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Properly?

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

This chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin consistency.

FAQs on this Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili Recipe

When you give this Barefoot Contessa Turkey 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 substitute turkey for the brisket in this Barefoot Contessa chili recipe?

Absolutely! We’ve made this with ground turkey many times. Use 3-4 pounds of ground turkey and brown it in batches. The cooking time reduces to about 1.5-2 hours total. The flavor is lighter but still delicious, and you’ll get that same award-winning taste profile.

2. Why does this recipe use coffee, and can I skip it?

The coffee is truly the secret ingredient that makes this chili special! We’ve tested it both ways, and the coffee adds an incredible depth and richness without making it taste like coffee. If you must skip it, try substituting with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, but you’ll miss that signature flavor.

3. How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust the heat level?

This recipe packs a good kick! With cayenne and red pepper flakes, it’s medium-hot. We always tell guests to have sour cream ready. To make it milder, halve the cayenne and skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add an extra teaspoon of cayenne.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans and coffee in the last hour, and stir in fresh basil just before serving.

5. What’s the best way to serve this award-winning chili?

We love serving it with a dollop of sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and warm cornbread. Diced avocado and chopped green onions also make fantastic toppings. For parties, we set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowl.

6. Can I freeze this chili, and how long does it last?

This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months! We often make a double batch just for freezing. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers. Note that the texture of the beans might change slightly, but the flavor remains incredible.

7. Why do you add basil instead of cilantro like traditional chili?

The fresh basil is what makes this recipe unique! We’ve tried it with cilantro, and while good, the basil adds a sophisticated, slightly sweet note that balances the heat perfectly. It’s unexpected but absolutely delicious – trust us on this one!

8. What type of canned tomatoes work best if I don’t have fresh?

When fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, we use one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are our favorite for the best flavor, but any quality canned tomatoes work well. Don’t drain them – use all the liquid!

9. How do I know when the brisket is tender enough?

The brisket should easily shred with a fork after 2.5-3 hours of simmering. If it’s still tough, keep cooking! We’ve had batches take up to 4 hours depending on the cut. The wait is worth it – properly cooked brisket makes all the difference.

10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian while keeping the same flavors?

We’ve successfully made a vegetarian version using 2 pounds of mixed mushrooms (portobello and cremini) cut into large chunks. Add an extra tablespoon of cumin and use vegetable broth instead of relying on the meat juices. The coffee and spices still create that signature flavor profile!

This Barefoot Contessa turkey chili recipe is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that brings people together around the dinner table. The award-winning combination of tender brisket, aromatic spices, and that secret coffee addition creates a chili that’s truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and crusty bread. Have you tried this recipe? Share your cooking adventures in the comments below!

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