Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to bring warmth and comfort to the table, and this Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe is a family favorite for good reason. Packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a blend of bold spices, this dish is the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a make-ahead meal for game day, This Classic Turkey Chili Recipe always hits the spot. It’s one of those recipes that’s not only simple to make but also gets better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Our kids love this recipe because it’s flavorful without being overly spicy, and we love it because it’s wholesome, filling, and versatile. Let’s dive into this cozy bowl of goodness, like the Barefoot Contessa Chili!

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Ina Garten Turkey Chili?

Ina Garten’s turkey chili is the kind of dish that proves healthy can also be hearty. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and corn, it delivers big flavors while keeping things light compared to traditional Ina Garten Beef Chili.

The taste is rich and savory, with smoky cumin, earthy oregano, and a punch of chili powder giving it that classic chili flavor. A hint of mild green chilies brings just enough warmth without overwhelming the dish, making it family-friendly.

Every spoonful is saucy, chunky, and satisfying. It’s a thick chili not a soup and that’s exactly why it’s so filling. Paired with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or cilantro, it becomes a customizable bowl of comfort.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
• 1 small jar mild green chilies (optional)
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Can opener

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Copycat Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

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

1. Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Stir in the chopped red onion along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onions soften and the spices become fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. This creates the rich base that gives the chili its hearty texture.

4. Mix in the Beans and Corn: Add the rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and the undrained pinto beans. Stir in the drained corn (or frozen corn if using). For an extra boost of flavor, add a small jar of mild green chilies.

5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld beautifully.

6. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. If you prefer a thinner chili, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water. Serve warm with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Turkey Chili

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

1. With Tortilla Chips
We love scooping up chili with crunchy tortilla chips it feels like a game-day snack and dinner all in one.

2. Over Steamed Rice
Sometimes we spoon it over fluffy white or brown rice. It makes the chili stretch further and feels extra comforting.

3. Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes
A warm baked potato with a big ladle of chili on top is one of our favorite weeknight hacks. Add cheese, and it’s heavenly.

4. With Cornbread on the Side
Cornbread and chili are best friends. We always serve a basket of it when we make a big pot for guests.

5. Loaded Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a tray, spoon chili on top, add cheese, then bake until melted. It’s messy, but oh-so-worth it.

6. With a Fresh Green Salad
When we want to keep it lighter, a crisp salad balances out the hearty chili perfectly.

7. Chili Mac
Stir it into cooked macaroni for the ultimate comfort food our kids ask for this every time.

8. With Garlic Bread
We know it’s not traditional, but Artichoke Green Chili Dip or dipping garlic bread into chili is ridiculously good.

9. Chili Bowls with Toppings Bar
For parties, we set up a toppings bar with sour cream, cheese, avocado, jalapeños, and let everyone build their own bowl.

10. Over Hot Dogs (Chili Dogs!)
When we have leftovers, we spoon chili over hot dogs for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

The first time I made this turkey chili, I didn’t expect my whole family to love it so much. But after one bite, even my kids asked for seconds. It’s warm, hearty, and so easy to cook on a busy day. What I love most is how it tastes even better the next day. We’ve served it for game nights, cozy dinners, and even potlucks. It always disappears fast, and now it’s one of our “go-to” comfort meals.

1. Break the turkey into small bits so it cooks evenly.

2. Use freshly cracked pepper for the best flavor.

3. Rinse canned beans to remove extra salt.

4. If you like heat, add spicy green chilies.

5. Simmer longer for a deeper, richer taste.

6. Add broth if you prefer thinner chili.

7. Make a double batch it freezes beautifully!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Turkey Chili Properly?

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

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave this chili actually tastes even better the next day!

FAQs on this Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten 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. What kind of ground turkey should I use?

We like using lean ground turkey (93/7). It has enough fat to keep the chili flavorful but not greasy.

2. Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes! We often add spicy green chilies or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If kids are eating, we keep it mild.

3. How do I know when the chili is ready?

When it’s thick, saucy, and the flavors taste blended usually after 20 minutes of simmering it’s perfect.

4. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! We’ve tried it with ground chicken in Ina Garten Chicken Chili, and it turns out just as tasty.

5. Do I have to use three kinds of beans?

Not at all. We mix and match depending on what’s in the pantry. Black beans and kidney beans are our go-to.

6. How do I thicken my chili?

We just let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. The extra liquid cooks off, and it gets nice and hearty.

7. What toppings taste best?

Our family loves sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, and cilantro. Sometimes we add crushed tortilla chips, too.

8. Can I freeze this turkey chili?

Yes! We freeze it in containers for up to 3 months. It reheats beautifully.

9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

We like reheating it slowly on the stove. The flavors taste even better the next day.

10. Can I make it ahead for a party?

Definitely. We often make it the night before it saves time, and the chili tastes richer the next day.

This Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser wholesome, flavorful, and perfect for both family dinners and festive gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to top it with your favorites! If you enjoyed it, share it with your friends, save it for later, and let us know in the comments how you liked it. Nothing brings people together quite like a warm bowl of chili.

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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