Ina Garten’s Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Warming and hearty, this turkey chili transforms ordinary ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Robust spices dance through tender ground turkey, creating layers of rich, complex flavor that comfort and delight.

Nutritious beans add depth and substance, making each spoonful a celebration of home-style cooking.

The magic happens when simple components merge, developing an irresistible dish that speaks to both comfort and nourishment.

Balanced seasonings elevate this recipe beyond basic weeknight fare, promising a meal that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

A one-pot wonder that brings people together, promising warmth and satisfaction in every bite: get ready to fall in love with this delicious chili.

Why Ina Garten Turkey Chili Is So Cozy

• Savor Lean Protein: Ground turkey delivers a healthier protein punch compared to traditional beef chili, making this recipe perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious home cooks.
• Craft Customizable Comfort: The recipe offers incredible flexibility with seasoning adjustments, allowing you to dial up heat or mellow down flavors according to your personal taste preferences.
• Enjoy Quick and Easy Cooking: This one-pot wonder comes together in under 45 minutes, providing a fast and delicious meal solution for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Experience Wholesome Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich turkey, fiber-filled beans, and nutrient-dense vegetables, this chili delivers a balanced and satisfying meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.

Turkey Chili Ingredients from Ina’s Pantry

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the base of the chili, best when freshly ground and not too fatty.

• Onion, Poblano Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavor and classic chili base, fresh and firm produce recommended.

• Kidney Beans, Frozen Corn: Hearty additions that add texture and nutrition, beans should be well-drained and corn can be added directly from freezer.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Water: Provide moisture and rich tomato flavor, canned tomatoes should be good quality with no added seasonings.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that create complex and warm flavor profile, fresh and high-quality spices will enhance overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking, extra virgin olive oil offers best flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Turkey Chili

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Add ground turkey and break it into small crumbles while cooking until fully browned and no pink remains.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Poblano pepper
• Garlic

Add chopped vegetables to the turkey and sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and soft.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Drained beans
• Frozen corn
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Water

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.

Step 4: Slow Simmer and Develop Taste

Cover pot and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let chili cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty turkey chili.

Tips to Keep Your Chili Thick and Rich

• Choose Ground Turkey Wisely: Select meat with 85/15 or 90/10 fat ratio to ensure juicy, flavorful chili without excess grease.
• Build Robust Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions, garlic, and spices until fragrant, releasing their essential oils and creating a deep, complex taste profile.
• Master Slow Cooking Technique: Let chili simmer gently on low heat, allowing ingredients to blend and develop rich, harmonious flavors over time.
• Taste and Tweak Seasoning: Sample the chili during cooking, adjusting salt, pepper, and spices to achieve perfect balance and personal preference.
• Preserve Bean Texture: Introduce canned beans near the end of cooking to maintain their integrity and prevent mushy, overcooked consistency.

Storing Leftovers the Chili Way

• Seal and Preserve: Transfer cooled turkey chili into airtight glass containers, ensuring a tight seal to lock in freshness. This method maintains flavor integrity and prevents contamination from other refrigerator odors.
• Freezer Strategy: Pack chili in heavy-duty freezer bags, squeeze out excess air, and label with date. Flat storage maximizes freezer space and allows faster, more even thawing.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Stovetop method offers the most consistent temperature distribution, preventing potential texture breakdown. Stir frequently and use medium-low heat to maintain original flavor and consistency.

Ways to Tweak Ina Garten Turkey Chili

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace poblano pepper with jalapeños and add diced green chiles for extra heat. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper for a bold kick.
• Hearty Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu. Increase beans variety by mixing black, kidney, and pinto beans for protein-rich texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese on top. Add a tablespoon of dried oregano and fresh parsley. Include a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving for creamy tanginess.
• Slow Cooker Lazy Day Option: Transfer all ingredients into a slow cooker after browning turkey. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld deeply. Perfect for hands-off meal preparation.

Chili Recap from Ina Garten

Hearty and warming, Ina Garten’s turkey chili emerges as winter’s culinary champion.

Rich layers of spices dance through each spoonful, creating a comforting meal that surprises and delights.

Southwest-inspired flavors mingle with ground turkey’s lean protein, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Mediterranean influences peek through cumin and oregano, elevating this classic dish beyond expectations.

Poblano peppers add subtle heat, while beans and corn provide wholesome nutrition.

You’ll want to savor this recipe, share its deliciousness with friends, and bookmark it for countless cozy dinners ahead.

Ina Garten Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey chili delivers a hearty, comforting meal packed with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients. Warm spices and tender turkey create a satisfying dinner you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pinto beans, drained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 poblano pepper
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) frozen corn
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces/170 grams) tomato paste

Spices and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 2 cups (474 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Heat of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and break it into fine crumbles while cooking until no pink remains and meat is completely browned.
2. Dice the onion and poblano pepper into uniform small pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Add these aromatics to the cooked turkey and sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly. Add beans, frozen corn kernels, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, tomato paste, and all dry seasonings including chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot.
4. Pour of water into the mixture and stir all ingredients until well combined and evenly distributed. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the chili to simmer for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot.

Notes

• Ground turkey keeps it lean.
• Add beans or leave them out—your choice.
• Tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg