The Coziest Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Fall Nights

Cozy autumn afternoons call for hearty turkey pumpkin chili that warms you from the inside out.

Crisp leaves and chilly breezes make this recipe perfect for seasonal comfort.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly in this unexpected twist on classic chili.

pumpkin adds a creamy richness that surprises and delights hungry friends gathering around the table.

Lean ground turkey provides protein-packed goodness without heavy calories.

Fragrant spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

Pack your bowl with pure autumn magic and savor every delicious bite.

Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili to Warm Your Soul

• Embrace Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a heartwarming chili that captures the essence of autumn with its rich, warming blend of turkey and pumpkin.
• Create Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your meal with protein from turkey, fiber from beans, and vitamins from pumpkin, making this a super-healthy one-pot wonder that nourishes your body.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize your chili with a variety of toppings like cheese, avocado, or cilantro, allowing everyone at the table to craft their perfect bowl of deliciousness.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this recipe in under an hour, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary adventure without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides protein and adds a hearty texture to the chili.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful base and provide depth to the chili's taste profile.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness while boosting the nutritional value of the dish.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Provide extra protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute moisture and a tangy flavor to the overall dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Create a warm and complex spice blend that defines the chili's flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the spice mixture.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a optional spicy kick to the chili.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and helps create the chili's consistency.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the chili.

• Cilantro, Green Onions, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado, Tortilla Chips, Lime Wedges: Allow for personalization and additional flavor layers.

How to Cook Turkey Pumpkin Chili Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth.

Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, letting them dance and soften for 5-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and let it release its tantalizing aroma for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground turkey to the pot.

Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it transforms into a delightful golden brown color, about 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Pumpkin puree
• Diced tomatoes with their juices
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Ground cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Stir everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Let the Magic Happen

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste and tweak.

Add more salt, pepper, or spices until the chili sings with flavor.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Customize with mouthwatering toppings.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Use high-quality ground turkey with a bit more fat content for richer taste and juicier texture.
• Start with smaller amounts of cayenne and chili powder, then gradually increase to control heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Add a splash of apple cider or a teaspoon of maple syrup to complement the pumpkin's natural sweetness and round out the flavors.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so make a larger batch and store in the refrigerator for easy reheating throughout the week.
• Swap some ground turkey for diced chicken or add extra beans to increase protein and create a more filling meal.

Variations to Customize Your Chili

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the same spice profile and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Chili: Swap black and kidney beans with cauliflower chunks and zucchini, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, warm flavors.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients after sautéing vegetables and browning turkey into a slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development and minimal hands-on preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced green chilies, increase cayenne pepper, incorporate chipotle powder, and top with fresh jalapeños for an intense, fiery chili experience.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty chili in deep ceramic bowls for maximum warmth and rustic charm, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Autumn Harvest Garnish: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds and a dash of fresh thyme on top to enhance the seasonal flavors and add delightful crunch.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add a generous handful of sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese that melts beautifully, creating irresistible stringy goodness with each spoonful.
• Bread Pairing Magic: Accompany the chili with warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or toasted whole wheat bread to soak up all the delicious sauce and add extra texture.

How to Store Leftover Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

FAQs

• Is pumpkin puree necessary for this chili?

Pumpkin puree adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, helping thicken the chili while boosting nutritional value with extra fiber and vitamins.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! You can swap black and kidney beans with pinto, cannellini, or great northern beans based on your preference or what’s available in your pantry.

• How spicy is this chili?

The spice level is mild to moderate. If you want more heat, increase cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño during vegetable sautéing. For less spice, reduce or omit cayenne completely.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty turkey pumpkin chili combines lean protein with seasonal warmth for a comforting autumn meal. Spices and robust ingredients create a satisfying dish you’ll crave during cool evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground turkey (preferably lean)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes (with their juices)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth and depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and tender. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
2. Incorporate ground turkey into the vegetable mixture, diligently breaking it apart with a cooking utensil. Cook thoroughly until the meat transforms to a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, black beans, kidney beans, and selected broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper for robust flavor complexity.
4. Elevate the heat momentarily to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the chili to develop its flavors for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Sample the chili’s seasoning, making nuanced adjustments with additional salt, pepper, or spices to achieve a balanced taste profile.
6. Serve the steaming chili in individual bowls. Enhance with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, green onion slices, melted cheese, creamy sour cream, sliced avocado, crispy tortilla chips, and zesty lime wedges.

Notes

• Boost vegetable content by adding diced carrots or zucchini during the sautéing stage for extra nutrition and texture.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based ground meat alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version of this hearty chili.
• Use low-sodium broth and canned beans to control salt intake for health-conscious individuals.
• Enhance protein levels by incorporating quinoa or lentils alongside the turkey for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg