Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Savor the Season with Our Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe
As the days get cooler, nothing beats a hearty, comforting meal to warm you up, and this Turkey Pumpkin Chili does just that! Packed with lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich pumpkin puree, and a medley of beans and spices, it’s a perfect blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors. This chili is not only bursting with fall-inspired goodness, but it’s also a clean-eating option, making it an ideal dish for those looking for both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chili is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
What sets this Turkey Pumpkin Chili apart is its versatility. You can top it with creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips for added texture, and the pumpkin adds a delightful richness that complements the lean turkey perfectly. It’s a great way to enjoy the best flavors of fall while sneaking in some extra vegetables! This recipe is also perfect for gatherings or family dinners, with plenty of room for customization to suit everyone’s preferences. Grab a bowl and dive into this cozy, delicious meal!
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How to Adjust for Different Dietary Needs
This Turkey Pumpkin Chili is already packed with wholesome, nutritious ingredients, but it’s also incredibly adaptable to suit various dietary preferences. Here’s how you can make it fit your dietary needs:
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Swap out the ground turkey for a plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute. Ensure the broth you use is vegetable-based for a fully plant-powered chili.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients like broth and canned beans. Always double-check product labels to ensure there are no hidden sources of gluten.
Dairy-Free: Skip the sour cream and shredded cheese toppings, or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or a plant-based cheese for a delicious, creamy finish without the dairy.
Low-Carb: If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, you can reduce or eliminate the beans in the recipe and add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor without the carbs.
These simple adjustments make it easy to enjoy this Turkey Pumpkin Chili while meeting your dietary goals, without compromising on taste or flavor.
Make It Your Own: Chili Variations
Make it Vegetarian:
To turn this turkey pumpkin chili into a vegetarian dish, simply swap out the ground turkey for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or a meat alternative. You can also add extra beans, like pinto or chickpeas, to bulk it up and keep the chili hearty.Add Extra Heat:
For those who love a spicy kick, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also add fresh jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.Slow Cooker Option:
If you want to make this chili with minimal effort, you can use a slow cooker. After browning the turkey, transfer it to your slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!Try Different Toppings:
Get creative with your toppings! In addition to avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream, try topping your chili with diced red onions, jalapeño slices, crushed tortilla chips, or even a drizzle of lime juice for a bright, fresh twist.Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free certified ingredients like broth and canned beans. Double-check all labels to ensure no hidden sources of gluten.Thicker Chili:
For those who like a thicker, heartier chili, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer to thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina to thicken the chili while also adding a hint of corn flavor.Add Extra Veggies:
Want to boost the nutrition even more? You can easily add additional vegetables to this chili. Diced zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots would make great additions and provide extra texture and flavor.Sweet and Smoky Twist:
For a sweet and smoky flavor profile, try adding a little maple syrup or honey to balance out the savory spices. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for that signature smoky chili taste.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven – For cooking the chili.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients.
- 1 Knife – For chopping vegetables like onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- 1 Cutting Board – For prepping the vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure the spices, broth, and other ingredients.
- 1 Can Opener – To open the canned pumpkin, beans, and tomatoes.
- 1 Ladle – For serving the chili into bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground turkey
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Medium onion, diced
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they become soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the turkey:Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Mix the cooked turkey with the vegetables.
- Add the spices:Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey and vegetables, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors of the spices.
- Combine the liquids and pumpkin:Stir in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer and thicken:As the chili simmers, the flavors will meld together and the liquid will reduce, thickening the chili. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, continue simmering for an extra 10–15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed.
- Serve and garnish:Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings—shredded cheese, avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a handful of tortilla chips for some crunch.
Notes
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a fantastic option for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better with time. Here’s how to make the most out of prepping and storing this dish:- Make Ahead: You can easily prepare the chili in advance and store it for the week. After cooking, allow the chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Refrigeration: Store the chili in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Portioning: If you’re meal prepping for the week, consider dividing the chili into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing. This makes it easy to grab a quick, ready-to-eat meal on busy days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chili in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave single portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili has thickened too much in storage.
Enjoy Your Bowl of Comfort
This Turkey Pumpkin Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, nutritious way to embrace the flavors of the season. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a family dinner, or simply craving a warm and hearty dish, this chili fits the bill perfectly. With its lean ground turkey, wholesome pumpkin, and a blend of flavorful spices, each bite offers a delicious balance of savory and subtly sweet. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for adapting to different preferences with toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Now that you’ve got the recipe, we’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to tweak the ingredients or add your personal touch, and don’t forget to share your version with us by tagging #SatisfyYourCravings on social media. If you enjoyed this chili, make sure to check out our other fall-inspired recipes for more cozy, comforting dishes. And, if you haven’t yet, subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new recipes and exclusive content. We can’t wait to see how you enjoy this dish!