Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe: A Cozy Fall Comfort Bowl

Crisp autumn winds signal the perfect moment to whip up a hearty turkey pumpkin chili that blends seasonal warmth with unexpected flavors.

Savory and robust, this chili brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rich, unexpected combination.

Tender ground turkey mingles with smooth pumpkin, creating a dish that surprises and delights with every spoonful.

Aromatic spices dance through the recipe, promising a meal that’s both nourishing and exciting.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this chili transforms a classic comfort food into something extraordinary.

Spoon into bowls and savor the magic of a meal that celebrates fall’s most delicious moments.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the cayenne pepper. Use less or omit it for a milder version, or add more for extra kick.

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute and provides similar texture and protein.

• Do I need fresh pumpkin for this recipe?

No, canned pumpkin puree works best. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• How nutritious is this chili?

It’s packed with protein from turkey and beans, plus vitamins from pumpkin, making it a balanced and healthy meal option.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili for Cozy Days

• Boost Nutrition Powerfully: Packed with protein from turkey and fiber-rich beans, this chili delivers a wholesome meal that nourishes your body with balanced ingredients.
• Warm Up Comfort Quickly: Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty chili creates instant warmth and satisfaction with its rich, spicy flavor profile and comforting texture.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple personalization through various toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions, making it exciting for different taste preferences.
• Simplify Cooking Brilliantly: Requires minimal kitchen skills and uses straightforward techniques, allowing even beginner cooks to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal with confidence.

Gather Ingredients for Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein source that adds rich, hearty flavor to the chili.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides a smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Offer protein, fiber, and a robust, earthy taste to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Create a tangy base and add moisture to the recipe.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper: Blend together to create a complex, warming spice profile with depth and heat.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the chili.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor and aromatic base for the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and creates a rich, savory liquid for simmering.

Cooking Directions for Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Bloom Garlic Goodness

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

Introduce ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and loses its raw appearance.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper

Stir and cook for a minute to wake up the spices and create a deep, complex flavor profile.

Step 5: Build the Chili Foundation

• Pumpkin puree
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Chicken broth

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 7: Season and Adjust

Taste and season with salt and pepper, fine-tuning the flavors to your liking.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the piping hot chili into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Enjoy your cozy, flavor-packed meal!

Tips to Perfect the Balance of Turkey and Pumpkin

• Opt for 93% lean ground turkey to keep the chili healthier and prevent excess grease.
• Toast the spices for an extra minute to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Adjust cayenne pepper carefully; start with a small amount and add more gradually to suit your heat tolerance.
• Use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to maintain a savory profile and avoid unwanted sweetness.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick future meals or unexpected dinner solutions.

Fun Ways to Personalize This Chili Bowl

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute beans with diced zucchini and cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining similar texture and nutritional value.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, increase cayenne pepper, and top with fresh jalapeños for a more intense heat profile.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transfer all ingredients to instant pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release for faster preparation with same rich flavors.

How to Serve Turkey Pumpkin Chili Best

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice up some crusty sourdough or cornbread to soak up the rich, spicy chili flavors and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the chili over fluffy white or brown rice to create a satisfying one-bowl meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Top with crisp cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the deep, warming spices and add a zesty freshness.
• Protein Power Topper: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled queso fresco on top for an extra layer of crunch and protein that complements the turkey's heartiness.

Keeping Turkey Pumpkin Chili Fresh for Lunches

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty turkey pumpkin chili brings warmth to autumn gatherings with its rich, comforting blend of seasonal spices. Packed with protein and flavor, this dish offers a delightful twist on classic chili that satisfies you from the first spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened.
2. Introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate ground turkey, methodically crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon and cooking until completely browned and no longer pink.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper into the mixture, stirring vigorously to distribute spices evenly and activate their robust flavors.
5. Pour in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth, thoroughly mixing all ingredients to create a harmonious base.
6. Elevate heat to achieve a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low, allowing chili to simmer uncovered for 35-45 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
7. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
8. Ladle steaming chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions.

Notes

• Swap out ground turkey for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and delicious.
• Reduce cayenne pepper for a milder chili or increase for extra heat, tailoring the spice level to personal preference.
• Make ahead and freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals, as the flavors intensify and develop when stored overnight.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and canned beans to control salt content for those watching their sodium intake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg