If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting meals with a twist, this Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining lean turkey with the rich warmth of pumpkin and spices, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something both nutritious and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The subtle sweetness of pumpkin complements the smoky spices perfectly, creating a rich and layered chili.
- Healthy & Hearty: Lean ground turkey and fiber-rich beans make this chili a nutritious option that still feels indulgent.
- Super Versatile: Easy to adapt for slow cookers or doubled up for gatherings, making meal prep a breeze.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: The addition of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg turn this dish into a comforting seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to build layers of delicious flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the lean turkey providing protein to the pumpkin adding richness and a velvety texture.
- Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and grounding all those spices beautifully.
- Onion & red bell pepper: These soften into a flavorful base for the chili.
- Garlic: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Lean ground turkey (96% lean): Keeps things healthy but hearty.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano: Classic chili spices that bring warmth and depth.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg: Surprise spices that give this chili its unique, cozy character.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient; it adds creaminess without heaviness.
- Fire roasted tomatoes & pinto beans: For tangy sweetness and a filling texture.
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and heat.
- Chicken stock: To simmer everything into a luscious meld of flavors.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your pantry or dietary preferences without losing any of the magic. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute turkey with hearty mushrooms or textured vegetable protein; add vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Spice it up: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an exciting kick of heat.
- Swap the beans: Use black beans or kidney beans if you prefer a different texture or flavor profile.
- Different sweetness: Try honey instead of maple syrup for a delicate floral note.
How to Make Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating olive oil over medium-low heat in a large pot. Add diced onions, red bell peppers, and minced garlic along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes—creating the flavorful foundation of your chili.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Add Spices
Next, toss in your lean ground turkey, seasoning it again with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat evenly and cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, stir in all your chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes, and that pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Let these spices bloom and mingle for a couple of minutes to intensify the flavor.
Step 3: Stir in Pumpkin and Other Ingredients
Now the fun twist: add the creamy pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, rinsed pinto beans, maple syrup, and chicken stock. Give everything a thorough stir, bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the chili cook for 20 to 30 minutes so all those flavors truly come together.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This recipe graciously invites your favorite chili toppings and sides, so pile on what you love and dig in to enjoy this hearty, comforting masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
- Toast Your Spices: Toasting the chili powder, cumin, and paprika in the pot before adding liquids deepens their flavor immensely.
- Don’t Skip Searing the Turkey: Browning the meat properly adds a savory complexity you just can’t get otherwise.
- Adjust Liquid for Thickness: Simmer longer without the lid for thicker chili, or add more stock for a soupier texture.
- Avoid Overcooking the Beans: Rinsing canned beans well and adding them later ensures they stay tender but don’t get mushy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really bring this chili to life! Consider topping your bowl with diced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. Each bite bursts with texture contrasts and bright pops of freshness, balancing the rich, spiced base.
Side Dishes
Cornbread or warm crusty bread pairs beautifully with this chili, perfect for sopping up every last bit. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can lighten the meal, while roasted vegetables add more layers of seasonal comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe in small bread bowls for a cozy touch, or spoon it over a baked sweet potato for a sweet-savory combo. For a fun twist, turn it into a chili bar with various toppings and let everyone customize their bowls just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve all those rich flavors and reheat gently for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This chili freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw first or warm it slowly in a covered pot to avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe is designed with canned pumpkin puree in mind for convenience. It offers a smooth texture and consistent flavor that’s perfect for chili. If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just roast and puree it yourself first, but canned is a fantastic shortcut.
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Is this chili spicy?
This chili has a gentle warmth thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika, balanced by the sweetness of pumpkin and maple syrup. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals.
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Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the turkey, add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6–8 hours. It’s a fantastic hands-off way to develop deep flavors with minimal effort.
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What can I substitute for ground turkey?
You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly with different proteins.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe inspires you to cozy up with a bowl of comforting, nutrient-packed chili that’s anything but ordinary. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, meal prepping for busy weeks, or simply enjoying on a relaxed night at home. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your fall and winter go-to!
PrintPumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
This Pumpkin Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful twist on classic chili, combining lean ground turkey with seasonal pumpkin puree and a blend of warming spices. Perfect for cooler weather, this recipe offers a comforting and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and can be adapted for slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (96% lean)
Spices and Seasonings
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or brown sugar
- 3/4 to 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Season with a big pinch of kosher salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add spices and cook: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook this spice mixture with the turkey for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Combine pumpkin and liquids: Mix in the pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, maple syrup or brown sugar, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings such as tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream.
Notes
- You can easily double this recipe to make a larger batch for a crowd.
- This chili can simmer covered on the stove for several hours if you want deeper flavors.
- For a convenient alternative, brown the turkey first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.
