Turkey Pumpkin Chili (Print)
Hearty turkey and pumpkin chili with beans, tomatoes, and warming spices for a comforting meal.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Canned & Packaged
05 - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
06 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
15 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Others
17 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Garnishes (optional)
18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink—about 5–6 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
05 - Add pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The pumpkin creates this velvety texture that makes the chili feel decadent while actually being packed with fiber and vitamins
- It is one of those rare meals that tastes even better the next day so you are basically meal prepping while making dinner
- The warming spices hit differently when the weather cools down and somehow make the whole house feel inviting
02 -
- The chili will thicken as it sits so if you prefer it thinner just add another half cup of broth
- Pumpkin purée is not sweet on its own so do not worry about this tasting like dessert
- Letting it rest for even ten minutes before serving makes the flavors come together so much better
03 -
- Dry your cans of beans really well after rinsing to keep the chili from getting too watery
- A splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving brightens everything in the most subtle way