Cozy Fall Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Warm, hearty turkey pumpkin chili brings unexpected comfort during chilly autumn evenings.

Unexpected flavor combinations can surprise even seasoned home cooks.

Cozy spices mingle with rich, velvety pumpkin, creating a robust meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Lean ground turkey adds protein without heaviness, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying.

Fragrant cumin and smoky paprika dance through each spoonful, promising deep, complex tastes.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this creative twist on classic chili.

Fall’s favorite ingredients merge into one delightful, warming bowl that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili Benefits

• Craft a Cozy Comfort Meal: Perfect for chilly evenings, this pumpkin soup wraps you in warmth with its rich, velvety texture and aromatic spices that dance on your palate.
• Simplify Your Cooking Game: Requiring just one pot and basic kitchen skills, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Disguised as Deliciousness: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and immune-boosting spices, this soup delivers a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for vegetarians, can be easily customized with different toppings, and appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a hearty base for this chili and adds a rich, savory flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavorful foundation for the chili.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet and crisp texture to the dish.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a subtle sweetness and creamy consistency to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and moisture to the recipe.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Offer protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture to the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a smooth, liquid base that helps blend all the flavors together.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon: A blend of spices that creates a complex and warming flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds an optional heat kick to the chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and provides a light, healthy cooking base.

How To Make Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and minced garlic, sauteing until they become soft and release their aromatic fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart and cooking until it transforms into a golden brown color and is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Stir in the diced bell pepper and let it cook for a few minutes until it softens and becomes tender.

Step 4: Create the Chili Base

• Pumpkin puree
• Diced tomatoes with their juices
• Black beans
• Kidney beans

Mix everything together thoroughly to create a rich, hearty base.

Step 5: Spice Things Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Bring to a Gentle Bubble

Allow the chili to come to a gentle simmer, letting the ingredients dance together.

Step 7: Let the Flavors Mingle

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes.

This slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and become more complex.

Step 8: Final Taste Test

Give the chili a quick taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, autumnal flavors.

Pro Tips For Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Reduce spice intensity by cutting cayenne pepper or using mild chili powder for sensitive palates.
• Add extra depth by roasting bell peppers before adding them to enhance smoky flavor profile.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese to elevate presentation and taste.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months, ensuring perfect meal prep option.

Flavor Variations For Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the rich pumpkin and bean base for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial sauteing, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development and convenient preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap cayenne for chipotle powder, include corn kernels, and top with fresh jalapeños for a bolder, zestier chili experience.
• One-Pot Mexican Fusion: Incorporate Mexican chorizo instead of turkey, add a splash of tequila, garnish with queso fresco, cilantro, and lime wedges for an authentic southern flair.

Serving Suggestions For Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Cozy Game Night Chili Bowl: Ladle the hearty chili into deep bowls, perfect for friends gathering around the table. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
• Autumn Harvest Lunch Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or crusty sourdough slices. Pair with a crisp autumn salad featuring roasted butternut squash and toasted pumpkin seeds for a complete meal that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
• Campfire-Style Loaded Nachos: Transform the chili into a shareable appetizer by spooning it over tortilla chips. Sprinkle with melted jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of lime crema for a crowd-pleasing twist that adds excitement to any gathering.

Storage Advice For Turkey Pumpkin Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Portion chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen chili maintains its rich flavor and texture when properly stored.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick during reheating.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on your cayenne pepper amount. You can control spiciness by adding less or omitting cayenne completely for a mild version.

• Can I use different beans?

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

• Do I need fresh pumpkin for this recipe?

No, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Yes, ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, providing high protein with lower fat content, making this chili a nutritious meal option.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty turkey pumpkin chili brings autumn’s warmth to your dinner table with robust seasonal flavors. Comforting spices and lean protein create a nourishing meal perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453.6 g) ground turkey (93% lean)
• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot at medium heat, sautéing onion and garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground turkey, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no longer pink, around 5-6 minutes.
3. Introduce diced bell pepper, allowing it to soften and release its flavors for 2-3 minutes.
4. Gently fold in pumpkin puree, tomatoes with liquid, black beans, and kidney beans, creating a rich, textured base.
5. Stream chicken broth into the mixture, then sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for a complex flavor profile.
6. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices and consistent texture.
7. Bring the chili to a gentle bubbling simmer, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to meld and develop depth for 35-40 minutes.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasonings, adjusting salt, pepper, or spices as needed before serving hot.

Notes

• Make sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
• Toast whole spices like cumin and chili powder in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance their deep, rich flavors.
• For a vegetarian version, swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Control heat levels by gradually adding cayenne pepper, tasting as you go to prevent overwhelming spiciness for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg