Gather ’round, my friends! 🍁 It’s time to whip up a batch of my famous turkey pumpkin chili – the ultimate cozy, comforting, and craveable dish that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance! 💃 This hearty chili is a flavor explosion, blending the savory goodness of ground turkey with the rich, velvety pumpkin puree. Get ready for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Let’s dive in, shall we? 🔥
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This turkey pumpkin chili
This turkey pumpkin chili is the ultimate comfort food with a twist! 🤩 Not only is it packed with bold, smoky flavors, but the addition of pumpkin puree takes it to a whole new level of creaminess and warmth. 🍁 It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly autumn evening, and the best part is, it’s super easy to whip up. 👌
Plus, the vibrant color and festive pumpkin vibe make it a showstopper at any gathering. 🎃 If you love cooking with seasonal squash and fall flavors, you might also enjoy this guide to cooking with pumpkin and winter squash from BBC Good Food.
Trust me, one spoonful of this epic chili, and you’ll be hooked for life! 🥣
Key Tips for the Best turkey pumpkin chili
The key to avoiding a lackluster chili is to not skimp on the spices! 🌶️ Make sure to generously season your turkey and really let those flavors meld together. The secret to taking this turkey pumpkin chili to the next level? Letting it simmer low and slow! 🔥 This allows the flavors to deepen and the pumpkin to become silky-smooth and velvety. 😋
- Biggest Mistake to Avoid — The key to avoiding a lackluster chili is to not skimp on the spices! 🌶️ Make sure to generously season your turkey and really let those flavors meld together.
- The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — The secret to taking this turkey pumpkin chili to the next level? Letting it simmer low and slow! 🔥 This allows the flavors to deepen and the pumpkin to become silky-smooth and velvety. 😋
- The Easiest Way to Make it Shine — Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and garnishes! A dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro can really take this chili to the next level. 🧀
What to Serve With turkey pumpkin chili
This turkey pumpkin chili is the perfect cozy meal, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. 🍁
- Cornbread — The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is a match made in heaven with the savory, smoky chili. 🌽
- Crunchy Salad — A fresh, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the chili. 🥗
- Crusty Bread — Soak up every last drop of that delicious chili with a hunk of crusty bread or rolls. 🥖
- Refreshing Beverage — A cold beer, a glass of wine, or a refreshing iced tea can help balance the bold flavors of the chili. 🥤
When to serve it: This turkey pumpkin chili is perfect for cozy autumn gatherings, game day parties, or any chilly evening when you need a comforting and satisfying meal. 🎉
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to create a chili that’s bursting with warmth and comfort! 🍁 You’ll need ground turkey, pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a kick. 🔥 Top it all off with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a truly epic meal. 🧀
- 1 lb — Ground turkey
- 1 (15 oz) can — Pumpkin puree
- 1 (14.5 oz) can — Diced tomatoes
- 1 medium — Bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium — Onion, diced
- 3 cloves — Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp — Chili powder
- 1 tsp — Ground cumin
- 1 tsp — Paprika
- 1/4 tsp — Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper — To taste
- For serving: Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Ground Turkey → Ground chicken or beef (still delicious, promise) ✅
- Pumpkin Puree → Canned sweet potato puree (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make turkey pumpkin chili (Step-by-Step)
This turkey pumpkin chili comes together in just a few simple steps, so you can have a cozy, comforting meal on the table in no time. 🍂
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by dicing up your onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. 🔪 Get all your spices ready to go – this is the flavor foundation, so make sure they’re freshly ground for maximum impact! 💥
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. 🍳 Once it’s nicely browned, add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant. 🧅 Toss in the garlic and let it cook for 1 minute, then pour in the diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and all the spices. 🌶️ Stir everything together and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chili has thickened up to your desired consistency, it’s time to serve! 🥣 Ladle it into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. 🧀 Get ready for oohs and ahhs from everyone at the table – this turkey pumpkin chili is a true showstopper! 🤩
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Add Some Beans — Want to boost the protein and fiber? Throw in a can of black beans or kidney beans. 🌶️
- Spice it Up — For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. 🔥
- Make it Creamier — Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for an extra-velvety texture. 🥛
- Swap the Veggies — Get creative with the veggies – diced butternut squash or zucchini would be delicious additions! 🍁
Warning: “Just one more bite” is basically guaranteed. 😅🍴
Print
turkey pumpkin chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s an excellent choice for a filling breakfast or brunch. The addition of pumpkin adds a unique twist and a touch of sweetness!
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro if desired.
Notes
This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch Favorites 🍳
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best Serving Ideas | Serve this turkey pumpkin chili in a big, cozy bowl, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. 🧀 It’s also delicious with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. 🌽 |
| Fridge Storage | Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 🧊 |
| Freezer Storage | For longer-term storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. 🧊 |
| Reheating (Microwave) | To reheat, simply transfer a portion of the chili to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until piping hot. 🔥 |
| Reheating (Oven/Air Fryer) | Alternatively, you can reheat the chili in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, until heated through. 🔥 |
| Make-Ahead Tips | This turkey pumpkin chili is the perfect make-ahead meal! 🙌 Simply prepare the chili up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months. 🧊 |
Nutrition Notes
This turkey pumpkin chili is not only utterly delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients! 🍁 Each serving is a powerhouse of protein from the ground turkey, and the addition of pumpkin puree provides a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 💪 Plus, the blend of aromatic spices and veggies make this a well-balanced and satisfying meal that’ll keep you feeling warm and cozy all autumn long. 🍂
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Quick Questions People Always Ask
How can I make this chili more kid-friendly?
If you have little ones who prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the recipe. 🙂 You can also offer toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips on the side, so they can customize their bowl to their liking.
Can I make this chili in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! This turkey pumpkin chili is perfect for the slow cooker. 🐢 Just brown the turkey, sauté the veggies, and then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful chili waiting for you.
What can I serve with this chili?
The possibilities are endless! 🤩 This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread, tortilla chips, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over a baked sweet potato or rice. And don’t forget the toppings – shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro are all delicious additions.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, this turkey pumpkin chili is a meal-prep dream! 🙌 You can make it up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven/air fryer.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this turkey pumpkin chili is naturally gluten-free! 🙌 Just be sure to check the labels on any toppings or accompaniments to ensure they’re also gluten-free.