If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, you simply have to try this Hearty Pumpkin and Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of savory and mildly spicy, enriched by the creamy pumpkin that adds unexpected depth, beautiful color, and a hint of natural sweetness. This chili is not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome, making it a fantastic option for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to warm you up any day you need a little extra heartiness in your bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, well-chosen ingredients that work together to create a complex, comforting chili. Each component brings its own magic to the pot, from the rich earthiness of pumpkin puree to the lean protein in ground turkey and the smoky, spicy notes from a blend of warming spices.
- Olive oil: For sautéing your veggies and adding a subtle richness right at the start.
- Yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base that softens perfectly while cooking.
- Jalapeño, finely diced: Adds a controlled, bright heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to your chili bowl.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): A lean protein that soaks up bold spices and keeps the dish hearty.
- Pumpkin puree (14 ounces): The star ingredient that lends creaminess and an unexpected twist to chili.
- Kidney beans (14 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds texture, fiber, and extra substance to every serving.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the chili’s richness.
- Chicken broth (3/4 cup): A light liquid base that helps meld all flavors together.
- Cayenne (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of heat that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin perfectly.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Classic chili seasoning that layers smoky warmth.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor to enhance the chili’s depth.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): An unusual but wonderful touch that complements pumpkin and spices beautifully.
- Ground pepper (1 teaspoon): For seasoning and mild heat.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into sharp focus.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and warm, cumin is essential in any chili’s flavor profile.
How to Make Hearty Pumpkin and Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced yellow onion, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté these until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften, about five minutes. This base builds a fragrant and flavorful foundation, releasing aromas that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet with your softened veggies. Cook it until browned all over, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. The browned turkey forms the protein-packed heart of your chili and picks up all those wonderful sautéed vegetable flavors.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the turkey and veggie mixture into your slow cooker. Now add the pumpkin puree, drained kidney beans, tomato paste, chicken broth, and all the spices — cayenne, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, pepper, salt, and cumin. Stir everything together until each element is evenly incorporated, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or let it simmer gently on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking melds flavors beautifully and gives the chili a luscious, thick texture with each ingredient becoming tender and rich, ready to warm your soul.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, give your chili a taste and adjust seasonings if needed. This is your moment to personalize it. From here, it’s ready to be ladled into bowls, garnished, and enjoyed with your favorite accompaniments.
How to Serve Hearty Pumpkin and Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a delightful way to introduce contrast and extra flavor. Think fresh cilantro, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, or even crunchy tortilla strips. Each topping brings a new texture and temperature, turning each spoonful into a delicious experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this chili with cornbread or warm crusty bread to soak up every drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works beautifully, adding a crisp freshness that complements the chili’s hearty nature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili over steamed rice or quinoa to stretch it even further. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or tacos, giving your Hearty Pumpkin and Ground Turkey Chili Recipe delightful versatility beyond the bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more, making the next-day meal taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this chili in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. It freezes well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal anytime you need it without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin with no added spices or sugars?
Absolutely! Pure pumpkin puree is the best choice for this recipe as it adds the creamy texture and subtle sweetness without overpowering flavors or added ingredients.
Is this chili spicy?
This recipe has a nice balance of mild heat from the jalapeño and cayenne, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the level of heat by using less jalapeño or cayenne, or increase it if you like things hotter.
Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef or even ground chicken can be used as alternatives. Just be aware that the flavor and fat content will change slightly. Ground turkey keeps it lighter and more healthful.
How important is the slow cooking time?
Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the turkey to become velvety tender. While you can simmer on the stovetop for a shorter time, the slow cooker truly makes this recipe shine.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the ground turkey with extra beans or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The pumpkin and spices will still give you a hearty and delicious chili.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Pumpkin and Ground Turkey Chili Recipe truly is a gem I love sharing because it’s nutritious, easy to make, and comfort-food perfect with a unique twist. Once you take that first cozy spoonful of pumpkin-infused chili, you’ll understand why it’s a fast favorite in my kitchen. Give it a try and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you for the warm, flavorful hug in a bowl!
Print
Hearty Pumpkin and Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This healthy pumpkin chili combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-packed pumpkin puree, kidney beans, and a blend of warming spices for a hearty, flavorful meal. Cooked slowly to develop rich flavors, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (14 ounces) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onions, jalapeño, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for about five minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften.
- Brown turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add pumpkin puree, kidney beans, tomato paste, chicken broth, and all spices; stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Slow cook: Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Add toppings: Serve the chili hot, topped with your choice of optional ingredients such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or green onions.
- Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- This chili can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor development.
- For a spicier version, increase the jalapeño quantity or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and add extra beans or lentils.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Optional toppings add flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler, dairy-free meal.
