This smoky Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a seasonal twist on a fall favorite. It's packed with protein, nutrients and flavor. Just brown the meat, dump, stir and simmer. Dinner is done in 30 minutes!
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Have you broken out the pumpkin yet? Fall is here, so if you haven't already, it's time to jump on the pumpkin train.
Now I'm not talking pumpkin spice, I'm talking Turkey Pumpkin Chili.
Turkey and Pumpkin in chili? YES! Try it and you will be on team pumpkin, too.
Jump to:
Why this Pumpkin Chili is so good
✘ Pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and gives a rich, creamy consistency to the chili.
✘ Bottled smoky chipotle peppers add a ton of flavor without hours of simmering on the stove.
✘ Ground turkey is lower in fat and cholesterol than ground beef.
✘ This recipe takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Weeknight dinner done!
Ingredients
Ingredient notes:
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use 100% pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling (which is sweetened and ready for your pie crust).
- Chipotle Peppers: These guys are potent. Add more or less of the chopped chipotles depending on how much heat you want in your food.
- Diced Tomatoes: You can swap out the can of diced green chiles and use diced tomatoes with the green chiles in them.
Instructions
Chili has to be one of the easiest fall meals to make.
Simply brown the meat and chopped onions until turkey is no longer pink. Add the remaining ingredients, give it a good stir and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
FAQs
This is the most critical note of the whole recipe. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling. One is sweetened the other one is not. The cans are right next to each other in the grocery store so be sure to read carefully.
Simply sauté the onions and brown the turkey and then add everything to the crock pot and cook on low for 7 hours. Dinner doesn't get much easier!
The sky is the limit when it comes to toppings. Cilantro, avocado and shredded cheese are always great options. We like to add sour cream and hot sauce, too! Get creative with your chili spread.
Expert Tips for the best Pumpkin Chili
✘ Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
✘ Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes are perfect for this chili.
✘ Be sure to let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop the flavors (even longer if you have time). This chili tastes even better the next day!
✘ Adjust spices to your personal tastes. If you like it spicier, add more chipotle peppers.
✘ Try using fire-roasted corn for even more flavor. You can find frozen bags of roasted corn kernels at the grocery story.
More soup recipes
Soup is the easiest meal to make ahead of time! Try this Turkey Vegetable soup or one of our other favorites.
Get all of our soup and salad recipes in our archives!
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Recipe
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 15 ounces black beans
- 15 ounce diced tomatoes
- 15 ounce pumpkin puree
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 chipotle peppers, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Salt to taste
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Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, cook onion in canola oil over medium heat until translucent. Add turkey and cook until meat is no longer pink.1 tablespoon canola oil, 1 small onion,, 1 pound ground turkey
- Add remaining ingredients and cook on medium for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.15 ounces black beans, 15 ounce diced tomatoes, 15 ounce pumpkin puree, 4 ounces diced green chiles, 2 tablespoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, 2 chipotle peppers,, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup frozen corn, Salt to taste
- 6. Top with desired toppings and serve.
Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling.
- Chipotle Peppers: Add more or less of the chopped chipotles depending on your heat preference.
- Diced Tomatoes: You can swap out the can of diced green chiles and use diced tomatoes with the green chiles in them.
- Make this chili a day or two ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day!
Crock Pot instructions:
- Saute onions and brown turkey in a pan on the stovetop. Place cooked meat and onions in a slow cooker and add remaining ingredients. Cook on low for up to 7 hours.
VIDEO
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Tanyia says
Sounds delicious! Will this freeze well?
Yes! It freezes very well! Just make sure it is cool before you freeze it. Good luck!
Cheryl Sousan says
This sounds fabulous!! we love pumpkin chili!
Thanks, Cheryl! We love it too!