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    Home » Soups + Salads » Turkey Pumpkin Chili

    Published: Oct 7, 2021 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Turkey Pumpkin Chili

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    chili in dutch oven.
    turkey chili in dutch oven.
    pumpkin chili in dutch oven with cilantro.

    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!

    Chili in dutch oven with wooden spoon and chopped cilantro. this recipe

    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
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Expert Tips for the best Pumpkin Chili
    • More soup recipes
    • Recipe

    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

    Ingredients for turkey pumpkin chili.

    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.

    Ground turkey and chili ingredients in dutch oven.

    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

    What kind of canned pumpkin should I use?


    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.

    How do you make chili in the slow cooker?


    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!

    What are the best toppings for turkey chili?


    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.

    Chili in dutch oven with cilantro and serving spoon.

    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.

    Chili in dutch oven with cilantro.

    More soup recipes

    Soup is the easiest meal to make ahead of time! Try this Turkey Vegetable soup or one of our other favorites.

    • bowl of soup with spoon.
      Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup
    • Broccoli Cheddar Soup in instant pot.
      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Get all of our soup and salad recipes in our archives!

    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    

    Recipe

    turkey pumpkin chili in dutch oven.

    Turkey Pumpkin Chili

    Garnish With Lemon
    This savory and smoky Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a seasonal twist on a fall favorite. Ready in 30 minutes - perfect for busy weeknights!
    4.67 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Soups + Salads
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 227 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Dutch Oven
    • Spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tbsp 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 tbsp chili powder
    • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 2 tbsp cumin
    • 1 tsp ground pepper
    • 2 chipotle peppers, chopped
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup frozen corn
    • Salt to taste

    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 tbsp 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 tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp 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

    Serving: 1gCalories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 21gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 347mgPotassium: 784mgFiber: 9gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 9042IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 5mg

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!
    « Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
    Appletini »

    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tanyia says

      October 19, 2019 at 9:17 am

      Sounds delicious! Will this freeze well?

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        October 21, 2019 at 8:22 am

        Yes! It freezes very well! Just make sure it is cool before you freeze it. Good luck!

        Reply
    2. Cheryl Sousan says

      October 26, 2018 at 6:35 am

      This sounds fabulous!! we love pumpkin chili!

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        October 26, 2018 at 8:02 am

        Thanks, Cheryl! We love it too!

        Reply

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