Pumpkin Turkey Chili: A Deliciously Healthy Fall Favorite

Fall is the perfect time for cozy, comforting meals, and what’s more comforting than a warm bowl of chili? This Pumpkin Turkey Chili recipe takes the classic chili to a whole new level by adding the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and the lean protein of ground turkey. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and a healthy alternative to traditional beef chili. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Deliciously Healthy:** This chili is made with lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich pumpkin, and plenty of vegetables, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this chili comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Full of Flavor:** The combination of chili spices, pumpkin puree, and savory turkey creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Turkey:** 1.5 pounds of lean ground turkey is the base of our chili, providing a healthy source of protein. You can substitute with ground chicken or beef if preferred, but turkey keeps the fat content lower.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture to the chili. Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped, adds a savory base flavor to the chili. You can also use white or sweet onion.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped, provides sweetness and crunch. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are slightly sweeter than green.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced, adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained, forms the liquid base of the chili. You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste adds richness and depth to the chili. It also helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Kidney Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained, provides a hearty and filling element. You can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Chili Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can of chili beans, undrained, add extra flavor and texture. If you can’t find chili beans, use another can of kidney beans or black beans.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup of chicken broth adds moisture and enhances the savory flavors of the chili. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
* **Chili Powder:** 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder is the key spice in chili. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level.
* **Cumin:** 2 teaspoons of ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness to the chili.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon of dried oregano provides a subtle herbal note.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional) adds a kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your tolerance.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to season the chili.
* **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spoon or ladle for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.

2. **Brown the Turkey:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the cooked turkey. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. **Add the Spices:** Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.

5. **Add the Remaining Ingredients:** Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, pumpkin puree, kidney beans (rinsed and drained), chili beans (undrained), and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

6. **Simmer the Chili:** Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

7. **Season and Serve:** Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Turkey Chili

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your chili. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality ground turkey, and flavorful spices.
* **Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step:** Sautéing the vegetables and blooming the spices helps to develop the flavors and create a more complex and aromatic chili.
* **Simmer for a Longer Time:** Simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your desired spice level. If you prefer a milder chili, start with less spice and add more as needed.
* **Customize with Toppings:** Top your chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.
* **Make it Ahead:** This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze for Later:** This chili freezes well, making it a great option for batch cooking. Store the chili in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Additions

* **Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili:** Substitute the ground turkey with lentils, black beans, or crumbled plant-based meat substitute.
* **Spicy Pumpkin Chili:** Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
* **Smoky Pumpkin Chili:** Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
* **Add Corn:** Add a can of drained sweet corn or frozen corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
* **Add Sweet Potato:** Add diced sweet potato for extra sweetness and nutrients.
* **Add Greens:** Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.

Serving Suggestions

* **Toppings:** Serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.
* **Sides:** Pair with cornbread, crackers, or a side salad.
* **Main Course:** Serve as a hearty and satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.
* **Game Day:** Perfect for game day gatherings or tailgating parties.
* **Potlucks:** A crowd-pleasing dish to bring to potlucks and parties.

Topping Ideas

* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds creaminess and tang
* **Chopped Cilantro:** Adds freshness and flavor
* **Green Onions:** Adds a mild onion flavor
* **Avocado:** Adds healthy fats and creaminess
* **Tortilla Chips:** Adds crunch and saltiness
* **Hot Sauce:** For an extra kick of heat
* **Lime Wedges:** Adds acidity and brightness

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Store chili in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chili in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and toppings)
* Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
* Fiber: 8-10 grams per serving

Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans, undrained
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2-3 tablespoons chili powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, pumpkin puree, kidney beans (rinsed and drained), chili beans (undrained), and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
7. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Pumpkin Turkey Chili!