Hearty Turkey Pumpkin Chili
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When the fall season knocks on our door, there’s a shift in the air, and our taste buds yearn for warmth, comfort, and seasonal flavors. Enter Turkey Pumpkin Chili, a symphony of seasonality and nutrition, perfect for those cooler temperatures and busy days.
Autumn, for many, is a favorite time of year. The brilliant hues of orange, yellow, and red on trees signify the return of warm sweaters, the crackling of fireplaces, and of course, pumpkins. Pumpkin is not just a fall staple for pies and lattes but makes a delicious addition to savory pumpkin recipes, like our pumpkin turkey chili. Combining the subtle sweetness of pumpkin with the heartiness of turkey is a great recipe for comfort.
What do you need to make Turkey Chili with Pumpkin??
The great thing about this easy turkey chili recipe is that it doesn’t require you to any specialty shopping. Your regular grocery store will be just fine!
- ground turkey
- diced onion
- green bell pepper, but you can use a red or yellow pepper too!
- garlic
- pumpkin purée
- diced tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- chicken broth
- chili powder
- cumin
- cinnamon
- oregano
- salt
- ground black pepper
- great northern beans
- pinto beans
- dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- cutting board
- sharp paring knife
What toppings should I serve with this Pumpkin turkey chili?
The funnest (is that a word? it is now!) part of bowl dinners like this one, or taco soup, or fajita casserole is the toppings. You can use ANY toppings you like on chili, tacos, or nachos. The combinations are endless, and you can use whatever you have on hand or whatever you like best. A few ideas are:
- grated cheddar cheese
- fresh cilantro
- chopped green onions
- sour cream, crema, Greek yogurt
- salsas
- roasted veggies like these sweet potato bites
- taco sauce
- shredded lettuce
- chopped tomatoes
- sliced jalapeños
- pickled peppers
Turkey Chili is Lower in Calories but not flavor!
Swapping the traditional ground beef for turkey in your chili is not just a lighter option, but also brings a unique taste that complements the pumpkin. This switch makes the chili leaner and lower in calories without sacrificing the hearty taste that we all love in a big pot of chili.
Added nutrition from the Pumpkin
The addition of pumpkin not only brings a seasonal touch but also boosts the dish’s nutritional value. Pumpkins are packed with Vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber. These health benefits, combined with the lean protein from the turkey, transform this dish into a powerhouse of healthy ingredients. Moreover, the creamy texture and depth of flavor brought by pumpkin purée make this chili a delicious dinner option that your whole family will love.
Make it Spicy
Chipotle peppers or red pepper flakes can and should be added if you like it spicy! But if your family is into a mild spice level, consider just serving the chili with fresh, pickled, or canned hot peppers (think adobo!) to boost the spice levels.
Best Beans for Pumpkin Chili
The choice of beans can be any kind you like best or have on hand. The recipe calls for pinto and great northern, but almost any canned cooked bean will work. Not sure garbanzos are best but if you have them and want to try, why not?
Got leftovers
The best thing about preparing a lot of chili is the leftovers. Storing your chili in an airtight container keeps it fresh for days, making it a go-to recipe for those busy weeknights. And if you happen to have some tortilla chips make nachos with leftover chili, cheese and the chips!
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper deseeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 15.9 oz. pumpkin purée
- 15.9 oz. diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 15.9 oz. great northern beans one can
- 15.9 oz. pinto beans one can
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey with onion and bell pepper
- Add garlic, and cook, stirring for another minute
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, pumpkin, and spices, and stir until well mixed
- Stir in beans
- Cover and bring to a simmer
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until ready to serve
Notes
Avocado
jalapeños
Cilantro
Sour cream
Cheese
Tortilla chips
Hi Laura,
Do you rinse the great northern and pinto beans? Or just drain them?
Thanks
Just drain and use. If you like to rinse them go for it.
Is it a 10 ounce can of tomato sauce or a #10 can of tomato sauce, which is 6 ounces?
I cannot find a 10 ounce can of tomato sauce at my market.