Cozy Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe: Fall’s Heartwarming Comfort

Autumn’s crisp breeze carries the comforting aroma of pumpkin turkey chili, a hearty dish that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Savory spices dance with seasonal ingredients, creating a vibrant culinary experience.

Lean ground turkey mingles with rich pumpkin, offering a nutritious twist on classic comfort food.

Cozy kitchen moments emerge as the pot simmers with robust flavors and inviting scents.

Unexpected combinations spark excitement in every spoonful of this innovative recipe.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor each delectable bite.

You’ll want to make this chili again and again, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

What Makes Pumpkin Turkey Chili a Seasonal Standout

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean turkey protein, nutrient-rich pumpkin, and fiber-filled kidney beans, this chili delivers a healthy meal that nourishes your body.
• Simplify Cooking Process: With just one pot and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a delicious meal without complicated techniques or multiple kitchen tools.
• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Warm spices like cinnamon and chili powder transform this chili into a cozy autumn-inspired dish that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, this recipe allows personal creativity and suits different taste preferences.

What Goes into This Cozy, Comforting Chili

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides a hearty base for the chili and adds substantial nutrition.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: A classic vegetable trio that creates a flavorful and colorful foundation for the chili.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes, Pumpkin Puree: Moisture-rich ingredients that contribute to the chili's smooth texture and seasonal taste.
• Kidney Beans: A protein-packed legume that adds heartiness and traditional chili texture.
• Chicken Broth: A liquid base that helps blend all the flavors and creates a perfect simmering environment.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Salt: A complex spice blend that delivers warm, robust flavors with a hint of sweetness and complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and brown the meat.

How to Whip Up a Bowl of Pumpkin Turkey Goodness

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious chili.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper

Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, releasing its rich, fragrant essence.

Step 4: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat is completely browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Pumpkin puree
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cinnamon
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 6: Add Hearty Beans and Liquid

Mix in kidney beans and chicken broth, blending all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 7: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a rich and comforting meal.

Smart Chili Tips for Flavor That Pops

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Enhance the chili's richness by roasting bell peppers before adding them to deepen the smoky undertones.
• Control the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if desired.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional beans like black or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick and convenient meals, ensuring the chili stays fresh for up to 3 months.

Warm Variations on a Fall Favorite

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a hearty meatless version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.
• Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Chili: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a fiery kick. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions.
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning turkey. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development and tender meat.

What Tastes Great with a Bowl of Pumpkin Chili

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the chili's rich, spicy flavors and cuts through the hearty turkey and bean texture.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose an amber ale or pumpkin beer that echoes the seasonal pumpkin notes while providing a malty, slightly hoppy counterpoint to the chili's warmth.
• Creamy Cornbread Sidekick: Serve with a slice of buttery, slightly sweet cornbread to balance the chili's spices and provide a comforting, textural contrast that soaks up the delicious broth.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Boost: Add a bright, tangy side salad with orange segments and lime vinaigrette to cut through the chili's richness and refresh the palate between bites.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Turkey Chili Just Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 4 months.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Pumpkin Chili FAQs: The Answers You Want

• Is pumpkin puree necessary for this chili?

Yes, pumpkin puree adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the chili while providing extra nutrients.

• Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly as a substitute and will create a similarly delicious chili with slightly different flavor notes.

• How spicy is this chili recipe?

This chili has a mild to moderate spice level from the chili powder and spices. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Is this chili recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious option packed with lean protein from turkey, fiber from beans and vegetables, and vitamins from pumpkin and bell peppers, making it a balanced and wholesome meal.

Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “pumpkin turkey chili” brings autumn comfort straight to your bowl, blending seasonal warmth with robust southwestern flavors. Savory spices and lean protein create a nourishing meal you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over medium temperature, preparing the foundation for a robust autumn chili.
2. Sauté chopped onions and vibrant bell peppers until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and allow its fragrance to bloom for 60 seconds, enhancing the flavor profile.
4. Incorporate ground turkey, carefully crumbling the meat while cooking until it transforms to a rich golden brown and reaches complete doneness, around 6-7 minutes.
5. Cascade diced tomatoes, smooth pumpkin puree, and an ensemble of spices – chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt – creating a complex flavor landscape.
6. Fold in kidney beans and chicken broth, stirring to marry the ingredients into a harmonious mixture.
7. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to gently simmer for 25-35 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and enable flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Serve hot, potentially garnishing with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding quinoa or extra beans for a more filling meal.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty texture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing chili powder for sensitive palates or adding cayenne for extra heat lovers.
• Enhance nutrition by topping with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, providing a protein-packed creamy finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg