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Pumpkin Turkey Chili


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Amy Estes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Hearty Pumpkin Turkey Chili is the ultimate fall comfort food! This chili is made with ground turkey, canned pumpkin, tomatoes, kidney beans, peppers, onions, and spices. It cooks quickly and freezes so well. 


Ingredients

Scale

For the chili

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion – peeled and diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper – diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper – diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 12 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste – about 1/4 cup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pound 93/7 ground turkey – thawed and ready to cook
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – optional
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 115 ounce can black beans – drained and rinsed
  • 1  – 15 ounce can of red kidney beans/pinto beans – drained and rinsed
  • 214-ounce cans of petite diced tomatoes
  • 115 ounce can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 cups of chicken stock

For topping the chili

  • Sliced avocado
  • Diced red onion
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Lime 
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt 
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a heavy pot or large dutch oven heated to medium heat.  Once the oil is hot, add in the onion and peppers and toss and cook them for a few minutes until they are nice and soft.  Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and a little salt and pepper.  Toss that all together and let that cook for a few minutes. 
  2. Combine the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix.  This is your chili seasoning blend. 
  3. Add in the ground turkey to the pot with the veggies and garlic and break it up in the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula.  Add the chili seasoning blend to the pot and toss and cook the meat until it is no longer pink. 
  4. Add in the beans, tomatoes, pumpkin, and desired amount of stock.  Stir that all together and cover and simmer the chili on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes.  Halfway through cooking, check the chili and add more salt and pepper if needed. 
  5. After 20-25 minutes, remove the chili from the heat, let it cool for a few minutes then ladle it into bowls and top it with your desired chili toppings. 

Notes

  • Do not skip sautéing the veggies and browning the meat. This step gives the chili a lot of flavour.
  • The combination of beans in this recipe is just perfect, so try to mix it up and use a few different types of beans rather than one type.
  • Make sure you use canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Any type of canned tomatoes will work. I used petite diced since my kids are not fans of the larger chunks of tomatoes.
  • Slow Cooker Version. Follow steps 1-4, cover, and cook on low for 2-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
  • Instant Pot Version. Follow steps 1-4, secure the lid, set the dial to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • You can store this chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months. Easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it. 
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Healthy Dinner Ideas
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Mexican