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Hearty One-Pot Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A close-up of a rich, red bowl of pumpkin chili topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro.

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Welcome! I’m Sarah, and I’m so happy you’re here. This hearty pumpkin chili recipe is a cozy, high-protein fall dinner idea. We use ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and warming spices for a comforting, easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or Halloween gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed beans, pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their liquid), green chilies (with their liquid), and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 45 minutes.
  6. Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve your hearty pumpkin chili hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian pumpkin chili, substitute the ground turkey with 1 cup of cooked lentils or an extra can of mixed beans.
  • If you prefer a spicier chili, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
  • This recipe works well in a slow cooker: brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

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