Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Introduction

If you’re looking to warm up with a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the fall season, this turkey pumpkin chili is an excellent choice. This satisfying dish combines the savory flavors of ground turkey, spices, beans, and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin to create a unique and hearty meal. It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or serving a crowd. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and is a creative twist on the classic chili recipe.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Ground turkey

1 pound

Onion

1 medium (diced)

Garlic

4 cloves (minced)

Canned pumpkin puree

1 cup

Chicken broth

2 cups

Canned diced tomatoes

1 can (14 ounces)

Canned kidney beans

1 can (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)

Canned black beans

1 can (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)

Chili powder

2 tablespoons

Cumin

1 teaspoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Ground cayenne

1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)

Salt

To taste

Black pepper

To taste

Olive oil

1 tablespoon

Prep Time

The prep for this turkey pumpkin chili is simple and straightforward. You’ll need to chop the onion and mince the garlic before starting, which won’t take more than a few minutes. As for the other ingredients, most are pantry staples or require very little preparation, such as opening cans or measuring spices. In total, the prep time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. This includes browning the turkey, sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering the chili to develop its rich and hearty flavors.

Adding the prep time, the total time needed to bring this dish together is around 45 minutes.

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or a meal prep solution to enjoy throughout the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion and garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans if using canned beans. Open and measure all cans ahead of time to make the cooking process smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until it starts to soften, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin and Tomatoes

Add the pureed pumpkin and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir them into the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Spices

Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Stir the spices into the pot to evenly combine and lightly toast them.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Add the black beans, chicken broth, and a splash of hot sauce if desired. Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 7: Simmer the Chili

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the chili simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the chili and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Add more chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls. Optionally, garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced avocado. Serve the chili warm.

Notes

Note 1: Adjusting the Spice Levels

Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce based on your spice tolerance.

Note 2: Using Fresh Pumpkin

If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin instead of canned, ensure it is cooked and pureed prior to adding it to the recipe.

Note 3: Substituting the Turkey

Ground chicken or beef can be substituted for ground turkey if desired.

Note 4: Make It Vegetarian

To make the chili vegetarian, omit the turkey and use additional beans or plant-based meat alternatives.

Note 5: Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave as needed.

Note 6: Freezer-Friendly Instructions

This chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Note 7: Adjusting the Thickness

If you find the chili too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken broth or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.

Note 8: Toppings Suggestions

Popular toppings for this chili include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Experiment with your favorites!
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Cook Techniques

How to brown ground turkey

Start by heating oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This helps develop flavor and seals in juiciness. Remove the browned turkey from the pot and set it aside.

Sautéing vegetables properly

Use the same pot without cleaning it after browning the turkey. Add more oil if necessary and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until softened. Stir regularly to avoid browning too much or burning.

Simmering the chili

After adding the ground turkey back to the pot along with pumpkin, spices, tomatoes, and broth, let the mixture simmer to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and stir occasionally.

Layering spices

Add spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne when the vegetables start to soften. This technique enhances the spice profile by toasting them in the heat before liquid ingredients are added.

How to use canned pumpkin effectively

Use 100% pure canned pumpkin for a smooth texture. Stir it in once liquid has been added to the chili pot. It thickens the chili and adds subtle pumpkin flavor without overpowering.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in the fridge and reheat as necessary.

Can I freeze turkey pumpkin chili?

Absolutely. Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork. The flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious.

Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild warmth due to the chili powder and cayenne. You can adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or reducing it based on your preference.

What toppings go well with turkey pumpkin chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or avocado slices.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just be cautious with toppings like cheese or sour cream if they apply.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, skip the turkey and use beans as a protein source or include a plant-based ground meat alternative.
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Conclusion

This Turkey Pumpkin Chili is rich, cozy, and full of comforting flavors. The addition of pumpkin gives the dish a creamy and unique twist, making it nutrient-packed while still tasting indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a hearty fall dinner or a twist on the classic chili, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and please any crowd. It’s a flavorful and wholesome dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping, and ideal for leftovers.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Try adding sweet potatoes

Incorporate diced sweet potatoes for an extra layer of sweetness and heartiness that pairs beautifully with the turkey and pumpkin flavors.

Top it with avocado

Add sliced avocado as a topping to introduce a creamy and fresh element to the dish.

Serve with cornbread

Pair the chili with warm cornbread for a classic, comforting combination.

Swap turkey for chicken

If you have chicken on hand, shredded or ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.

Make it vegetarian

Simply swap the turkey for a medley of beans like black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas to create a satisfying meat-free version.

Spice it up

Add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to give the dish an extra kick of heat.

Top with cheese and sour cream

Garnish each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a rich finishing touch.

Use it as a filling

Try using the chili as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for nachos for a fun and versatile twist.