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Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

5 from 397 reviews

This creamy turkey pumpkin chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Ground turkey is cooked to perfection and combined with smooth pumpkin puree, beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, then simmered until thick and comforting. It delivers a warm, nutritious twist on traditional chili with a subtle sweetness from the pumpkin and a satisfying creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Add spices and pumpkin: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor. Then add the pumpkin puree and mix well to combine.
  3. Combine remaining ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together ensuring the pumpkin and spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes or until thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels as needed. Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Use fresh pumpkin puree if available for a more vibrant flavor.
  • To make this chili spicier, increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
  • For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce more liquid.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: turkey chili, pumpkin chili, creamy chili, ground turkey recipe, healthy chili, fall recipes, comfort food