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Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This turkey pumpkin chili is full of rich ground turkey, beans, pumpkin, and a little jalapeño kick!

Turkey Pumpkin Chili in a bowl topped with avocado, cheese, and sliced jalapeno.

Pumpkin is more than just jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkin pie!

This turkey pumpkin chili takes everything you love about traditional chili–beans, jalapeño, fire-roasted tomatoes, cumin–and adds delicious flavors of the fall, like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ground turkey.

This ground turkey pumpkin chili is one of my favorite fall comfort foods to feed a crowd!

Plus, it’s made all in one pot and is ready in no time!

So grab your favorite cozy sweater, and get ready to tuck into a delicious, warm bowl of chili.

Craving, even more, chili recipes? Try my Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili, Chipotle Ground Turkey Chili, Slow Cooker Beef Chorizo Taco Chili, or my Slow Cooker Taco Soup.

Ingredients to make Turkey Pumpkin Chili on a table.

Ingredients for turkey pumpkin chili

  • Pumpkin puree – This adds savory pumpkin flavor and smooth texture to the chili.
  • Ground turkey – Ground turkey is full of delicious turkey flavor.
  • Vegetables – Onion, garlic, and green bell pepper are a tasty trio of vegetables that will add earthiness.
  • Jalapeño – To add a little bit of spiciness to the chili.
  • Beans – My favorite combination for texture and flavor are kidney beans and black beans.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes – These tomatoes add a hint of smokiness.
  • Spices – This blend of spices gives us both savory and warming fall flavors to compliment the pumpkin in the chili.
Ground turkey and vegetables in a pot for chili.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili in a pot with beans.
Fully cooked Turkey Pumpkin Chili in a large soup pot.

Adjusting the level of heat

I’ve used cayenne pepper and jalapeño in this turkey pumpkin chili recipe because I like my chili a little on the spicy side.

But if that’s too hot for you, no worries! It’s super easy to adjust the level of spice.

For the jalapeño, you can remove the seeds and the ribs (the white flesh that holds the seeds) for a much milder pepper. And feel free to omit the cayenne altogether.

Toppings!

Arguably the best part of any chili is the toppings!

I love to offer my guests a variety of flavors and textures to top their turkey pumpkin chili:

  • Crunchy tortilla chips or corn chips
  • Smooth and tangy sour cream
  • Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions
  • Savory avocado
  • Shredded cheese
  • And for those who can never get it hot enough – more sliced fresh jalapeño!
Turkey Pumpkin Chili in a bowl with a spoon.

Freeze ahead

This turkey pumpkin chili can be made and frozen, so it’s ready when you are!

Simply cook as directed, cool thoroughly, and place chili in freezer-safe storage bags.

You can keep it stored in the freezer for up to 3 months!

To reheat, simply let thaw in the refrigerator for a day, warm through in a pot on the stove, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Storage and leftovers

Any leftover turkey pumpkin chili can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe bowl covered loosely with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly. 

 A ladle scooping up some Turkey Pumpkin Chili.

More comforting recipes

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This turkey pumpkin chili is full of rich ground turkey, beans, pumpkin, and a little jalapeño kick!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set a large (5-6 quart) soup pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil to the pot.
  • When the oil is hot add in the onions, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion starts to become translucent. When this happens add in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add in the ground turkey and using the blunt end of a spatula break up the meat and brown.
  • Stir in the ground spices and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the turkey is no longer pink.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, and chicken stock.
  • Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • If the chili becomes too thick add more chicken stock.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings such as avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, etc.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 609mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g
Course Soup
Cuisine Tex Mex
Keyword chili made with turkey, ground turkey chili, ground turkey pumpkin chili, pumpkin chili, savory pumpkin recipes, turkey chili, turkey pumpkin chili
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Turkey Pumpkin Chili pin for Pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

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