Description
A wholesome and flavorful chili made with lean ground turkey, pumpkin purée, beans, and warming spices. This hearty dish is cozy, nutritious, and ideal for chilly autumn nights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
Essentials:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional:
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, optional)
Toppings:
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles, 6–7 minutes.
- Add vegetables & base: Stir in bell pepper, pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Mix well.
- Season: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn in the last 5 minutes if desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase cayenne or add fresh jalapeño.
- Can be made ahead — flavors improve the next day.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Use leftover cooked turkey (such as Thanksgiving turkey) instead of ground turkey — just stir in after sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Soup & Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg