Pumpkin Turkey Chili is everything you crave in a cozy, healthy fall meal: rich, savory, and bright with a subtle hint of sweetness from pumpkin. Thanks to lean ground turkey and hearty beans, this chili brings serious protein muscle but never feels heavy. Pumpkin purée creates a velvety texture and beautiful golden color, while tomatoes, peppers, and a blend of warming spices make every spoonful sing. Truly, this is the kind of recipe that gathers everyone around the table, steaming bowls in hand, for a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pumpkin Turkey Chili are simple but mighty, coming together in a magical way that’s way more than the sum of their parts. Each one plays a special role, from the silky pumpkin to the pop of beans and the savory lift of spices.

Olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics for extra flavor.
Onion: Adds a sweet backbone and gentle savoriness as it softens in the pot.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves infuse the whole chili with warmth and depth.
Ground turkey: Lean and tender, it absorbs all the delicious spices and keeps things light.
Red bell pepper: Bright, juicy, and colorful, it adds a hint of sweetness and crunch.
Pumpkin purée: The secret to extra creaminess, autumn vibes, and that gorgeous orange color.
Diced tomatoes: Bring tartness, a little sweetness, and some chunky texture.
Black beans: Earthy, hearty, and perfectly creamy for a multi-layered mouthfeel.
Kidney beans: Their firm texture stands up beautifully to a slow simmer.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Essential for creating the rich, stew-like base that ties everything together.
Chili powder: The heart of the spice mix, delivering chili’s trademark depth and mild heat.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that lingers in every bite.
Smoked paprika: This gives the chili a subtle smoky edge, making it unforgettable.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love some real heat—add to taste!
Salt & pepper: The simplest essentials for balanced, robust flavor.
Corn kernels (optional): Adds bursts of sweetness and color, especially lovely if you have fresh corn.
Toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro): Let everyone customize their bowl for that perfect finishing touch!

How to Make

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add chopped onion and let it cook gently until it turns soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to release its fragrant aroma. This foundational step infuses everything that follows with a hint of sweetness and that unmistakable chili warmth.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Next comes the ground turkey. Add it right into the pot with the onions and garlic, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6 or 7 minutes, stirring often, until all the pink is gone and a few golden spots develop. This browning step unlocks even more flavor and gives the chili its hearty bite.

Step 3: Add Vegetables & Base

It’s time to start building that signature Pumpkin Turkey Chili character! Toss in your chopped red bell pepper, pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and your broth of choice. Stir well to combine—the pot will look vibrant and inviting, with flecks of red, gold, and deep mahogany.

Step 4: Season

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne if you love spice, and a shower of salt and pepper. Stir it all through, breathing in those incredible fragrances. Bring the pot up to a gentle simmer as all the flavors begin to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, pop on a lid, and let your chili simmer away for 25 to 30 minutes. Check in occasionally and give it a good stir to keep everything happy. If you’re using corn, toss it in during the last five minutes—this keeps it sweet and snappy. You’ll know it’s ready when the chili has thickened slightly and everything is gloriously fragrant.

Step 6: Serve

When it’s time to eat, ladle the Pumpkin Turkey Chili into bowls and invite everyone to add their favorite toppings. The first bite is always transforming: rich, bright, utterly comforting, and layered with flavor. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly!

How to Serve

Name: “Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lb ground turkey; 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 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; 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; 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, optional); Shredded cheese; Sour cream; Avocado; Cilantro

Garnishes

A great chili deserves great toppings! Your Pumpkin Turkey Chili gets even better with a handful of shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is my personal hero), a generous scoop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, and a flutter of fresh cilantro. These garnishes bring coolness, extra richness, and fresh herbs that wake up every bite.

Side Dishes

While Pumpkin Turkey Chili can easily be a meal by itself, I love to serve it with classic sides that complement its warmth and texture. Think hunks of warm, crusty bread or cornbread for dipping, maybe a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or even some salty tortilla chips for extra crunch. It works brilliantly with just about anything you’d serve with standard chili.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive and ladle your Pumpkin Turkey Chili into hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a magical fall presentation—perfect for parties! Or, try serving it in mugs for easy, cozy eating around a fire. If you’re feeling indulgent, set up a chili bar with a spread of toppings so guests can personalize every bowl to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin Turkey Chili actually tastes even better the next day, when all the flavors have had time to mingle. Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The chili holds up beautifully and thickens slightly, letting the spices bloom even more.

Freezing

Have extra chili? It freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place the sealed bag in a bowl of warm water for a quicker defrost.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring now and then. Add a splash of broth if it’s thickened up too much. You can also microwave individual portions—just be sure to cover the bowl to avoid splatters and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the turkey, onion, and garlic on the stovetop, just transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for about 3 hours. The flavors become extra rich and your house will smell amazing.

Is the pumpkin flavor strong?

Not at all! The pumpkin in Pumpkin Turkey Chili adds a gentle sweetness and luscious texture, but it doesn’t overpower the tomatoes and spices. Most people enjoy its subtlety and can’t pinpoint exactly what makes the chili so velvety.

What kind of beans work best?

I love the mix of black beans and kidney beans here—their flavors and textures balance the chili perfectly. But feel free to use pinto beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand!

Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?

Yes, this is a fantastic way to repurpose Thanksgiving turkey! Just chop or shred it, and add after sautéing the onion and garlic. Stir it in with the other ingredients; since it’s already cooked, you’re just warming it through and letting the flavors combine.

How do I make the chili spicier?

If you love heat, ramp up the cayenne or add chopped fresh jalapeño when you sauté your onion and garlic. You can even swirl in some hot sauce at the end, or serve extra on the side so everyone can spice their own bowl to taste.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says cozy comfort like a pot of Pumpkin Turkey Chili gently bubbling away in your kitchen. This is a dish I reach for again and again, and I hope you’ll love sharing it as much as I do. Why not try it this week, and see just how inviting and satisfying homemade chili can be?