Delicious Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Turkey • Longbourn Farm

Everyone needs a go-to Pumpkin Chili Recipe that's both incredibly satisfying and easy to make. Tender ground turkey, creamy pumpkin, and warming spices create the perfect meal for chilly evenings!

Two bowls of pumpkin chili recipe, topped with sour cream, walnuts, and chopped herbs, rest on a black-and-white checkered napkin. Nearby are two slices of bread, a small bowl of sour cream, and two silver spoons.

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🍲The pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness and creates a velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory spices and hearty ingredients!

Table of Contents

My 2 Best Tips For Making Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Brown Properly: Take time to properly brown the ground turkey and cook the onions until they're very soft - this builds the foundational flavors for your chili. Don't rush this step, as properly caramelized onions add natural sweetness that balances the earthiness of the pumpkin.

Layer Spices: Add the garlic last and cook just until fragrant to prevent it from burning, which would create bitter flavors in your finished dish. I always toast my chili powder, cumin, and paprika in the pan for 30 seconds before adding liquids because it transforms the spices from flat and dusty to rich and aromatic.

melissa leaning over counter looking up from a cook book.

I always dry toast my chili powder, cumin, and paprika in the pan for 30 seconds before adding any liquids because it changes the spices from flat and dusty to rich and aromatic, creating those deep, complex flavors that make people wonder what my secret ingredient is.

I like to mash about half of my beans with a fork before adding them to the chili because it creates this perfect thick, cohesive base that holds everything together, while the remaining whole beans give you those satisfying little bursts of texture in every bite.

You can eat this pumpkin chili in so many delicious ways beyond just a regular bowl! I love ladling it over baked sweet potatoes, using it as a dip with cornbread, or even spooning it over rice for a hearty dinner. There are so many toppings and sides that complement chili, too!

🩷 Melissa

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Best Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Melissa Griffiths

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 255 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (or other ground meat)
1 large onion (diced)
4-6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounce)
3 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken stock
4 cups cooked beans (such as pinto)
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons cumin
additional salt and pepper to taste
additional toppings such as sour cream (minced fresh cilantro, grated cheese, hot sauce, optional)

Instructions

In a large pan or cast iron dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey and onion until the turkey is cooked through and the onion is very soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, chicken stock, cooked beans, pumpkin puree, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir to combine well.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with additional toppings of your choice.

Notes

Bean Variations: Any beans work - kidney, black, cannellini, or a mix. I keep cooked beans in 2-cup portions in my freezer for easy meals.

Slow Cooker Instructions: Cook the meat, onion, and garlic as directed, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Protein Options: Ground beef or chicken can be used in place of turkey. Use what you like or have on hand.

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 8 servingsCalories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 24gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 1023mgFiber: 12gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10889IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 5mg

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How To Make Pumpkin Chili Recipe

A bowl of thick bean soup inspired by a pumpkin chili recipe, topped with sour cream and chopped herbs, sits on a checkered cloth, with fresh bread and another hearty bowl in the background.

Step 1: In a large pan or dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey and diced onion until the turkey is fully cooked and the onion becomes very soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, chicken stock, cooked beans, pumpkin puree, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and cumin. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, grated cheese, or hot sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you will need about 2 cups of roasted and pureed fresh pumpkin. Roast pumpkin chunks at 400°F until tender, then puree until smooth.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, simply omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add extra beans or diced vegetables like bell peppers for additional substance.

What are the best toppings for pumpkin chili?

Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.