Quick, easy, and healthyTurkey Pumpkin Chilimade with ground turkey, canned tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, and lots of hearty spices.

Adding pumpkin to chili is one of my favorite secrets to make thick, rich, healthy chili.The pumpkin adds a great texture, a nice sweetness to complement the acidic tomatoes, and a beautiful color to chili. The best part is your family will never know that you snuck a nutrient-packed vegetable into their favorite chili. Pumpkin is my secret ingredient to our favoriteInstant Pot Vegetarian Chilias well as this one.

This easy Turkey Pumpkin Chili is on repeat all year long in our house because it’s so filling, healthy, and flavorful. I’ll fill out the meal with our favoriteCornbread RecipeorMom’s Four Loaf Wheat Bread Recipe, some fruit, ourVeggie Box, and some hummus too. It’s a simple, healthy, family-favorite meal that comes together easily. (BONUS: you can make this in the slow cooker, too! See the notes under the recipes for instructions and cooking times.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy:The lean turkey and pumpkin keep things light while also adding a boost of healthy stuff!
Comfort Food:Chili just screams warm cozy nights. A bowl of it is so comforting and delicious.
Easy:This chili has all the hearty goodness of the kind that simmers for hours but you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Ground Turkey, or other ground meat
Onion
Garlic
15 ounce can Diced Tomatoes
Tomato Juice
Chicken Stock
Cooked Beans
Pumpkin Puree
Chili Powder
Salt & Pepper
Smoked Paprika
Cumin
Toppings such as sour cream, minced fresh cilantro, grated cheese, hot sauce (optional)

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Easy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Step #1.In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat with the onion. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step #3.Simmer chili for at least 15 minutes.

Step #2.Add remaining chili ingredients to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step #4.Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with desired toppings.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of beans do you use?

I used pinto beans – use what you like. You can also use a mix of beans. I like to cook dried beans in my Instant Pot and keep them in 2-cup portions in my freezer.

Do I have to use ground turkey?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, beef, or even elk or venison in this recipe. Use what you like or have on hand.

Expert Tips

Easy Turkey Pumpkin Chili freezes well!I’ll often freeze half of the batch before the pan hits the dinner table so that I know I have a second meal in the freezer.
This recipe works great in the slow cooker!Just cook the meat, onion, and garlic as directed and then add it to your slow cooker. Stir everything else in and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
You can let this simmer for longer than 15 minutes if you have the time– just add a lid so that all of the moisture doesn’t escape. If it does get too thick, you can also add a little more chicken stock to reach your desired thickness.