Cinderella had it right—it’s never a bad idea to bring pumpkin to a party! Arrive with this Pumpkin Chili in tow, and every person who tries it likely would bestow you a glass slipper to profess their love. Made with turkey, fresh vegetables, and a complex array of spices, this healthy chili recipe is pure magic.
I don’t even mean that as a fantasy. This is one of the top chili recipes I’ve ever made (second only to my Blue Ribbon Chili from The Well Plated Cookbook — pick up a copy if you haven’t yet; you need it in your life!).
Don’t take this statement lightly. I have made a lot of chili.
I adore chili because it’s intrinsically comforting and warming. The flavors unfold further with every spoonful. Plus, when it’s made with hearty and healthy ingredients (which is how we cook our chili around here) chili makes for a deeply satisfying, all-in-one meal.
And since the different ingredients and flavor profiles one can give chili are basically endless, I never grow weary of it.
Pick a mood, you can find a chili to match!
- This Green Chili Recipe in unbelievably complex and will make you feel like a master chef.
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili is an ultimately easy, dump-and-go slow cooker meal. Or, my stove top version: White Chicken Chili.
- Classic Healthy Turkey Chili is a positively perfect, everyday chili that never fails to hit the spot.
- Did I mention the Blue Ribbon Chili from The Well Plated Cookbook? It will win you a cookoff.
Each is unique and well worth adding to your recipe repertoire.
At this particular moment though, as the leaves change colors and the air grows more crisp, this turkey pumpkin chili recipe hits the spot in a magical way.
Its warm fall flavors feel like a cozy blanket. Adding pumpkin gives the chili autumnal flair, but it’s not so distinctive that you won’t recognize it as the comforting chili you’re craving.
Secrets to the Best Pumpkin Chili
The secret to phenomenal pumpkin chili is more than just adding pumpkin puree to a simmering pot. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Healthy without the Hassle. Using canned pumpkin (which is high in Vitamin A and antioxidants) is a sneaky way to incorporate more vegetables. The vegetable skeptic scouring the chili for chunky evidence won’t find any because the canned pumpkin puree blends right in.
- Rich and Thick. The puree also adds hearty thickness. In our house, we love chili thick enough that our spoon will stand up in it, and this turkey pumpkin chili recipe passes that test with honors.
- The Perfect Combination of Spices. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg pair perfectly with the pumpkin. This recipe is the first time I added nutmeg to chili, and I discovered that it gives the dish that special “sumpin’ sumpin’” extra. Chipotle chili powder offers a hint of heat and smokiness that makes a great one-two punch with the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- A Well-Rounded Meal. I also added many other veggies in addition to pumpkin, since chili can be a great vehicle for nutritious vegetables without diluting that familiar, prevailing chili flavor. Pumpkin chili with peppers and sweet potatoes tastes hearty and comforting, while being healthier too.
How to Make Pumpkin Chili
The Ingredients
- Ground Turkey. A leaner choice that still packs protein and flavor into the chili. You also can make this pumpkin chili with chicken or with lean ground beef.
- Sweet Potato. Its natural sweetness and added nutrition are wonderful additions.
- Pumpkin Puree. Creates a thick texture and brings hidden nutrition to the chili.
- Bell Peppers. Green and red bell peppers add beautiful color and nutrition.
- Spices. With chipotle chili powder, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this chili is anything but bland. The spices give it deep, rich, and warming flavors that help make it memorable.
- Pinto Beans. For extra filling protein and scrumptious creamy texture.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. Unlike regular canned tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes bring deep, smoky flavor to the chili.
- Toppings. The options are endless! Sliced jalapeno, avocado, cilantro, red onion, and yogurt are all tasty choices.
The Directions
- Sauté the onion, potato, peppers, and garlic.
- Stir in the turkey, salt, and pepper.
- Add the remaining spices.
- Stir in the beans, pumpkin, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve with toppings, and ENJOY!
Pumpkin Chili Variations
- Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili. You can swap out the ground turkey for vegetarian meat crumbles or add two additional cans of beans (such as chickpeas, black beans, light or dark red kidney beans, or additional pinto beans). Use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth.
- Pumpkin Chili with Chicken or Beef. You can also swap out the ground turkey for lean ground beef or ground chicken.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Chili
- Salad. Serve your chili with a light salad like this simple Arugula Salad.
- Bread. There’s nothing like dunking a hunk of bread into chili, and Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread or Crock Pot Bread would be delish!
- Veggies. Sneak in more servings of veggies by pairing this soup with a side of Roasted Broccoli or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate chili in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also reheat this chili in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze chili in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Even More of Our Favorite Chili Recipes
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Dutch Oven. The perfect vessel for preparing pumpkin chili.
- Ladle. Ideal for serving soup, chili, and stew.
- Measuring Spoons. These are great for measuring out the spices for this recipe.
Pumpkin Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 large sweet potato cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 2 red bell peppers diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic about 1 tablespoon
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 15-ounce can reduced sodium pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin purée
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes in their juices
- 1 ½ to 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth or water
- Sliced jalapeno avocado, chopped cilantro, red onion, and/or non-dairy plain yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, sweet potato, red and green bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until soft.
- Add the turkey, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often to break up the chunks.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chili powder, chipotle chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook until very fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the beans, pumpkin, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes in their juices, and 1 cup chicken broth (or water). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let simmer, uncovered, until the chili thickens further, about 30 minutes, stirring every so often so that the chili does not stick to the bottom. If the chili becomes too thick, add additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Toward the end of the cooking time, taste, and adjust the seasonings as desired. Add more chipotle chili powder for an extra smoky/spicy kick (be careful; a little goes a long way) and more salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate chili in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also reheat this chili in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze chili in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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I made this chili even though I was a little skeptical with pumpkin, but it’s the fall so why not?
What a huge hit, best chili I ever had, thank you for the recipe!
Making it again as soon as possible.
Hi Lily! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This recipe is so good! Smells amazing and tastes just as good!
Hi Susan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Another recipe that Erin hit out of the park! I’m currently doing a round of whole30 but this will be my new go-to chili recipe. The pumpkin purée is such a treat in thickening the chili and giving it so much flavor. Loved it and didn’t even miss my sour cream/cheese/crackers.
Hi Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Sounds delicious. The recipe doesn’t list the measurements of each ingredient. Please update the recipe.
Hi Cathy! I’m confused because I see it on my end. The full recipe with the measurements was right above the area where you commented. There is also a “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page to get you there faster. Can you please double check? Thanks!
I love everything pumpkin, but I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of this. I couldn’t be happier that I gave it a shot…and neither could my friends and coworkers! :) I don’t normally eat sweet potatoes but love them in this recipe. I’m thinking some zucchini would be an awesome addition, next time, too.
Hi Sara! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was really really good. And pretty easy to throw together on a work night. Loved that it uses a full can of pumpkin and sweet potatoes – both add a level of depth that some other pumpkin chili recipes lack. And just the right amount of heat, and not too many beans! Followed the recipe to a T and definitely making again.
Hi Christine! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was very warm and comforting. We liked it and had little leftover because everyone wanted seconds.
Hi Kjerstin! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Love love this recipe! I’ve made it twice now and the first time I used beef, the second time I used elk and carrots vs sweet potatoes, bone broth both times. Adjusted the chili powder for my little ones – but It’s a hit every time!
This will be a staple in our seasonal rotation, thank you!!
Hi Miryah! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This is hand’s down the best chili I have ever had. It’s so flavorful and has so much more depth than typical recipes. It will be a staple all year long. I follow the recipe exactly as is. No adjustments needed! Thank you!
Hi Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Where’s the pumpkin?
Why call it pumpkin chili if it doesn’t have pumpkin in it?
Hi Gina! It’s actually there! Listed at the 16th ingredient right under the pinto beans. Hope you enjoy it!
Could you use beef instead of Turkey?
Sure! Enjoy!
Holy moly this was so delicious! I used the slow cooker method. The taste is rich and the combination of sweet potatoes and pumpkin was perfect!
Hi Dawn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This chili was absolutely delicious!! So filling, tasty, and felt like fall in a bowl! I will absolutely be making this again. I have MANY favorite recipes of Erin’s….but I think this might be my number one favorite recipe tried yet!
Hi Sarah! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
How could I make this in a crock pot instead?
Yes you can Estela! There are directions written for it in the post. Enjoy!
This is my annual October go to! Friends & Family LOVE it! I cut the cinnamon in half and added kidney beans as well as the pinto beans, otherwise exactly as you wrote it! I serve it with Trader Joe’s Pumpkin tortilla chips & good old corn bread & fresh green citrus salad. FANTASTIC! A perfect fall or winter meal. Thanks for adding to my perfect meals!
Awesome! Thank you L.J. Lang!
This was delicious . I loved all the veggies in it , including the full can of pumpkin . The spice was just right to me.
Another great recipe by wellplated by Erin !
So happy to hear, thank you Paula!
My go to chili recipe! Love it! Quick question- do I drain the chili after the turkey is done cooking?
Glad to hear, Rachel! No need to drain it.
This recipe was incredibly bland, and did not have a hint of pumpkin taste. I am shocked that it is so highly rated. I had to add a ton of my own spices and triple the pumpkin to get any sort of flavor, even then would not make again.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, Jillian. The amounts, flavorings and timing have worked well for myself (and others) so I wished it would have been a hit for you too! I know it can be so disappointing to try a new recipe and it does not turn out for you.