Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Turkey Pumpkin Chili is one of those things that when I tell people about it, they look at me kinda funny and say, really? Pumpkin? YES- PUMPKIN! I'm not talking about adding pumpkin pie, I'm talking about plain pumpkin - real deal or from a can, the can is easiest. It adds warmth and depth to this slightly spicy chili, something I would never had thought of doing had I not come across a similar concept years ago.

Sometimes I will do the whole can of pumpkin, it's up to you. Test it out and see how you like it. Want it more spicy? Add more jalapenos or other peppers to suit your taste. Chili is a great meal - it comes together fast and is incredibly versatile! You can change out the chili beans for black beans or pintos. Both are very delicious! Don't like cilantro, (known as soap chips to some in my house), leave it out. You can add chunks of sweet potato or butternut squash. Seriously, chili is the best!

Recipe as written serves about 6 - so easy to double or triple, or even half! It tastes even better the next day and freezes well. It's so good. Let us know how you like pumpkin chili in the comments below!

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Chili reimagined! Ground turkey and canned pumpkin give this chili a healthy upgrade! Comes together fast for a great anytime meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 small diced, onion
• 2 ribs celery, sliced lengthwise, then diced
• ½ green pepper, diced
• ½ red pepper, diced
• 3 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced
• 16 oz can chili beans
• 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 23 oz can tomato sauce (1 -15 oz and 1 - 8 oz)
• 1 cup can pumpkin (half of a 15 oz can)
• ½ cup chicken broth - optional (if desire a thinner chili)
• 3 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
• items to garnish, if desired: sour cream, cheese, green onions, cilantro, lime wedge, tortilla chips, jalapenos, etc

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, over medium heat add the turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the onions, celery, and peppers. Cook until turkey is almost done.
  1 lb ground turkey, 1 small diced, onion, 2 ribs celery, sliced lengthwise, then diced, ½ green pepper, diced, ½ red pepper, diced
• Add all the seasonings, garlic, and jalapenos, stir well until very fragrant.
  3 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 jalapeno, finely diced
• Add in the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and pumpkin. Stir well, turn down to low, cover and simmer for about 30-40 mins, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom. *if you prefer a thinner chili, add the broth at this time too*
  16 oz can chili beans, 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, 23 oz can tomato sauce (1 -15 oz and 1 - 8 oz), 1 cup can pumpkin (half of a 15 oz can), ½ cup chicken broth - optional
• Stir in the cilantro and serve. Garnish with sour cream, cheese, green onions, cilantro, lime wedge, tortilla chips, jalapenos, etc. as you desire
  3 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro

Keyword bell peppers, chili, ground turkey, healthy, onions, pumpkin