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Hearty One-Pot Ground Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A close-up of a steaming white bowl filled with rich, thick pumpkin chili featuring ground meat, beans, and chunks of orange pumpkin.

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Compose a flavorful life with this hearty, one-pot ground turkey pumpkin chili. It blends the warmth of fall spices with lean protein for a simple, satisfying comfort food dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed beans, pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes (with liquid), green chiles (with liquid), and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For deeper flavor, simmer for 45 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with 15 ounces of crumbled firm tofu or an extra can of mixed beans.
  • If you prefer a slow cooker method, brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables separately, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Serve this cozy fall chili with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

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