Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe (Easy, Healthy Fall Comfort Food)

Fall is here and that means it's officially chili season. As the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili to warm you up from the inside out. This Pumpkin Turkey Chili is one of my favorite autumn comfort meals. It has all the cozy flavors of a classic chili but with a seasonal twist: pumpkin!

I made this recipe last year and it was such a hit that I’m bringing it back again this October. It's the perfect meal for a cool evening, and I love how the pumpkin adds a smooth texture and a little extra nutrition. Plus, this is a great way to use up that extra can of pumpkin puree you might have leftover from baking.

Pumpkin Turkey Chili Image


🍲 What Makes This Chili Special?

What sets this chili apart is the use of pumpkin puree. You don’t really taste the pumpkin itself, but it adds a rich and creamy texture that balances out the spices beautifully. Pumpkin is also packed with vitamins A and C, so it’s a comforting meal that’s also good for you.

Using ground turkey instead of beef also keeps it a bit lighter, and the colorful bell peppers give it a beautiful, fresh look in the bowl.

📋 Recipe Info:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 to 6 people
  • Difficulty: Easy (beginner friendly)

🥄 Ingredients for Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Here’s what goes into this cozy fall favorite:

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 pound ground turkey

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree

  • 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder or more to taste

  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1 dash salt

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Turkey Chili (Step by Step Instructions)

Making this chili is simple and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here are the steps:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the chopped onion, green and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender.

  3. Stir in the ground turkey and cook until evenly browned. Drain any excess liquid.

  4. Mix in the diced tomatoes and pumpkin puree.

  5. Season with chili powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.

  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

  7. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of sour cream.


Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe Steps


🥗 What to Serve With Pumpkin Turkey Chili

This chili is pretty filling on its own, but here are my favorite sides:

  • Cornbread (classic choice): The slightly sweet cornbread with savory chili is such a good combo. I usually make a box of Jiffy cornbread mix because it's fast and everyone loves it.
  • Over rice: Serve the chili ladled over white or brown rice for an even heartier meal. This stretches the recipe further if you're feeding more people.
  • With crusty bread: Any good bread for dipping works. Sourdough, French bread, or even garlic bread.
  • Tortilla chips: Either on the side for dipping or crushed right on top of the chili for texture.
  • Simple side salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili nicely.
  • Baked potatoes: Spoon the chili over a baked potato for a loaded baked potato situation. So good.

What I usually do: Cornbread or tortilla chips because they're the easiest and my family expects them now.

For a complete fall meal: This chili + cornbread + apple cider = perfect cozy dinner.

🎃Fun Facts About Pumpkin and Chili

  • Pumpkin is technically a fruit and belongs to the squash family.

  • Native Americans were some of the first to use pumpkin in savory dishes.

  • Chili is often thought of as a Texan dish, but it has Mexican roots and many regional variations.

  • Pumpkin chili is a newer twist that combines traditional chili spices with autumn ingredients.

💌 Love this recipe?

Download this free printable recipe card.

Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe Card

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out the other dishes I’ve shared.

📝 Simple Wrap-Up

Pumpkin Turkey Chili is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s filling, flavorful, and just different enough to surprise your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a casual fall dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chili is a fun way to embrace the season.

If you're like me and enjoy finding new ways to use pumpkin beyond the usual desserts, give this recipe a try. You might find it becomes a yearly tradition.

What is your favorite fall recipe? Share in the comments below.

Sensibly and simply yours,
Kat

👉 Enjoyed this post? Subscribe here to get weekly updates straight to your inbox.

Location: Michigan, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Polish Cucumber Salad Recipe (Mizeria) | Easy Creamy Dill Side Dish

Image
This Polish cucumber salad recipe (called Mizeria in Poland) has been one of the simplest and most refreshing dishes in my kitchen. It's a traditional creamy cucumber salad with sour cream and fresh dill that my mom used to make. It’s cool, creamy, and lightly tangy. It is just perfect for hot afternoons or as a side for grilled meats or hearty casseroles. This recipe is very close to the one my mom used to make, and it always brings back warm memories with every bite. 🥒 What is Mizeria? (Traditional Polish Cucumber Salad) Mizeria is a classic Polish side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers in a creamy sour cream dressing with fresh dill. It's served cold and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pierogi, or hearty summer meals. This easy cucumber salad takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. 📋 Recipe Info: Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes   Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4-6 people Difficulty: Easy 🧂 Polis...
Read more

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts 2025 | HYSA Rates Compared

Image
Looking for the best high-yield savings accounts in 2025? This guide compares the top FDIC-insured HYSAs with rates up to 4.66% APY. I've researched the best high-interest savings accounts to help you find safe, flexible options that earn more than traditional banks offer. 📘What is a High-Yield Savings Account? A high-yield savings account is an FDIC-insured savings account that pays significantly higher interest rates than traditional bank savings accounts. While traditional savings accounts might pay 0.01%-0.50% APY, the best HYSAs currently offer 3.5%-4.66% APY. These accounts are typically offered by online banks with lower overhead costs, allowing them to pass savings to customers through better rates. 🥇Quick Comparison: Top 3 HYSAs Best Overall Rate: Axos ONE® Savings (up to 4.66% APY)  Best for Goal-Tracking: SmartyPig (3.90% APY + visual savings tools)  Best for Easy Access: EverBank Performance Savings (4.30% APY, no minimum) 🐖 SmartyPig High-Yield Savings Acc...
Read more

Growing Herbs in Michigan: Beginner's Guide to a Simple Herb Garden

Image
When I started my first herb garden two years ago as a complete beginner, I knew next to nothing about growing herbs. Now, after two seasons of trial and error in my Michigan (Zone 6) garden, I've learned which herbs are easiest to grow, which ones struggle in our climate, and practical tips for beginners starting their own herb garden. This post is all about herbs, specifically the ones I’ve grown myself and how I’m learning to make the most of them, one season at a time. 🌿 Best Herbs for Beginners to Grow Based on my experience growing herbs in Michigan, here are the easiest herbs for beginner gardeners: Easiest (Nearly Impossible to Kill): Peppermint - Grows aggressively, thrives in most conditions Chives - Hardy perennial, comes back year after year Thyme - Drought-tolerant, low maintenance Moderate (Pretty Easy): Basil - Easy to grow but sensitive to cold Parsley - Grows well but needs consistent moisture Challenging: Cilantro - Bolts quickly in heat, prefers coo...
Read more