Cozy Fall Recipe: Pumpkin Turkey Chili

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.


🍲 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.

🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need

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

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.

🎃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.

📝 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

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Location: Michigan, USA

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