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

Easy Pumpkin Turkey Chili

A cozy fall chili made with ground turkey, pumpkin puree, tomatoes, peppers, and warm chili spices.

Fall is here, and that means chili season has officially started in my house.

This pumpkin turkey chili is one of those recipes that feels just right on a cool evening. It is hearty and filling like a classic chili, but the pumpkin gives it a smooth, cozy texture that makes it feel a little more seasonal.

I made this recipe last year, and it was such a hit that I wanted to bring it back again. I also like that it uses pumpkin in a savory way, especially when I have extra pumpkin puree sitting around after baking.

You do not really taste the pumpkin in an obvious way. It just blends into the chili and makes everything feel a little richer and softer.

Why I Like This Pumpkin Turkey Chili

I like this recipe because it is simple, comforting, and a little different without being strange.

• The pumpkin adds texture: It makes the chili feel thicker and creamier without needing heavy cream.
• Ground turkey keeps it lighter: It still feels hearty, but not too heavy.
• The peppers add color: Green and yellow bell peppers make the bowl look fresh and pretty.
• It is quick: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
• It feels cozy: This is the kind of dinner I want when the weather turns chilly.

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6 people

Difficulty: Easy

Best For: Cozy fall dinner

Ingredients for Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Here is what you need for this cozy fall chili:

• 1 tablespoon 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 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 dash salt
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
• 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving

Make sure you use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, and that is not what we want for chili.

How to Make Pumpkin Turkey Chili

This chili is simple and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

1. Heat the oil. Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Cook the vegetables. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender.
3. Brown the turkey. Stir in the ground turkey and cook until evenly browned. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
4. Add the tomatoes and pumpkin. Mix in the diced tomatoes and pumpkin puree.
5. Season the chili. Add chili powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
6. Simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Serve. Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Turkey Chili

This chili is filling on its own, but a simple side makes it feel even more like a cozy fall dinner.

Easy Side Ideas

• Cornbread: A classic choice. I usually keep it simple with a box mix because it is fast and everyone likes it.
• Rice: Serve chili over white or brown rice to stretch the meal a little further.
• Crusty bread: Sourdough, French bread, or garlic bread all work well for dipping.
• Tortilla chips: Good on the side or crushed on top for crunch.
• Simple side salad: A green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili.
• Baked potatoes: Spoon chili over a baked potato for a very filling meal.

My easy fall dinner would be this chili with cornbread or tortilla chips and a glass of apple cider.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Turkey Chili

• Use pumpkin puree: Do not use pumpkin pie filling.
• Adjust the chili powder: Start with the recipe amount, then add more if you like more spice.
• Let it simmer: Even 15 to 20 minutes helps the flavors come together.
• Top it how you like: Cheddar, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips, or hot sauce all work.
• Make it ahead: Chili usually tastes even better the next day.

How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much in the fridge.
• Freeze in individual portions for an easy future lunch or dinner.

I like chili leftovers because they make the next day easier. Future me always appreciates a ready-to-heat meal.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin and Chili

• Pumpkin is technically a fruit and belongs to the squash family.
• Pumpkin can work well in savory recipes, not just pies and desserts.
• Chili has many regional variations, which is part of what makes it fun to adapt.
• Pumpkin chili is a cozy seasonal twist on a classic comfort food.

Love This Recipe?

Here is a free printable recipe card you can save or print for later.

Looking for more recipe inspiration? You can find more of my recipe posts here.

Simple Wrap-Up

Pumpkin turkey chili is the kind of meal that feels like fall in a bowl. It is warm, filling, and just a little different from regular chili.

I like that it is easy enough for a weeknight but still feels seasonal and cozy. It is also a nice way to use pumpkin in something savory instead of only saving it for desserts.

If you enjoy cozy dinners, you might also like my easy Dijon onion chicken, my easy maple salmon, or more of my recipe posts.

What is your favorite fall dinner? I would love to hear what you make when the weather turns chilly.

Sensibly and simply yours,
Kat

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