Name: Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 orange bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder; 2 tsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 lb. ground turkey (93% lean); 2 (15.5-oz.) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 2 (14.5-oz.) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree; 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth); Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 1/3 cup sour cream (plus more for garnish, if desired); Suggested toppings: sour cream or plain full-fat Greek yogurt, grated cheese, toasted pepitas, crushed tortilla chips, and/or green onions

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal to warm you up on a chilly night, this Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how the sweetness of pumpkin blends with classic chili spices and hearty white beans to create something both comforting and unique. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it all season long.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combo: The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess that beautifully balances the spicy chili seasonings.
Healthy and Hearty: Using ground turkey keeps it lean but protein-packed, while beans add fiber and bulk to keep you satisfied.
Simple to Make: This recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop with easy-to-find ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Great for Fall & Beyond: It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for autumn and cooler days.

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick chili soup made of orange and red tomato pieces, white beans, and ground meat chunks in a rich, red-orange sauce. On the top, there is a creamy white layer of sour cream, sprinkled with shredded yellow cheese, bright green sliced scallions, and dark green pumpkin seeds scattered across. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a brown cloth napkin in the lower-left corner and a small white bowl with green pumpkin seeds in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Pumpkin Chili, turkey pumpkin chili recipe, healthy pumpkin chili, cozy fall chili, white beans pumpkin chili

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work harmoniously to create a chili that’s rich, savory, and just a little bit sweet. Shopping tip: opt for fire-roasted tomatoes and pumpkin puree from a can—they’re both convenient and packed with flavor.

Flat lay of diced yellow onion, bright orange bell pepper pieces, whole garlic cloves, ground turkey raw and fresh, glossy white cannellini beans, vibrant fire-roasted diced tomatoes in rich red hues, smooth pumpkin puree dollops, and a small pile of creamy sour cream, all beautifully arranged with a sprinkle of chili powder and ground cumin nearby, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Pumpkin Chili, turkey pumpkin chili recipe, healthy pumpkin chili, cozy fall chili, white beans pumpkin chili

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a touch of richness while sautéing the veggies, so don’t skip it.
Yellow onion: A classic base that brings sweetness and depth—dice it finely for even cooking.
Orange bell pepper: Adds a bright, slightly sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives the chili that irresistible aromatic kick.
Chili powder: This is your main spice player, so choose a blend you like—some include paprika or cumin for extra complexity.
Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin layers beautifully with chili powder.
Dried oregano: Just a sprinkle adds an herbal note to the chili.
Ground cinnamon: A surprising twist that enhances the pumpkin and spices with subtle warmth.
Ground turkey (93% lean): Lean yet flavorful protein that cooks up nicely without excess grease.
Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans that add bulk and heartiness—rinse well before using.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These add smoky depth and vibrant tomato flavor.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—packed with nutrients and perfect for cozy comfort.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses even more flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To season and brighten all the flavors perfectly.
Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for creaminess, plus more for garnishing if you like.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe can be. I often tweak it based on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for—feel free to personalize it and make it your own!

Make it Spicier: Sometimes, I add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat just the way my family likes it.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey for extra beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based.
Seasonal Beans: Pinto or black beans work beautifully if cannellini beans aren’t your thing.
Extra Veggies: Adding chopped zucchini or carrots helps sneak in a few extra servings of veggies.

How to Make Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and orange bell pepper, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant—about 6 to 7 minutes. This soft base creates the flavor foundation you’ll love. Then stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon, letting the spices toast for two more minutes. You’ll know it’s right when your kitchen smells insanely good and the spices bloom in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook until it’s no longer pink—around 6 minutes. This is where that lean turkey really shines, soaking up all the spices without getting greasy. Don’t forget to season generously with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper for balance.

Step 3: Simmer with Beans, Tomatoes, Pumpkin, and Broth

Now, stir in your rinsed cannellini beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and broth. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering melds all those flavors together perfectly—take a peek, and you’ll see the chili thicken up beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Sour Cream and Season

Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream for that lush, creamy finish. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. I always add a little extra pepper here to brighten it all up. Then, you’re ready to serve!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Choose Lean Turkey: Using 93% lean turkey keeps the chili moist but not greasy—I’ve found fattier turkey can make the chili too oily.
Don’t Skip Toasting Spices: Cooking the spices in the oil and aromatics helps release their full flavor—you’ll notice a big difference.
Pumpkin Puree Tricks: I like to use canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for consistent flavor and smooth texture.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages and taste often to avoid over-seasoning—especially important when using canned ingredients.

How to Serve Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

A bowl with thick soup full of soft carrot chunks, white beans, diced tomatoes, and meat in an orange sauce fills the frame. On top, there is a scoop of white sour cream in the center, surrounded by shredded yellow cheddar cheese and sprinkled with green chopped spring onions and dark green pumpkin seeds. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is white with subtle black specks and sits on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a brown cloth napkin and a small bowl with more green pumpkin seeds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Pumpkin Chili, turkey pumpkin chili recipe, healthy pumpkin chili, cozy fall chili, white beans pumpkin chili

Garnishes

I always top mine with a dollop of sour cream or plain full-fat Greek yogurt—that creamy tang is the perfect counterbalance to the spicy, sweet chili. Toasted pepitas add a subtle crunch, and a sprinkle of grated cheese melts nicely when the chili is hot. Sometimes, I crush up some tortilla chips on top for extra texture, and chopped green onions bring a fresh pop.

Side Dishes

This Turkey Pumpkin Chili pairs wonderfully with simple cornbread or warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of saucy goodness. I also like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to keep the meal colorful and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this chili in mini pumpkins or hollowed-out bread bowls—it makes a festive statement and impresses guests. Another fun idea is layering chili, cheese, and tortilla chips in individual oven-safe bowls and broiling until bubbly, turning it into a chili dip for game day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Turkey Pumpkin Chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day because the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This chili freezes like a dream—divide it into portion-sized freezer-safe bags or containers, label them, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. I recommend leaving out the sour cream when freezing and adding it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chili in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a little broth or water if it seems too thick. Stir in fresh sour cream or yogurt after reheating to refresh that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef works fine as a substitute, but keep in mind it’s higher in fat, so you may want to drain any excess grease during cooking. The flavor will be richer, but you’ll lose the lean, lighter feel the turkey provides.
What’s the best way to avoid the chili being too watery?

Simmering the chili uncovered helps reduce excess liquid, thickening the stew naturally. Also, using thicker pumpkin puree (not pie filling) and properly draining canned beans contributes to a better texture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the sour cream just before serving.
Is pumpkin puree a common ingredient in chili?

Not traditionally, but adding pumpkin puree brings a subtle sweetness and extra creaminess that pairs surprisingly well with chili spices, making this recipe unique and especially great for fall.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe has truly become one of my go-to meals during cooler months. It’s satisfying, easy, and feels a little special without any complicated steps. If you want a hearty dish that’s a bit different from the usual chili, this one’s a must-try. Give it a whirl—I know you’ll love the way pumpkin adds a cozy twist to a classic favorite.