10 IRRESISTIBLE TURKEY PUMPKIN CHILI RECIPES THAT'LL WARM YOUR SOUL THIS FALL

10 IRRESISTIBLE TURKEY PUMPKIN CHILI RECIPES THAT'LL WARM YOUR SOUL THIS FALL

Okay, can we talk about how amazing your house smells when chili’s bubbling away on the stove? There’s honestly nothing better on a chilly fall evening. And if you haven’t tried turkey pumpkin chili yet, you’re seriously missing out!

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I know what you’re thinking – pumpkin in chili? Trust me, I was skeptical too the first time my neighbor brought some to our block party. But after one bite, I was completely hooked. The pumpkin adds this incredible creaminess and subtle sweetness that just works SO well with the savory turkey and spices.

I’ve been making different versions of turkey pumpkin chili for years now, and I’ve collected my absolute favorite recipes to share with you. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, need something easy for meal prep, or just want to impress your friends at your next fall gathering, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Why Turkey and Pumpkin Are Like Chili Soulmates

 

It’s Actually Good for You (Win!)

Look, I’m not gonna pretend I’m some nutrition expert, but even I know that swapping beef for turkey is a smart move. Turkey’s got way less fat but still packs tons of protein. And pumpkin? That stuff is loaded with vitamin A and fiber. So basically, you can have a second bowl without feeling guilty. That’s my kind of comfort food!

The Flavors Just… Work

Here’s the thing about ground turkey – it’s pretty mild on its own, right? That’s actually perfect because it soaks up all those amazing chili spices like a flavor sponge. Then the pumpkin comes in with this earthy, slightly sweet vibe that balances everything out. It’s like they were meant to be together. Plus, the pumpkin makes the whole thing super creamy without dumping in heavy cream or cheese (though let’s be honest, I still add cheese on top because… cheese).

Hello, Fall Vibes!

There’s something special about cooking with ingredients that are actually in season. Pumpkins are everywhere in autumn, turkey’s always easy to find, and combining them just feels right when the leaves start changing. Plus, it’s usually cheaper to buy seasonal stuff, which my wallet definitely appreciates!

RECIPE 1: My Go-To Classic Turkey Pumpkin ChiliClassic Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6-8

This is the recipe I make most often. It’s straightforward, foolproof, and everyone loves it – even my picky kids!

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling – learned that the hard way!)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 4 if you’re like me and love garlic)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (this is the secret ingredient!)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Grab your biggest pot and heat that olive oil over medium-high heat
  2. Toss in the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it’s nice and browned – takes about 8-10 minutes
  3. Throw in your onion and garlic. Let them get all soft and fragrant (around 5 minutes)
  4. Now add your chili powder, cumin, and that magical smoked paprika. Stir it around for about a minute – this really wakes up the spices!
  5. Time for the good stuff – dump in your pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth
  6. Crank up the heat until it starts bubbling, then turn it down to a simmer and let it hang out for about 25 minutes
  7. Taste it and add salt and pepper until it’s perfect
  8. Serve it up hot with whatever toppings make you happy!

My Pro Tip: This tastes even better the next day, so don’t be shy about making it ahead!

RECIPE 2: Lazy Sunday Slow Cooker White Turkey Pumpkin ChiliLazy Sunday Slow Cooker White Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 8

This one’s perfect for those days when you just can’t even. Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to dinner that’s ready to go!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey, browned (yeah, you gotta brown it first – sorry!)
  • 1½ cups pumpkin puree
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) white beans – cannellini or great northern work great
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp white pepper (gives it a nice kick)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Let’s Do This:

  1. Brown your turkey in a skillet first and drain any excess fat
  2. Toss everything except the lime juice into your slow cooker
  3. Give it a good stir so everything’s mixed up
  4. Set it on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours (I usually do LOW because I’m out all day)
  5. Right before serving, squeeze in that lime juice – it totally brightens everything up!
  6. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and pepitas (fancy word for pumpkin seeds!)

Real Talk: Sometimes I’m too lazy to even brown the turkey first. It still works, just drain the liquid that accumulates. Don’t judge me!

RECIPE 3: Spicy Chipotle Turkey Pumpkin Chili (For the Heat Seekers)Spicy Chipotle Turkey Pumpkin Chili (For the Heat Seekers)

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

If you like your chili with some serious kick, this one’s calling your name. My husband says it’s “perfectly spicy” but I usually keep a glass of milk nearby!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (start with 1 if you’re nervous about heat)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
  • 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (trust me on this!)
  • 2 cups beef broth

Instructions:

  1. Start by cooking your onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño in a big pot until they’re soft
  2. Add the turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink
  3. Stir in those chipotles and all your spices – your kitchen will smell AMAZING right now
  4. Add the pumpkin, tomatoes, both types of beans, and broth
  5. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every now and then
  6. Taste and adjust – too spicy? Add more pumpkin. Not spicy enough? Add another chipotle!
  7. Top with shredded cheese and avocado to cool it down a bit

Warning: This will clear your sinuses! In the best way possible.

RECIPE 4: Instant Pot Turkey Pumpkin Chili (When You Need Dinner FAST)Instant Pot Turkey Pumpkin Chili (When You Need Dinner FAST)

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Got an Instant Pot? This recipe will save your weeknight dinner situation. Seriously, it’s done in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 2 cans (15 oz) mixed beans (whatever you’ve got in the pantry)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

How to Make It:

  1. Hit that SAUTÉ button on your Instant Pot
  2. Brown the turkey with the onion and garlic for about 8 minutes
  3. Press CANCEL (don’t forget this step or you’ll get a BURN error – ask me how I know)
  4. Dump in everything else
  5. Close the lid and make sure that valve is set to SEALING
  6. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes
  7. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release
  8. Give it a good stir and serve!

Instant Pot Newbie? Don’t stress! Just follow the steps and you’ll be fine. It’s way less scary than it seems.

RECIPE 5: Turkey Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chili (My Personal Favorite!)Turkey Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chili

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Okay, I’m gonna be honest – this is THE ONE. The sweet potatoes add another layer of fall flavor that’s just chef’s kiss. I make this at least twice a month during autumn.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed (don’t peel them – the skin is good for you!)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Let’s Cook:

  1. Brown your turkey in a big Dutch oven (or your biggest pot)
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cook until you can really smell that garlic
  3. Toss in all your spices and let them cook for about a minute
  4. Add the sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, and broth
  5. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down and let it simmer for about 35 minutes – you want those sweet potatoes nice and tender
  6. Here’s a trick: mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot to make it thicker
  7. Top with Greek yogurt and pumpkin seeds

My Secret: I sometimes add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup at the end. Don’t tell anyone!

RECIPE 6: Paleo Turkey Pumpkin Chili (For My Clean-Eating Friends)Paleo Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

My sister’s doing the whole paleo thing, so I created this version for her. Turns out it’s delicious whether you’re paleo or not!

What You Need:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1½ cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 cups bone broth (regular broth works too)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat up that coconut oil in a large pot
  2. Cook the turkey until it’s browned, then take it out and set it aside
  3. Throw all your veggies in and cook them until they’re soft (about 7 minutes)
  4. Add your spices and let them get fragrant
  5. Put the turkey back in along with the pumpkin, tomatoes, and broth
  6. Let it simmer for 25 minutes
  7. Serve with paleo-friendly toppings like avocado and cashew cream

Bonus: Even if you’re not paleo, this is a great lighter option!

RECIPE 7: Smoky Turkey Pumpkin Beer Chili (For Game Day!)Smoky Turkey Pumpkin Beer Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

I make this every year for our football watch parties. The beer adds this incredible depth of flavor that everyone goes crazy for!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 bottle (12 oz) pumpkin ale or dark beer (drink the rest while cooking – cook’s privilege!)
  • 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup beef broth

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the turkey in your largest pot, add a pinch of salt
  2. Toss in the onion and garlic, cook for about 5 minutes
  3. Stir in all those beautiful spices and the brown sugar
  4. Pour in the beer and scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom
  5. Add your pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, and broth
  6. Let it simmer uncovered for 40 minutes – you want it to reduce and get nice and thick
  7. Serve with cornbread and sharp cheddar cheese

Party Tip: Make a double batch because this always goes fast!

RECIPE 8: Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili VerdeTurkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili Verde

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

This one’s a little different – it’s got a bright, tangy flavor from the salsa verde. Perfect when you want something a bit lighter!

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cans (15 oz) white beans
  • 1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde (get the good stuff!)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Let’s Get Cooking:

  1. Cook the turkey with onion and garlic until everything’s browned
  2. Add the cumin and coriander, stir for about a minute
  3. Dump in the pumpkin, salsa verde, green chiles, beans, and broth
  4. Simmer for 25 minutes
  5. Stir in the corn and cook for another 5 minutes
  6. Top with Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime

I Love This Because: It’s totally different from regular chili but still super comforting!

RECIPE 9: Moroccan-Spiced Turkey Pumpkin Chili (Fancy But Easy!)Moroccan-Spiced Turkey Pumpkin Chili (Fancy But Easy!)

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

I made this for a dinner party once and everyone thought I was some kind of gourmet chef. Little do they know how easy it actually is!

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1½ cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • ¼ cup raisins (they get all plump and sweet!)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Brown the turkey in olive oil in a large pot
  2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft
  3. Stir in all those exotic spices and let them toast for a minute
  4. Add pumpkin, tomatoes, chickpeas, raisins, and broth
  5. Simmer for 30 minutes
  6. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet (watch them carefully – they burn fast!)
  7. Serve topped with the almonds and fresh mint

Guest Reaction: “Wait, you MADE this?!” Every. Single. Time.

RECIPE 10: Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili Mac (Kid-Approved!)Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili Mac

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

This is basically what happens when chili and mac and cheese have a baby. My kids request this weekly. No joke.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I usually use more because… cheese)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk

How to Make It:

  1. Brown the turkey with onion and garlic
  2. Add chili powder and cumin, mix it all up
  3. Toss in the pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, and broth
  4. Bring it to a boil and add the macaroni
  5. Cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta’s tender
  6. Turn the heat down low and stir in the milk and cheese until it’s all melty and gorgeous
  7. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top (duh!)

Mom Win: They’re eating turkey, pumpkin, AND beans without complaining. I’ll take it!

My Best Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time

 

Make It Yours

Listen, these recipes are great as written, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Want it spicier? Throw in more jalapeños. Want it milder? Add extra pumpkin. That’s the beauty of chili – it’s super forgiving. I mess around with these recipes all the time depending on what I have in the pantry or what I’m craving.

Leftovers Are Your Friend

Real talk: chili is one of those magical foods that actually tastes BETTER the next day. Something about all those flavors hanging out together in the fridge overnight just works. I usually make a big batch on Sunday and eat it all week. It keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days easy, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Topping Game Strong

Don’t sleep on the toppings! They can totally transform your chili. My go-to spread includes:

  • Shredded cheese (obviously)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro and green onions
  • Diced avocado
  • Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
  • Pumpkin seeds (keeping with the theme!)
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced jalapeños if I’m feeling spicy

The Thickness Thing

Some people like soup-y chili, some like it super thick. Here’s how to control it:

  • Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered longer, or mash some of the beans against the pot
  • Too thick? Just add more broth or water until it’s how you like it

There’s no wrong answer here! 

Also Check:👇

https://share.google/zUewupOLwoaOzj46O

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it – my top 10 turkey pumpkin chili recipes that I’ve been perfecting over the years! Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, trying to eat healthier, need something for meal prep, or just want to cozy up with a big bowl of deliciousness, you’ve got options.

My challenge to you? Pick one recipe and try it this week. I promise your house will smell incredible and your stomach will thank you. And hey, if you make any of these, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you add your own twist? Did your family devour it? Spill the details!

Now if you’ll excuse me, all this chili talk has made me hungry. Time to go heat up some leftovers!

Also Read : easy-birthday-cupcake-recipes-10-delicious-ideas-to-make-your-celebration-unforgettable

Happy cooking, friends! 🎃🍲❤️

Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili Mac