Turkey Chili Pumpkin Beans Spices (Print)

Lean turkey, pumpkin, beans, and savory spices combine for a warming, flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Staples & Beans

05 - 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
16 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
17 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnishes (optional)

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese (omit for dairy-free)
21 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt (omit for dairy-free)

# Directions:

01 - Heat a drizzle of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
03 - Add lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to release flavors.
05 - Add pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, kidney beans, and broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Lower heat, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for preferred flavor.
08 - Ladle chili into bowls and finish with garnishes of choice such as cilantro, green onions, dairy-free cheese, or omit for dairy-free service.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for using pantry staples
  • Satisfying and hearty yet surprisingly light
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free when you skip the toppings
  • Freezes beautifully so you can meal prep or stock the freezer
  • Quick enough for busy nights with just fifteen minutes of prep
02 -
  • This chili is naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-free just skip the cheese and yogurt
  • Pumpkin not only gives creaminess but also packs extra fiber and vitamin A
  • The flavor gets deeper after a night in the fridge which makes it perfect for meal prep or leftovers
03 -
  • Grate your onion super fine if you like your chili extra smooth
  • If you want bold flavor toast the spices in a dry pan for two minutes before adding them to the pot
  • Always give everything a taste before serving because canned broth and tomatoes vary in saltiness and you might want to adjust

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