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Hearty Ground Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A steaming white bowl filled with rich, thick pumpkin chili featuring ground meat and beans, set on a wooden table.

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Make this comforting, high-protein pumpkin chili using ground turkey and smoky spices. It is a simple, one-pot meal perfect for a cozy fall dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for creaminess

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, rinsed beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their liquid), and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1 hour.
  6. If you want a creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. This recipe is great for meal planning and reheats well.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, replace the ground turkey with 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of lentils.
  • If you are interested in structured eating plans, look into meal planning services instead of relying on meal delivery companies.
  • This chili freezes well for future quick meals.

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