Spicy Pumpkin Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Pumpkin Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the warmth of spices with the creamy richness of pumpkin. Packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and chickpeas, it’s a healthy, filling meal that’s perfect for a cozy evening or meal prep. The pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness, while the spices give it a kick, making this chili a well-balanced, flavorful option that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chili:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey meat

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)

• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 green bell peppers, diced

• 15 ounces cooked red, chili, or black beans, rinsed and drained

• 15 ounces cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 15 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice, jarred or fresh)

• 1/2 cup low-sodium broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)

• 15 ounces pure pumpkin puree

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

• Sliced red chili

• Cheese

• Greek yogurt

Directions

Cook the Turkey:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is crumbly and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Spices:

1. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, diced green bell peppers, minced garlic, and diced onion.

2. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth:

1. Stir in the beans, chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, ground cumin, and sea salt.

2. Mix everything together well.

Simmer:

1. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.

2. Let the chili cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve:

1. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, chopped parsley or cilantro, sliced red chili, cheese, or Greek yogurt.

Enjoy!

This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider doubling the recipe for easy meal prep!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 4-6

Variations

• Make it vegan: Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based protein, like lentils or extra beans, and use vegetable broth.

• Spicy or mild: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to customize the heat level to your liking.

• Add more veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey for a richer flavor. Lean ground beef works best to keep the chili healthy.

2. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

4. Can I add more beans to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more beans like black beans, kidney beans, or white beans to make the chili even heartier.

5. Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chili peppers. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.

6. How can I make this chili thicker?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it for a bit longer to allow it to reduce, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the chili to thicken the texture.

7. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Brown the turkey in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any gluten-containing ingredients.

9. Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

10. Can I use a different type of beans instead of chickpeas?

Yes, you can substitute chickpeas with any other beans, like kidney beans, navy beans, or pinto beans.

Conclusion

This Spicy Pumpkin Chili is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and a little bit of heat. The addition of pumpkin puree gives the chili a creamy richness, while the spices create a comforting depth of flavor. It’s an easy and healthy dinner option that’s great for meal prep, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with your favorite toppings or simply as it is, this chili is the ultimate cozy meal!

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