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Easy 30-Minute Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe

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This quick and easy pumpkin turkey chili is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or fall gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that converts even the biggest chili skeptics with its rich, savory flavor and velvety texture from the pumpkin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Turkey: Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey. Break it up and let it cook without moving for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear. Continue cooking, breaking into crumbles, until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Add the Liquids and Pumpkin: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato sauce. Stir until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. Add the Beans and Simmer: Gently stir in the kidney beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, cumin, lime juice, or hot sauce). Simmer for another minute or two.
  7. Serve and Top: Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t rush the browning of the turkey and toast the spices in the hot oil. Use good quality pumpkin puree (like Libby’s) for a smooth texture. Chili tastes even better the next day. For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and add an extra can of beans and chopped mushrooms. For a spicy kick, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin turkey chili, easy chili recipe, 30-minute chili, fall chili, healthy chili, turkey chili, pumpkin chili

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-30-minute-pumpkin-turkey-chili-recipe/