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Turkey Pumpkin Chili with White Beans

Turkey Pumpkin Chili with White Beans

Turkey Pumpkin Chili with White Beans is a warm, nutritious, and comforting dish combining lean ground turkey, creamy pumpkin puree, and tender white beans. This hearty chili is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, offering a perfect balance of flavors enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices. Ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, it’s a soul-soothing recipe that’s naturally gluten-free and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground turkey

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegan option)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Avocado slices
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the chili.
  2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly until no longer pink, allowing the meat to absorb the aromatics and build the hearty chili base.
  3. Add Spices and Pumpkin: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the turkey. Stir well to coat evenly. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree to add creamy texture and a mellow sweetness.
  4. Introduce Liquids and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then add the rinsed white beans. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste your chili before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity or enhance flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality spices for deeper flavor.
  • Rinse and drain canned beans well to avoid excess sodium and watery texture.
  • Simmer the chili low and slow to allow flavors to fully develop.
  • Properly brown the turkey for better texture and umami.
  • Adjust chili thickness by adding more broth or water as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, pumpkin chili, white beans, healthy chili, gluten free chili, winter recipes, meal prep chili, lean protein recipe