Go Back
- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (no added salt) In this chili, ground turkey serves as a lean base. It adds protein without too much fat. Pumpkin puree brings a creamy texture and a slight sweetness. Black beans add fiber and a rich flavor. Diced tomatoes provide acidity and balance the dish. - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced These vegetables boost the flavor and add freshness. Onion and garlic create a strong flavor base. Red and green bell peppers add crunch and color. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the spices. - 2 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Chicken broth adds depth to the chili. Chili powder gives it warmth and spice. Cumin adds a nutty taste, while smoked paprika gives a unique, smoky flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes and balance the dish. First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Cook it until it’s fully brown, breaking it into small pieces. This step adds flavor and texture. After browning, pour the turkey into a colander to drain any excess fat. This keeps the chili light and healthy. Now, in the slow cooker, add your diced onion, minced garlic, and both red and green bell peppers. Next, pour in the 15 oz can of pumpkin puree, the 15 oz can of black beans (make sure they are drained and rinsed), and the 15 oz can of diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients together. Then, add the spices: 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Make sure to check it near the end of the cooking time. If needed, taste it and adjust the seasoning. Enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen! To make your slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili even better, you can adjust the spices and seasonings. If you like more heat, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. For deeper flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. You can also add more vegetables to boost nutrition. Consider tossing in corn, zucchini, or even carrots. These will add color and flavor to your chili. Just chop them small so they cook through properly. Using fresh ingredients is key to a great chili. Fresh vegetables and herbs bring better taste. If you can, pick your veggies at the market. Preparing ahead is smart for meal prep. You can chop veggies and cook the turkey the night before. This saves time and makes it easy to toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning. For toppings, shredded cheese adds creaminess. Sour cream provides a tangy bite. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of flavor and color. Pair your chili with crusty bread or cornbread. This will soak up all the tasty broth. A simple green salad on the side adds a nice crunch. Enjoy your meal with friends and family! {{image_2}} You can switch out the ground turkey for ground beef or chicken. Both options add a different flavor and texture to the chili. For those who want a vegetarian dish, lentils work great. They provide protein and absorb the spices well. To elevate the flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers. They give a nice smoky touch that pairs well with pumpkin. If you like sweetness, try adding maple syrup or honey. These ingredients balance the spices and make the dish unique. Using seasonal vegetables can enhance your chili. Think about adding zucchini, corn, or sweet potatoes in the fall. Different beans can also change the texture. Try kidney beans or pinto beans for extra variety. Each option will add its own twist to the dish. You can keep your slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. This way, your chili stays tasty and safe to eat. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide your chili into single-serving sizes. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for the chili to expand. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Preparing this chili ahead of time makes meals easy. You can chop the veggies and cook the turkey a day before. Mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning. This gives you a hot meal ready when you get home. Portion the chili into bowls for easy meals during the week. Just heat and serve! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, peel and chop the pumpkin into cubes. Then, cook it until soft. Mash the cooked pumpkin to get a smooth texture. This fresh pumpkin adds a nice flavor and texture. Absolutely! You can add more chili powder or use a spicy variety. Another option is to add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. For a smoky kick, try chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If your chili is too watery, you have a few options. You can let it cook a bit longer with the lid off to reduce liquid. Another method is to stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Finally, adding more pumpkin puree can also help. Chili pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. You can also offer rice or quinoa for a filling option. Don’t forget to include toppings like cheese and sour cream. Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just use a larger slow cooker to fit all the ingredients. Keep the cooking times the same, but check it a little earlier to ensure it cooks evenly. This blog shares an easy chili recipe with ground turkey, pumpkin, and black beans. You learned about main ingredients, spices, and how to cook in a slow cooker. Tips for adjusting flavor and meal prep make it easier. You can try different proteins and seasonal veggies for variety. Remember to store your chili right for leftovers. Enjoy making this hearty dish that fits any taste! Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Warm up your evenings with this delicious Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili! Packed with flavor and healthy ingredients like ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and black beans, this easy recipe is perfect for cozy dinners. Simply toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Ready to indulge in a hearty bowl? Click to explore the full recipe and tantalize your taste buds! #PumpkinChili #SlowCookerRecipes #HealthyEating #ComfortFood
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (no added salt)

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and add the turkey to the slow cooker.

    Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers to the slow cooker.

      Pour in the pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

        Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir again to distribute the spices evenly.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld together.

            Once finished, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6-8 hours | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls, topping with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an elegant finish.