Introduction

This Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional chili. It combines lean ground turkey, creamy pumpkin, and tender white beans for a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings. The blend of spices adds warmth and depth without overpowering the natural flavors.

A bowl of thick golden-orange soup filled with small chunks of ground meat, white beans, and diced orange carrots. The soup has a creamy swirl of white cream topped with a sprinkle of red spice and three green sage leaves placed on the left side. A silver spoon is scooping up some meat, beans, and carrots from the right side of the bowl. The bowl is white with a speckled texture, and it sits on a soft beige cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for garnish (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Season the turkey with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Stir in the pumpkin puree, great northern beans, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes with their juice.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Stir in the frozen corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 8: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with extra beans or diced butternut squash.
If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the chicken broth to 3 cups or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor when in season.
Serve with cornbread or over rice for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white ceramic bowl filled with creamy orange soup, topped with crumbled cooked ground meat, light beige beans, and small orange carrot chunks, garnished with fresh green herb sprigs and leaves. A silver spoon held above the bowl drips some of the smooth soup back into the bowl, showing its thick texture. The bowl sits on a soft white fabric on a white marbled surface, creating a warm and cozy setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar that will alter the chili’s flavor.

Is this chili spicy?

The recipe is mildly spiced. You can adjust the heat by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper or increasing the chili powder to suit your taste.