Turkey pumpkin white bean chili has become my absolute favorite fall comfort food. I first tried making a version of this dish a few years ago when I wanted something warm and hearty for a crisp autumn evening, and boy, did it deliver! The aroma of the spices, the creamy pumpkin, and the tender white beans all melded together into something truly special. This easy turkey pumpkin white bean chili recipe is now a staple in my kitchen, perfect for family dinners or game days. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Get ready to fall in love with this cozy dish. It’s packed with goodness and flavor:

Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of ground turkey and white beans makes this a truly filling meal.
Taste of Autumn: It perfectly captures the essence of fall with pumpkin and warm spices.
Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein and fiber, this is a nutritious option you can feel good about.
Easy to Make: This white bean turkey pumpkin recipe comes together quickly for a weeknight win.
Versatile Garnish Options: Customize your bowl with toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or cheese.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Flavorful Depth: The spices and pumpkin create a unique, comforting taste profile.

Ingredients for Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Gather these ingredients for a comforting bowl of this delicious white bean turkey pumpkin recipe. The combination is truly special!

2 tablespoons olive oil – the base for sautéing our aromatics
1 medium yellow onion, chopped – for a sweet, savory foundation
3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic chili aroma
1 pound ground turkey – lean protein that makes this chili hearty
2 tablespoons chili powder – the backbone of our chili flavor
1 teaspoon cumin – adds warmth and earthiness
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a hint of smoky depth
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional) – if you like a little heat
1 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic herb pairing
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon – a surprising spice that complements the pumpkin
1 cup pumpkin puree – adds creaminess and that signature fall flavor
1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed – for creamy texture and fiber
1 can (15 oz) Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – another great source of protein and fiber
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – provides liquid and tangy tomato flavor
4 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for our chili
1 cup frozen corn – adds a touch of sweetness and texture
Salt to taste – to enhance all the flavors
Pepper to taste – for a little bite
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish, optional)
Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Let’s get this delicious autumn turkey white bean pumpkin chili simmering on your stove! This recipe is straightforward and yields an incredibly flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for a cool evening. Follow these steps and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready in no time.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Then, add the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for just 1 minute more until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. The kitchen should already be smelling amazing!

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Now, add the 1 pound ground turkey to the pot. Use your spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook the turkey for about 7–10 minutes, until it’s nicely browned all over. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot to keep your chili from being too oily.

Step 3: Add Spices

It’s time to build that incredible flavor! Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir everything together well and let it cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. This step really wakes up the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients

Pour in the 1 cup pumpkin puree, the drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, and the 1 can (15 oz) Cannellini beans. Add the 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the spices.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for at least 30–60 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Step 6: Add Corn

During the last 10 minutes of simmering, stir in the 1 cup frozen corn. This adds a lovely pop of sweetness and texture to the chili.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Finally, taste your delicious turkey pumpkin white bean chili and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and some shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately with lime wedges for a bright finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Want to elevate your chili game? These simple tricks will ensure your turkey pumpkin white bean chili is absolutely perfect every time. Trust me, these little adjustments make a big difference in flavor and texture!

Don’t skip the cinnamon! It might sound unusual, but it adds a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the pumpkin and chili spices.
For deeper flavor, let the chili simmer for the full hour, or even a bit longer on very low heat. This allows all those wonderful ingredients to meld together.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Broth and canned ingredients can vary in saltiness, so a final check guarantees the best flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili?

The secret lies in layering flavors and allowing them to meld. Toasting the spices briefly before adding liquids, and letting the chili simmer for at least 30-60 minutes, unlocks its full potential, creating a rich and complex taste profile.

Can I make Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili is a fantastic make-ahead option. In fact, I often find the flavors deepen and improve overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pot, which steams the turkey instead of browning it. Ensure you drain excess grease after browning to prevent a greasy chili. Finally, don’t rush the simmering process; patience is key for flavor development.

Best Ways to Serve Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

This versatile turkey pumpkin white bean chili is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic chili experience, serve it with some crusty cornbread to sop up all that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chili. You could also serve it over rice or quinoa for an even heartier meal. For a real treat, consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts for Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

This healthy turkey pumpkin white bean chili is surprisingly light yet incredibly satisfying. A serving offers a great balance of macronutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a nutritious meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 10 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

This hearty turkey pumpkin white bean chili is perfect for meal prep, and luckily, it stores and reheats beautifully! Once your delicious autumn turkey white bean pumpkin chili has finished simmering and has cooled slightly, it’s time to think about storing leftovers. For immediate enjoyment over the next few days, portion the chili into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. Honestly, the flavors often get even better as it sits!

If you’re planning to keep this healthy turkey pumpkin white bean chili for longer, freezing is your best bet. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, your chili can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best method is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Can I use different types of beans in this turkey pumpkin white bean chili?

Absolutely! While Great Northern and Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture, feel free to experiment. Kidney beans, black beans, or even pinto beans would work well in this white bean turkey pumpkin recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree? Can I substitute it?

If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with butternut squash puree for a similar creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor. Some people even use sweet potato puree. Just ensure it’s plain puree and not pie filling, as that contains added sugar and spices, which would alter the flavor of your autumn turkey white bean pumpkin chili.

How spicy is this turkey pumpkin white bean chili?

The base recipe is mildly spiced, with just a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle warmth. You can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. For a spicier turkey pumpkin white bean chili, add more cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños along with the onions and garlic. If you prefer it milder, simply omit the cayenne pepper entirely.

Can I make this a vegetarian turkey pumpkin white bean chili?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian! Simply omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Sautéing an extra onion or adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms in place of the turkey can add more substance and flavor to your vegetarian pumpkin turkey white bean soup.

Variations of Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili You Can Try

This classic turkey pumpkin white bean chili is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful base for creativity! Don’t hesitate to play around and make this recipe your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili: For ultimate convenience, toss all ingredients (except corn and garnishes) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the corn in the last 30 minutes. This method is perfect for busy days, resulting in a deeply flavored chili.
Spicy Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili: If you love a kick, amp up the heat! Add an extra teaspoon of chili powder, a larger pinch of cayenne, or even some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when you sauté the onions. A dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end also works wonders.
Ground Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili with Added Veggies: Boost the nutrition and texture by adding other vegetables. Diced bell peppers (any color), shredded carrots, or even a handful of spinach stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering are great additions.
Turkey and Pumpkin White Bean Chili (No Beans): If you’re not a fan of beans or need a lower-carb option, you can omit the white beans entirely. The chili will still be hearty and flavorful thanks to the turkey and pumpkin.