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High Protein Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe

High Protein Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

This High Protein Turkey Pumpkin Chili combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich pumpkin and hearty beans to create a flavorful, comforting, and protein-packed meal. Infused with warming spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, it’s a perfect dish for a wholesome dinner that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably thigh)
  • 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 fl oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 can (14 fl oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14 fl oz) cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 can (14 fl oz) red kidney beans, drained

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Optional Garnishes

  • Shredded Mexican cheese
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant, setting a flavorful base for the chili.
  2. Cook the Turkey and Garlic: Add the minced garlic and 1 pound of ground turkey to the pot with the sautéed onions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking up the turkey with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients so they’re ready to add.
  3. Add Vegetables, Beans, Pumpkin, and Spices: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes with juice, pumpkin puree, drained cannellini and red kidney beans, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to high until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmers the chili to meld flavors and thicken the consistency.
  4. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with shredded Mexican cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and sliced avocado to add layers of flavor, creaminess, and freshness.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey thigh rather than breast for a juicier, more flavorful chili.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
  • Keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for meal prep.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Adding beans increases protein and fiber, enhancing the chili’s nutritional profile and satiety.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, pumpkin chili, high protein chili, healthy chili, ground turkey recipe, fall recipes, healthy dinner

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/high-protein-turkey-pumpkin-chili-recipe/