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Easy Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe

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This cozy slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili is warm, comforting, and so easy you’ll feel like you’re cheating. The pumpkin adds a creamy richness that you don’t expect, and the smoky spices keep things interesting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
  • Diced avocado (for garnish)
  • Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked turkey to your slow cooker.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape this into the slow cooker with the turkey.
  3. Add the liquids and beans: To the slow cooker, add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained black beans, drained kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the pumpkin is well incorporated.
  4. Season it up: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir again to distribute the spices evenly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir and taste again—adjust seasoning if desired.
  6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the turkey for depth of flavor. Smoked paprika is essential for the best taste. If chili is too thick after cooking, stir in extra broth or water. If too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes. For best texture, cook on low rather than high. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, pumpkin chili, turkey chili, fall chili, easy chili recipe, healthy chili, gluten-free chili

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-cozy-slow-cooker-pumpkin-turkey-chili-recipe/