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Light & Hearty Crockpot Pumpkin Turkey Chili (No Beans)

light & hearty crockpot pumpkin turkey chili no beans - featured image
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A light and hearty chili made with ground turkey and pumpkin puree, slow-cooked to perfection. This bean-free chili is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy, healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) 100% pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced avocado (for garnish)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and poblano pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent and pepper is softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over the turkey. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  4. Transfer the turkey mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add pumpkin puree, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more salt, lime juice, or cayenne).
  7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, avocado, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

For best flavor, cook on LOW for 5-6 hours. Do not skip browning the turkey and sautéing aromatics—this builds deep flavor. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If chili is too thick, stir in extra broth. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin turkey chili, crockpot chili, no bean chili, healthy chili, fall chili, slow cooker chili

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/light-and-hearty-crockpot-pumpkin-turkey-chili-no-beans/