Turkey Pumpkin Chili Slow Cooker Recipe
Turkey pumpkin chili is a great fall dinner that can be made in the slow cooker. Chili is one of my favorite cool weather meals and since it’s fall, pumpkin is everywhere!
This chili is made without tomatoes, so it’s a bit different from your normal chili. We like it so much that it just might give my Simple Turkey Chili a run for its money.
Slow cooker meals are great for those days when you want something comforting, but you don’t really have time to stand in front of the stove. This chili recipe is perfect for days like that. Plus, it give the chili time to develop all of the wonderful flavors going on in there.
turkey pumpkin chili
I like pumpkin bread as much as the next girl, but pumpkin isn’t only for sweet recipes. It can transform a bowl of chili into something wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
We eat a lot of chili as soon in the cooler months of the year. And by cooler, I mean as soon as the temps start with an 8 instead of a 9. Or September, whichever comes first. This chili has become one of our favorite midweek meals, because I can put everything in the crock-pot and just let it cook.
It is also fantastic for meal-prepping because I make a big batch to have for lunches for the next couple of days, and everyone knows chili is even better the next day.
crockpot pumpkin chili with beans
Recently, I’ve been on a bean kick. Literally everything I make has beans in it lately. They are a good source of protein and fiber, which I need because although this has turkey in it, I’ve been eating less meat these days. I go through phases with eating, like most people do I imagine.
Heirloom beans are my thing right now. While I use canned beans, and make no apologies for it, thank you very much, they are actually more expensive than dried beans.
There is something satisfying about soaking a big pot of beans and cooking them yourself. Also, I might add, they are so much prettier.
slow cooker pumpkin chili
I know. It seems as if pumpkin has infiltrated every food group possible. I’ve even seen pumpkin spice dog treats. But, pumpkin chili isn’t exactly a new thing. It’s been around for awhile, I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to put it here.
I have to say one thing about this turkey pumpkin chili, it is not overly pumpkiny even though there is quite a bit of pumpkin in it. There is just the right amount of heat from the chipotle peppers to balance out the sweetness.
Can i make this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! You can make this the same as any other chili or pot of soup. Sauté your onions and garlic, brown the turkey and put it all in a pot to simmer for a bit. Easy peasy.
I made it in the slow cooker because I used dried beans that I knew would take awhile to soften and I didn’t have time that day to watch a pot on the stove. The crock pot was the perfect option for me.
Speaking of a slow cooker, if you don’t own one or if you are looking for a new one, the link below is the one I own and love. It holds 8 quarts, so it’s perfect for big batch cooking.
what do I need to make this chipotle turkey pumpkin chili?
- Chipotles en Adobo – you’ll find them in the Latin American section at the grocery store
- Heirloom Beans – Rancho Gordo beans are my preferred brand
what can i serve with this turkey pumpkin chili?
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Chipotle Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 vidalia onion diced
- 1 red onion diced
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 each chipotles en adobo chopped
- 29 oz pure pumpkin puree
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 lb dried beans soaked overnight
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1.5 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown turkey in 2 tbsp olive oil. When browned, add to slow cooker.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, stir to combine and cook on low for 6 - 7 hours.
- Serve immediately (or cool completely before refrigerating or freezing).
Notes
- sour cream
- grated cheese
- diced red onion
- fresh cilantro
- green onions/scallions
- crackers or corn chips
You had me at onions and garlic. The aroma of that makes my mouth water.
I can relate 😉