Description

Pumpkin Chili is a cozy and flavorful fall-inspired dish that blends lean meats, savory spices, and creamy pumpkin for a hearty, nourishing meal perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey, extra lean

12 oz chicken maple sausage, sliced or casing removed

1 sweet onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 orange bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup spiced apple cider

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp cumin

1 tbsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

4 tbsp olive oil, divided

Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnishes: sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, sliced green onions

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Instructions

Slice the chicken maple sausage or remove it from its casing and set aside with the ground turkey.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until translucent.
Add the diced yellow and orange bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pot and set aside.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Brown the ground turkey and sausage for about 10 minutes. Season with sea salt and pepper.
Return the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, cannellini beans, red kidney beans, chili powder, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper if using.
Pour in the spiced apple cider and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Lower the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot with optional garnishes like sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.

Notes

To make it vegetarian, substitute meat with black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.

For spicier chili, increase cayenne or add chopped jalapeños.

Use a slow cooker by browning meat and vegetables first, then cooking on low for 6–8 hours.

Kid-friendly version: omit cayenne and use mild sausage.

Freezes well for up to 3 months; great for meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 55mg