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Here’s what you need to make savory pumpkin turkey chili in your slow cooker: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping (optional) Each ingredient adds a special touch. The ground turkey gives the chili a hearty base. Pumpkin puree brings a warm and cozy flavor. Black beans add protein and texture. Diced tomatoes give it moisture and sweetness. Chicken broth enhances the overall taste. Onions, garlic, and bell peppers provide a fragrant aroma. The spices, like chili powder and cumin, create depth. Cayenne pepper offers a kick, while salt and black pepper balance everything out. Optional toppings like fresh cilantro and sour cream make each bowl even better. You can adjust the toppings based on your taste. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients and get ready for a tasty meal! 1. Sautéing vegetables: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The veggies should soften and smell great. 2. Browning the turkey: Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the turkey into small pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes. The meat should turn brown. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well so the spices coat the turkey. 1. Transferring the mixture: Once your turkey mixture is ready, carefully transfer it into the slow cooker. 2. Adding the remaining ingredients: Now, add 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree, 1 can (15 oz) of drained black beans, and 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir it all together until well mixed. 1. Setting the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking helps all the flavors blend nicely. 2. Checking for doneness: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to fit your taste. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish! - Adjusting spice levels: Start with the cayenne pepper. If you like heat, add more. For a milder chili, reduce the cayenne. Taste as you go. - Adding more seasonings: Mix in a pinch of oregano or a dash of hot sauce. These can add depth to the flavor. Always taste first before adjusting. - Serving suggestions: Serve the chili in warm bowls. This keeps it hot and inviting. Pair it with cornbread for a cozy meal. - Ideal garnishes: Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. You can also use avocado slices for a creamy touch. - Choosing the right slow cooker setting: Set your slow cooker to low for a rich flavor. If short on time, high heat works too. - Cooking times tips: Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For high heat, aim for 3-4 hours. Always check for doneness before serving. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this chili. Turkey works well, but you can use: - Ground chicken - Lean beef - Tofu for a vegetarian option - Tempeh for a vegan choice If you want a lighter dish, try using chicken or turkey. For a plant-based meal, tofu adds protein without meat. Feel free to boost the flavor with extra veggies. Some great options are: - Corn - Zucchini - Carrots - Spinach You can also switch up the spices. Try adding: - Oregano - Thyme - Bay leaf These spices create a unique taste. Experiment with what you like! You can adjust the spice level easily. For a milder chili, use less cayenne pepper. If you love heat, add more! Here’s how to balance flavors: - Start with a small amount of cayenne. - Taste as you go. - Add spices gradually. This way, you find the perfect heat for everyone. To keep your savory pumpkin turkey chili fresh, follow these tips: - Let the chili cool to room temperature before storing. - Store leftovers in airtight containers. - Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. - Label the containers with the date. You can freeze chili for later meals. Here’s how: - Divide the chili into portions for easy thawing. - Use freezer-safe bags or containers. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw and reheat: - Move the chili from the freezer to the fridge overnight. - Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often. - You can also microwave it in short bursts. Cooking pumpkin turkey chili in a slow cooker takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to blend well. You want your chili to be thick and full of rich taste. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin instead of puree. Just peel and chop it into small pieces. You will need to cook it longer in the slow cooker to soften it. Aim to add about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Pumpkin turkey chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice. You can also serve it with a side salad for a fresh crunch. Topping your chili with sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice creaminess. Yes, this pumpkin turkey chili is gluten-free. All the ingredients listed are safe for gluten-free diets. Just make sure to check labels if you use canned goods. Absolutely! You can use a pressure cooker to make this chili. Cook it on high pressure for about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This method will give you a quick and tasty meal. You now have a great recipe for pumpkin turkey chili. We covered all the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and storage tips. Remember to adjust spices based on your taste and feel free to mix in extras. This dish is perfect for sharing, with many ways to customize it. Enjoy the warmth of this meal with friends or family. Dive into your cooking adventure, and make this tasty chili today!

Savory Pumpkin Turkey Chili Slow Cooker

Warm up this fall with our delicious Savory Pumpkin Turkey Chili! This hearty recipe combines ground turkey, creamy pumpkin puree, and flavorful spices for a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly days. Easy to make in a slow cooker or skillet, it’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Check out the full recipe and learn how to elevate your chili game today! Click to discover how to make this cozy favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

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

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices

1 cup chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper, along with the minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

    Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Using a spatula, break the turkey apart and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned. Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, ensuring that the spices are evenly mixed throughout.

      Once the turkey mixture is ready, carefully transfer it to a slow cooker. Add the pumpkin puree, drained black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

        Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while the chili thickens.

          Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to match your flavor preference.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the chili in warm bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for an appealing touch of color. For an extra treat, consider serving cornbread on the side to soak up the delicious goodness!