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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained The main ingredients give this chili its unique taste. Ground turkey is lean and provides protein. Pumpkin puree adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Black beans bring fiber and a hearty texture to the dish. - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium) These ingredients add depth and flavor. Diced tomatoes bring acidity that balances the sweetness of pumpkin. Green chilies add a mild heat. Chicken broth helps create a rich, savory base for the chili. - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 tablespoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon pepper Spices are key to making this chili pop. Chili powder gives it a classic chili flavor. Cumin adds warmth and earthiness. Smoked paprika provides a delicious smoky note. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. To start, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onions turn soft and clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a great base flavor. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the turkey until it is no longer pink. If there is excess fat, drain it off. This keeps your chili lean and tasty. Now, grab your slow cooker. Combine the sautéed turkey, pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and diced green bell pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, and add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well is key for flavor. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low lets the flavors blend well, while high cooks it faster. Either way, you will end up with a warm, hearty dish. Before serving, taste the chili. Adjust the seasonings if you want more flavor. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. For presentation, serve the chili in bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños. These toppings add color and flavor, making your dish shine. To enhance the flavor of your chili, focus on seasoning. Start with fresh spices. Use chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to add depth. Taste your chili before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed for a balanced flavor. For ingredient selection, fresh produce makes a difference. Use ripe tomatoes and firm peppers. Canned beans should be low-sodium for better control over salt. Choose a quality pumpkin puree, as it is the base of your chili. Check the label for 100% pumpkin with no fillers. When choosing a slow cooker, consider size. A 6-quart model works well for this recipe. It gives enough space for all ingredients. Look for a model with a timer for easier cooking. Adjust cook times based on your settings. For low heat, aim for 6 to 8 hours. If you use high heat, check at 3 to 4 hours. The chili should be hot throughout and flavors should meld together. For toppings, sour cream adds creaminess. Shredded cheese gives a nice flavor. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Sliced jalapeños add heat for spice lovers. Pair your chili with corn bread or a fresh salad. A light beer or apple cider complements the flavors. These sides enhance your meal and make it more satisfying. {{image_2}} You can swap out ground turkey for other meats. Lean ground beef or chicken works well. If you want a lighter option, try ground chicken. For a vegan twist, use lentils or chickpeas instead of turkey. They add protein and fiber. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute. Just ensure it's seasoned well, as it may need flavor. Want to boost the taste? Add more veggies! Try corn, carrots, or zucchini. They add nutrition and color. You can even toss in some chopped spinach at the end for a fresh touch. If you like heat, increase the spice. Add more chili powder or toss in fresh jalapeños. A dash of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick too. Adjust to fit your taste! Switch up the beans or squashes based on the season. In fall, use kidney beans or butternut squash. They add a lovely texture and flavor. You can also explore other fall flavors. Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices can enhance the pumpkin and make the chili cozy and inviting. To keep your pumpkin turkey chili fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store the chili in airtight containers. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. - Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the chili. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, here are some easy ways to reheat: - Microwave: Place a bowl in the microwave. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it from overheating. - Stovetop: Pour the chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. This method helps maintain the best flavor and texture. It’s important to know how long your chili lasts: - In the fridge: The chili can be kept for 3 to 5 days. - In the freezer: It can last up to 3 months. Signs of spoilage: Always check for off smells, changes in color, or mold. If you notice any of these, it’s best to toss the chili. Enjoy your cooking! Yes, you can use chicken instead of turkey. Ground chicken works well in this recipe. It offers a lean protein option, similar to turkey. You can use breast meat for a lighter dish. Both options keep the chili tasty and healthy. Yes, this chili is gluten-free. Most of the ingredients, like pumpkin and beans, are naturally gluten-free. Just check the labels on canned goods. Some brands may add gluten. Always look for gluten-free labels on chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Absolutely! Adding more vegetables can make this chili even better. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more taste. You can also toss in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Just chop them up and mix them into the slow cooker. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for a delicious chili. We explored the main ingredients like ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and black beans. I shared tips for cooking and storing your chili to maintain its flavor and texture. Remember, you can customize your chili with different ingredients to fit your needs. With these steps, I hope you feel ready to make your own perfect chili at home. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this cozy dish!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Warm up your evenings with this delicious slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili! Made with ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and a blend of spices, this cozy dish is perfect for chilly nights. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. Ready in just 6-8 hours, it's the ultimate comfort food. Click through to explore this simple recipe and enjoy a hearty meal that will impress everyone!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

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

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

1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced

2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños

Instructions
 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

      In the slow cooker, combine the sautéed turkey, pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, green bell pepper, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

        Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.

          Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until heated through and flavors meld.

            Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls, and top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!