Indulge in Amazing White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili in 30

Oh, fall! Is there anything better than the smell of leaves crunching under your feet and a pot of chili simmering on the stove? I think not! This White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili is basically autumn in a bowl, and trust me, you’re gonna want to make it ASAP.

What makes it so special? Well, for starters, it’s got this amazing creamy texture thanks to the pumpkin puree. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl. And we’re using lean ground turkey, so you can feel good about loading up on seconds (or thirds…no judgment here!).

I whipped up a batch of this White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili just last week when we had that first *real* chilly day. You know, the kind where you just want to curl up on the couch with a blanket? Anyway, the whole house smelled incredible, and even my picky eaters gobbled it down. Honestly, it’s become a new family favorite, and I have a feeling it’ll be on repeat all season long. It’s just the perfect comforting and nutritious meal, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Okay, so why *should* you make this chili? Let me tell you – there are a million reasons, but here are a few of my faves:

Quick and Easy

Seriously, you can whip this up on a weeknight! I’m all about easy dinners, and this White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili definitely fits the bill. Most of the time is just letting it simmer and get all happy in the pot!

Hearty and Flavorful

This isn’t some wimpy chili, folks. It’s packed with flavor and super satisfying. You won’t be hungry an hour later, I promise!

Healthy and Nutritious

Lean turkey, protein-packed beans, and a sneaky serving of veggies thanks to the pumpkin? Yes, please! You can feel good about feeding this to your family.

Perfect for Fall

I mean, pumpkin anything just screams “fall,” right? This chili is the perfect way to celebrate the season. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day!

White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili. Don’t skimp – each one plays a super important role in the final flavor!

• 1 pound ground turkey – Lean is best!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing all those yummy veggies.
• 1 onion, chopped – Yellow or white works great.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
• 1 bell pepper, chopped – I usually go for green, but any color works!
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds that classic chili flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin – Gives it a warm, earthy vibe.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – For a little kick! (Adjust to your liking – trust me on this!)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – My secret weapon for smoky deliciousness.
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained – Gotta rinse ’em to get rid of that weird can liquid!
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree – Not pumpkin pie filling, okay? Just plain pumpkin!
• 4 cups chicken broth – Low sodium is always a good idea.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – We want all those juices for extra flavor!
• Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy!
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro – Because toppings make everything better!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Not a fan of cannellini beans? No problem! Great Northern beans work just as well. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could totally swap the pumpkin for butternut squash puree. Just roast the squash until it’s soft, then mash it up! If you don’t have ground turkey, ground chicken works too. It’s all about making it your own!

How to Prepare White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili is super easy to make, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time.

Browning the Turkey

First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. Crank the heat to medium-high and toss in that ground turkey. You’ll want to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep going until it’s all browned. Don’t forget to drain off any extra fat – we don’t need that!

Sautéing Vegetables

Now, drizzle in that olive oil. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook it all together until the veggies are nice and soft. It usually takes about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You don’t want anything to burn.

Adding Spices

This is where the magic happens! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about a minute – this helps to “bloom” the spices and really bring out their flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Simmering the Chili

Alright, now dump in the cannellini beans, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Give it all a good stir. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour! The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Just remember to stir it every once in a while so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Seasoning and Serving

Last but not least, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra – it really brings out the flavors. And then? Serve it up hot with all your favorite toppings! I’m talking sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro…the works!

Tips for the Best White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Want to take your White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili from good to *amazing*? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way!

Spice Level Customization

Okay, so I like a *little* kick, but not everyone does! That cayenne pepper is potent, so start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! If you accidentally add too much, a dollop of sour cream can help cool things down.

Achieving Thicker Chili

Sometimes, you want a super thick and hearty chili. My secret? Mash about half of the cannellini beans before you add them to the pot. It’ll give your chili a creamier, more substantial texture. Easy peasy!

Enhancing Flavor Over Time

This is a big one! Chili always tastes better the next day, and this White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili is no exception. The flavors just meld together and deepen over time. So, if you can, make it a day ahead – you won’t regret it!

White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili down? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s how the best recipes are born!

Vegetarian White Bean Pumpkin Chili

Want to skip the turkey? No problem! Just swap it out for some extra beans or veggies. I love adding diced sweet potatoes or corn for a little extra sweetness. You could even use a plant-based ground “meat” substitute. So many options!

Spicy White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Feeling fiery? Crank up the heat! Add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes along with the cayenne pepper. Or, for a real kick, try using a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper. Careful, though – those little guys pack a punch!

Different Bean Options

Cannellini beans are my go-to, but you can totally mix things up! Great Northern beans, navy beans, or even pinto beans would all be delicious in this chili. Just use whatever you have on hand!

Serving Suggestions for Your White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Okay, so you’ve got a steaming pot of White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili – now what? Well, it’s pretty darn delicious on its own, but a few yummy additions can take it to the next level! Trust me on this one.

Topping Ideas

Let’s talk toppings! Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool tang, shredded cheese is always a winner, and fresh cilantro brightens everything up. Oh, and don’t forget a few slices of creamy avocado for extra richness! Seriously, load it up!

Side Dish Pairings

Nothing beats a slice of warm cornbread with chili. It’s the perfect combo! A simple side salad is also a great way to add some freshness. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with some crusty bread for dipping! Yum!

Storing and Reheating Your White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili stores like a dream. Here’s the lowdown on keeping it fresh (and delicious) for later!

Refrigerator Storage

Just let the chili cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Freezer Storage

Want to keep it longer? No problem! Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out any extra air! It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I like to freeze it in individual portions for quick lunches!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just microwave it for a few minutes. Just be careful – it can get bubbly! I usually give it a stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about this White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili? I got you covered! Here are some of the most common things people ask (or wonder!) about this recipe.

Can I make White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?

Totally! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies like normal, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4. It’s perfect for a busy day! Just give it a good stir before serving.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You bet! Roast some pie pumpkins until they’re soft, then puree the flesh. You’ll need about 15 ounces of puree for this recipe. Fresh pumpkin can be a *little* less consistent in texture, but the flavor is amazing! Just be sure it’s smooth.

How long does White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili last?

In the fridge, it’s good for about 3-4 days. In the freezer, it’ll last for 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s stored properly in an airtight container! I love making a big batch and freezing half for later.

Can I add other vegetables to this White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili?

Absolutely! This chili is super versatile. Corn, zucchini, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes – the possibilities are endless! Just toss them in during the simmering step. Get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand!

Nutritional Information for White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info, right? Here’s a rough breakdown for my White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and it can totally change depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with the toppings! So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only and varies based on specific ingredients and brands used. It is not a guarantee of nutritional content.

Enjoyed This White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili?

So, did you love this White Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili as much as I do? I really hope so! If you gave it a try, I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below and let me know what you thought! And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, give it a star rating! Oh, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media – sharing is caring, right?

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