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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili

This is an easy chili recipe that's sure to please. I've made this slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili for a Halloween party and a chili cook-off at work with great results! It's a great base with many options to spice it up, depending on the crowd you're cooking for! I usually put everything together in the morning and let it simmer all day; you can adjust cooking time to fit your needs.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 2079.1 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Soup Pot Or a Dutch oven for browning the turkey
  • 1 Slow Cooker Capacity of at least 6 quarts recommended
  • 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For browning and stirring
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping onion and pumpkin
  • 1 Cutting Board For safe preparation of ingredients

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups cubed fresh pumpkin
  • 1 15 ounce can chili beans
  • 1 15 ounce can seasoned black beans
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add turkey; cook, stirring often, until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any fat.
  • Transfer turkey to a slow cooker; stir in diced tomatoes, pumpkin, chili beans, black beans, onion, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder. Cover slow cooker.
  • Cook on Low until pumpkin is tender and starts to break apart, at least 3 hours.

Notes

To deepen the pumpkin flavor, consider roasting the fresh pumpkin cubes lightly before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes sugars and enhances sweetness. For an extra layer of complexity, brown the ground turkey thoroughly, ensuring a rich umami base; don't rush this step. If you prefer a chili with more depth, add a minced clove of garlic and a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) during the turkey browning stage. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder can introduce a lovely smoky note. For a brighter finish, stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar just before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or shredded Monterey Jack for a professional touch. Monitor the pumpkin's tenderness to prevent it from becoming overly mushy if you prefer some structural integrity.