Pumpkin Chili Recipe

This scratch-cooked Pumpkin Chili Recipe comes to us courtesy of my sister Kerry from Healthy Diet Habits as part of our master holiday recipe migration project. As the cold autumn weather rolls in, this savory harvest stew is the absolute perfect way to bring comforting, nutrient-dense foods to your family dinner table.

Pumpkin Chili is a new twist for those cooler fall evenings. The pumpkin puree thickens up the chili and gives it a nice flavor. It's a healthy diet habit that will allow you to add in more fruit to your diet, in a stealthy healthy way! Yes, it is technically a fruit. Check out our Pumpkin Tips for more ideas!

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Benefits of Pumpkin and Organic Ingredients

Many commercial canned chilis or restaurant versions rely on heavy sodium, chemical preservatives, and artificial thickeners. Our master website motto is simple: "If Nature didn't make it, don't take it."

By blending real, organic pumpkin puree (See our Pumpkin Recipes page for instructions) directly into your chili base, you get a rich, naturally thick texture and a subtle earthy sweetness that complements traditional cold-weather spices beautifully, with absolutely no processed shortcuts.

Pumpkin is an incredible, nature-made powerhouse loaded with beta-carotene, fiber, and essential nutrients. When you build your meals from scratch using organic ingredients, you give your body the clean fuel it needs to keep your joints feeling great and your energy high. If you want a comforting winter stew that satisfies everyone at the table while supporting a healthy, vibrant lifestyle, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chili

• 1 T olive oil

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 chopped green pepper

• 1 chopped red or yellow pepper

• A few cloves of minced garlic to taste

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 2 cans black beans (drained)

• 2 cans red beans or garbanzo beans or corn (drained)

• 1 can green chilies or jalapenos

• 2 cups water

• 3 T chili powder

• 3 T cumin

• 1 t black pepper

• Salt to taste

• Large bunch of finely chopped cilantro

Pumpkin Chili Ingredients

Notes from Leigh

For this recipe I would use everything organic if possible. With all the news about "fake meat" and injecting vaccines into our meats now, I like to buy organic ground turkey and other meats from reputable organic growers. 

I am allergic to onion, but I can use onion powder, which is odd, so I use that and usually double or triple the called for garlic to make up for no onion. Is there such a thing as too much garlic? 

I'm not a fan of bell peppers, so I would just blend them up in a blender. I would use fresh tomatoes and chili's as I grow them, blend them or chop and freeze them to use in recipes. 

I'm not a fan of canned food as they are in aluminum and I always feel like I leave in tiny pieces of the metal when I open the cans. I make huge crockpots full of organic pinto and organic black beans periodically and freeze in meal size portions in Souper Cubes (amazing!), so maybe the garbanzo beans might be the only ones that I have to purchase in a can. Canned foods are great though for emergency preparedness!

A trick that I learned from my Mom when making homemade refried beans, is to add in Vegetable Broth in place of the water. Now I either use organic broths, or bone broth is even healthier in place of the water. 

As a habit, for any soup or stew or a smoothie that I make, I always add some fresh grated turmeric if I have it or organic powdered if I don't. Turmeric and ginger are on my list to grow.

Directions for Pumpkin Chili:

• Add the oil to a skillet and sauté the onion, peppers, and garlic, over medium heat until tender.

• Stir in the turkey and cook it until it is nicely browned.

• Drain the oil, if any.

• Mix in the tomatoes, puree, beans, chilies, and spices.

• Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until all the veggies are done. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Topping Ideas for Pumpkin Chili:

• Sour cream

• Cheese 

• A sprinkle or two of crushed red pepper if you like heat!

Pair this pumpkin chili recipe with a slice of Artisan bread and a green salad for a healthy meal!

A Simple Staple for Autumn Gatherings

This scratch-cooked pumpkin chili is bound to become a cozy staple at your autumn dinner table, Halloween parties, or casual football game-day gatherings.

Preparing your family meals from scratch using organic ingredients is a rewarding step toward permanent wellness, easier weight management, and vibrant physical energy. Best of all, this recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent option for stress-free meal prep during the busy holiday season.

Enjoy!