This pumpkin turkey chili is a high-protein, one-pot meal that’s both gluten-free and low-carb—the perfect healthy comfort food for a busy weeknight.

This pumpkin turkey chili is a high-protein, one-pot meal that's both gluten-free and low-carb—the perfect healthy comfort food for a busy weeknight.

Let’s be real: the words “easy,” “healthy,” and “deeply satisfying” don’t always end up in the same sentence. But when they do, it’s something worth writing home about. Or, in this case, writing a blog post about.

This pumpkin turkey chili is a one-pot powerhouse that cleverly uses sous vide pumpkin purée to create a rich, velvety texture and a nutrient boost you can feel good about. Of course, you can use store-bought pumpkin purée.

Think of this as the ultimate kitchen multitasker. It’s landing on our table on busy weeknights, it’s getting packed for lunch, and it’s definitely going to be my go-to for healthy meal prep this season.

Table of Contents hide

The Pumpkin Purée Series Continues!

This chili is the latest star in our series of recipes featuring that beloved homemade pumpkin purée. If you’ve been following along, your freezer might already be stocked! We’ve used it to create a comforting, creamy Pumpkin Quinoa Soup and the impossibly moist Starbucks-Style Pumpkin Bread. This chili is the savory, hearty next step in our pumpkin adventure.

And if you’re a fan of one-pot wonders that feature ground turkey, you absolutely must check out my One-Pot Turkey Chili Mac. It’s another reader favorite for a reason! And if you’re looking for more creative ways to use pumpkin purée, this Authentic Thai Vegetable Soup is a must-try!

More Than Just a Bowl of Chili

What makes this dish a repeat player in my kitchen? Let me count the ways:

  • A Protein Punch: Lean ground turkey provides high-quality fuel to keep you energized.
  • Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Friendly: It fits seamlessly into various dietary lifestyles.
  • The One-Pot Promise: Minimal cleanup is not just a dream—it’s a reality here.
  • The Leftover Hero: Have leftover roasted turkey from a holiday feast? Skip the ground turkey and stir in 3-4 cups of shredded cooked turkey during the last 10 minutes of simmering, to heat it through.
This pumpkin turkey chili is a high-protein, one-pot meal that's both gluten-free and low-carb—the perfect healthy comfort food for a busy weeknight.

StreetSmart Cooking Tips

A great recipe is also a flexible one. Here’s how to make it perfectly yours:

  • Control the Heat: The spice level, as written, is family-friendly. To turn up the heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the chili powder.
  • Play with Beans: Black beans are my favorite, but kidney or pinto beans would be a delicious substitute.
  • Perfect Your Consistency: For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the final 10 minutes. If you prefer it more soupy, add an extra half-cup of chicken broth.
  • Don’t Forget the Toppings! The garnishes make it a meal. I love a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), some creamy avocado slices, and a handful of fresh cilantro.

This Pumpkin Turkey Chili is the kind of healthy, easy comfort food that makes you wonder how something so simple can be so good. It’s hearty, flavorful, and designed to make your life a little easier. Give it a try and let me know how you like it in the comments below.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One-Pot Pumpkin Turkey Chili

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Sharon Chen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Western
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

Description

This pumpkin turkey chili is a high-protein, one-pot meal that’s both gluten-free and low-carb—the perfect healthy comfort food for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/3 pounds (600g) ground turkey
  • 15 ounces (425g) sous vide pumpkin purée or store-bought pumpkin purée
  • 28 ounces (800g) canned chopped tomatoes (with liquid)
  • 15 ounces (425g) canned black beans, drained
  • 8 fluid ounces (240ml) chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.


  2. Add ground turkey. Break up with a spatula and cook for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink.


  3. Add pumpkin purée, tomatoes with their liquid, black beans, chicken stock, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.


  4. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.


  5. Top with desired garnishes and serve.

Notes

Serving suggestion: jalapeño, avocado, rice, yogurt.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 415
  • Sugar: 10.6g
  • Sodium: 1267.3mg
  • Fat: 16.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37.1g
  • Fiber: 11.6g
  • Protein: 33.3g
  • Cholesterol: 84.2mg

Made it? Rate it.

If you made this recipe, please rate it and leave a thoughtful comment below.

About the Author

Sharon Chen, StreetSmart Kitchen

Sharon Chen is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and author of the Complete Sous Vide Cookbook. She believes food not only brings healing but also connection. As the creator of StreetSmart Kitchen, she aims to make meal prep easier than ever and help you find balance, ease, joy, and simplicity in the kitchen as you improve your well-being.