Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe Crockpot

This Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili Is So Good, You’ll Forget It’s Healthy

I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a breezy October afternoon—the kind where the leaves crunch under your boots and you start craving all things cozy. I wanted something comforting, something that would warm me up from the inside out but didn’t leave me feeling like I’d overindulged. That’s when I came up with this crockpot turkey pumpkin chili recipe—and let me tell you, it’s been on repeat ever since.

This chili is hearty, flavorful, and shockingly nutritious. It's one of those cozy meals that tastes indulgent but is secretly packed with good-for-you ingredients like lean ground turkey, creamy pumpkin, and protein-rich white beans. Best of all? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you can throw everything in and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the ultimate comfort food without the guilt.
• Minimal prep = maximum flavor.
• Perfect for fall dinners, cozy weekends, and make-ahead lunches.
• Naturally gluten-free, packed with protein and fiber.
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Whether you're hosting friends, meal prepping for the week, or just want a no-fuss dinner that warms the soul, this healthy turkey pumpkin chili is calling your name.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Exact Measurements)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a generous batch that serves about 6–8:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (like Great Northern or cannellini)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional – adds sweetness and color)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 chipotle pepper in adobo for heat

How to Make Turkey Pumpkin Chili in the Crockpot

This recipe is so easy—perfect for busy days when you need dinner to basically cook itself. Here's how:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. This step adds depth of flavor and ensures your chili isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Add Everything to the Crockpot

Transfer the turkey mixture into your slow cooker. Add the pumpkin puree, white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bell pepper (if using), and all the spices. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to:

• Low for 6–8 hours
• or High for 3–4 hours

By the end, the flavors will have melded into a thick, cozy chili with a slight sweetness from the pumpkin and a rich, earthy depth from the spices.

Midway Must-Haves: Amazon Kitchen Essentials I Use Every Time

1. Crockpot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker

I’ve used this slow cooker for years—it’s simple, reliable, and fits enough chili to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.

Perfect for chili, stews, and cozy fall meals.

Get it on Amazon

2. OXO Good Grips Ground Meat Chopper

This tool makes browning ground turkey (or any meat) a breeze. It breaks up the meat evenly without scratching your pans. Total game-changer.

Effortless browning = better chili texture.

Shop it here

3. Glass Meal Prep Containers (Set of 5)

I always make extra chili to save for lunches or freeze for later. These glass containers keep it fresh and reheat beautifully.

Say goodbye to soggy leftovers!

Grab yours now

Why This Chili Is Actually Healthy

Let’s break it down:

• Ground turkey: Lean, high-protein, and lower in fat than beef.
• Pumpkin puree: Loaded with vitamins A & C, fiber, and a subtle creaminess.
• White beans: Heart-healthy and full of protein and fiber.
• Low-sodium broth and canned goods: Help you control your salt intake.
• Spices instead of heavy sauces: More flavor, fewer calories.

This recipe is a shining example of how healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Every bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying—and still gentle on your waistline.

Make It Your Own: Customization Tips

Want to jazz it up even more? Here are some tasty ways to make it yours:

• Add 1/2 cup corn for sweetness and texture.
• Stir in a handful of spinach or kale near the end of cooking.
• Use black beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add 1/4 cup quinoa before cooking to boost fiber.
• Want it creamy? Add a splash of coconut milk at the end!

This is truly a flexible fall dinner recipe—you can make it work with what’s in your pantry.

Topping Ideas: The Finishing Touch

Let’s be honest—half the fun of chili is dressing it up! Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Cilantro or green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Squeeze of lime juice for brightness

Cozy Serving Suggestions for Fall Nights

This chili is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways I love to serve it for a full-on autumnal feast:

• With warm cornbread or whole grain rolls
• Over a bed of brown rice or quinoa
• With a crisp side salad and apple cider vinaigrette
• Topped with roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch

Bonus: It’s amazing reheated the next day. The flavors deepen, and it might taste even better than when it’s fresh.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

This recipe makes a generous batch, and luckily it stores like a dream.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave on high in 60-second intervals or warm gently on the
stovetop.

It’s one of my go-to recipes to freeze ahead for those “I can’t even” nights.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s just something about this chili that feels like a warm hug. The pumpkin gives it a smooth, creamy base, while the turkey and white beans make it incredibly satisfying. It’s spiced just right—cozy but not too bold—and it’s packed with ingredients you can feel good about feeding your family.

As a recipe writer and food lover, I’ve tested dozens of healthy crockpot meals, and this one is a personal favorite. It checks all the boxes:

• Easy
• Flavorful
• Nutritious
• Cozy
• Budget-friendly

Whether you’re a busy mom, a college student, or someone who just wants a bowl of goodness without the fuss—this is the chili to make.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Leaves to Change

You don’t have to wait for the official start of autumn to enjoy this healthy, hearty, and comforting chili. It’s a flavorful celebration of fall in a bowl, and once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

So go ahead—pull out that crockpot, grab your favorite fuzzy socks, and let this turkey pumpkin chili wrap you in the ultimate cozy meal vibes.

Ready to fall in love with chili again?

Make this once, and I guarantee you'll be craving it all season long.