Pumpkin Chili - Cooking Like Kate

Pumpkin Chili served in white bowls surrounded by real pumpkins and fresh thyme

Equipment

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 cups fresh pumpkin diced into 1-inch cubes
1 can kidney beans (15 oz) drained and rinsed
1 large onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (15 oz)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp maple syrup
salt and pepper to taste
4 oz goat cheese crumbled
2 tsp fresh thyme
pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
1 large onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
1 lb ground turkey
Add the diced pumpkin, bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using). Stir to coat everything evenly with the spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes to release the flavors.
2 cups fresh pumpkin, 1 red bell pepper, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Stir in the tomato paste, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, kidney beans, broth, and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
1 can kidney beans, 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp maple syrup, salt and pepper
Cover and let the chili simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with crumbled goat cheese, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast.
4 oz goat cheese, 2 tsp fresh thyme, pumpkin seeds

Video

@cookinglikekate Warm up with a bowl of Pumpkin Chili, combining ground turkey, kidney beans, and creamy goat cheese for a delightful twist! #foodideasdinner #foodtiktokrecipes #healthymealideas #recipesoftiktok ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) - Tommy Richman

Notes

Pumpkin Substitution: Use 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree if fresh pumpkin isn’t available.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground turkey with extra beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Flavor Tip: Let the chili rest for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor development.
Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to taste or omit for a milder chili.
Toppings: Try toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla strips for extra flair.

Nutrition