When the air gets crisp and the leaves start piling up on the sidewalks, I crave recipes that feel like a warm hug at dinnertime. That’s exactly what this Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili delivers—a hearty, flavorful meal that simmers away while you handle your day. Whether you’re wrangling kids, working long hours, or just too tired to cook after 5 p.m., this slow cooker recipe brings fall comfort food right to your table without the fuss.
I first started making this pumpkin chili back when my youngest refused to touch anything green (still does, some days!). The pumpkin adds a creamy, slightly sweet base that sneaks in extra nutrition while balancing the savory spices. My family devours it, and I have a hunch yours will too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili
- It’s hearty and wholesome without being heavy.
- The pumpkin puree adds richness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Everything cooks in the slow cooker—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- It’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better.
- Kids, picky eaters, and even pumpkin skeptics will be won over.
What Does Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili Taste Like?
Think of your favorite cozy bowl of chili, then imagine it with a velvety twist. The ground turkey keeps it lean, while pumpkin gives the chili a creamy, earthy base that pairs beautifully with chili powder and garlic. The beans add heartiness, and the tomatoes brighten everything up. It’s savory, slightly sweet, a little smoky, and absolutely satisfying.
If you’ve tried my Spicy Pumpkin Chili, this version is milder and family-friendly but still full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Here’s what you’ll want to grab at the market:
- 1 Tablespoon oil – for browning the turkey and veggies.
- 1 pound ground turkey – lean but flavorful.
- 1 onion, chopped – sweet and aromatic.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – adds crunch and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because chili without garlic is just soup.
- 1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain) – gives body and acidity.
- 1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree – creamy, earthy, and nutrient-packed.
- 1 can white beans, drained – hearty and protein-rich.
- 1 ½ Tablespoons chili powder – warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided) – for seasoning layers.
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided) – balances the flavors.
- ¼ cup water – helps everything meld in the crockpot.
Tip: If you love pumpkin-based meals, you might also enjoy my Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Soup or Thai Pumpkin Curry.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili (Step by Step)
- Brown the turkey and veggies:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, ground turkey, and green pepper. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook until turkey is browned and onions are tender. - Add garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute—just until fragrant. - Transfer to the crockpot:
Move the turkey mixture into your slow cooker. - Stir in remaining ingredients:
Add diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, white beans, chili powder, remaining salt and pepper, and water. Give it all a good stir. - Cook low and slow:
Set your crockpot on low for 4–5 hours. - Serve and enjoy:
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or even avocado slices.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili
- Brown first, always. Browning the turkey with onions gives richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the pumpkin. It doesn’t taste like pie—promise! It just makes the chili creamy and comforting.
- Spice it your way. Add jalapeños or cayenne if you want a kick.
- Make it ahead. This chili tastes even better the next day.
- Freezer-friendly. Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single-serve containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground beef works great, though it will be a little richer.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely. Zucchini, corn, or even spinach can be tossed in.
Does it taste sweet from the pumpkin?
Not really. The pumpkin adds creaminess, not pie-like sweetness.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes—just let it simmer gently for 45 minutes after browning the meat.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili has become a staple in my fall cooking lineup, and I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in yours too. It’s hearty, healthy, and unbelievably easy—the kind of recipe you’ll come back to year after year when sweater weather rolls around.
Give it a try this week, and if your family loves it as much as mine does, come back and let me know!
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Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili – The Best Fall Comfort Food
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This super simple Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a delicious fall supper recipe the whole family will love. Made with ground turkey, pumpkin puree, beans, and cozy spices, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion, turkey, green peppers, ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Cook until turkey is browned and onions are tender. Add in garlic and stir together.
3. Transfer turkey mixture into crockpot and add in the rest of the ingredients, stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Notes
This chili gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.
You can substitute ground chicken or beef if preferred.
Adjust chili powder to taste if you prefer it more or less spicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Crockpot Turkey Pumpkin Chili, turkey chili, pumpkin chili, fall crockpot recipe, healthy chili
