A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that warms your soul while keeping things wholesome, this Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is it. This A Delicious & Healthy Recipe blends the cozy spices of chili with the creamy goodness of pumpkin and hearty white beans, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that feel both indulgent and nourishing. Perfect for any season, it’s a dish that brings comfort without heaviness, making it a true go-to in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, readily available ingredients come together beautifully, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this chili unforgettable.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that forms the flavorful base for sautéing onions and garlic.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth when softened to golden perfection.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a punch of aromatic richness that perks up every bite.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the chili hearty without heaviness.
- Chili powder: The backbone of this dish’s warming spice profile.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity, pairing perfectly with chili powder.
- Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness that makes this chili truly special.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A dash to amp up the heat, if you like it spicy.
- Dried oregano: Offers a herby note to balance the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: A surprising but lovely hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that lends creaminess and loads of nutrients.
- Great northern beans: Provide creamy texture and plant-based protein.
- Cannellini beans: Their mild flavor and buttery texture complement the pumpkin perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Add acidity and freshness to brighten the flavors.
- Chicken broth: Creates a rich, savory base for simmering all the ingredients together.
- Frozen corn: Adds a sweet pop and vibrant color near the end of cooking.
- Fresh cilantro: For a fresh, herbal garnish that brings brightness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): A cooling counterpoint if you like creamy toppings.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For indulgent melty goodness on top.
- Lime wedges (optional): A zesty squeeze that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
How to Make A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics and Turkey
Start by heating that golden olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes—this step builds your flavor foundation. Then add the garlic and cook for just a minute more until it fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Next, crank up the protein with the ground turkey—break it up as it browns to ensure an even, satisfying texture. This lean meat brings heartiness without weighing down your A Delicious & Healthy Recipe.
Step 2: Season with Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you enjoy a bit of spice, don’t hesitate to add cayenne pepper here. Stir everything well so that the turkey pieces bask in the fragrant spice blend—this is where the magic truly starts to build, marrying warmth with just a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Beans, and Tomatoes
Now for the creamy star of the show: pumpkin puree. Stir it into the spiced turkey mixture along with both kinds of white beans and the diced tomatoes with their juices. These ingredients add not just flavor, but great texture and wholesome nutrition, making this chili a true feast for body and soul.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and let this hearty blend simmer for 30 minutes to an hour. Slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich, comforting pot of chili that’s perfect as a A Delicious & Healthy Recipe to enjoy any day.
Step 5: Add Corn and Final Seasoning
Ten minutes before the chili finishes cooking, stir in the frozen corn to give a sweet crunch and a burst of color. Taste the chili at this stage and adjust your seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed to make the flavor just right for you.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your piping hot chili into bowls and adorn with fresh cilantro, and if you like, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt plus a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Offer lime wedges on the side for those who want a touch of citrus zing. Every spoonful is a warm, satisfying moment of joy.
How to Serve A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Garnishes
The garnish options are what help turn a bowl of chili into a customizable experience that delights every palate. Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal lift, sour cream or Greek yogurt lends a creamy coolness that balances the spicy heat, and shredded cheddar cheese melts gorgeously on top for a luxurious finish. Don’t skip the lime wedges—they add a final zing that wakes up all the other flavors.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up every last bit. Warm cornbread or crusty bread is classic, perfect for dipping and savoring each luscious bite. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast, making your meal well-rounded and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, serve the chili in rustic oven-proof mugs or bread bowls for a fun, cozy touch. Layer garnishes in small bowls and let everyone customize their chili experience. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of avocado crema can introduce exciting textures and flavors, taking your A Delicious & Healthy Recipe to new heights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When properly stored, it maintains its delicious balance of flavors and texture perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or have a cozy meal ready on busy days, this chili freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label it, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to keep it from thickening too much. The garnishes are best added fresh to maintain their texture and brightness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just fine and will keep the chili light and healthy while maintaining a similar texture.
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, for this recipe use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that can alter the flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the turkey and use extra beans or add chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more body.
How spicy is this chili?
This chili is mildly spiced by default, but you can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your tastes.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
You can substitute with chopped parsley or skip the garnish altogether; the chili is flavorful on its own.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about diving into a bowl of this Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili. It is truly A Delicious & Healthy Recipe that satisfies cravings and nourishes your body at the same time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the cozy, rich flavors that only a thoughtful combination of wholesome ingredients can deliver. Trust me, once it’s on your menu, it will quickly become a beloved favorite.
PrintA Delicious & Healthy Recipe
This Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is a hearty and healthy recipe combining lean ground turkey, creamy pumpkin puree, and white beans for a flavorful and nutritious meal. Perfect for chilly days, it offers a balanced mix of spices and vegetables with optional garnishes like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and lime wedges for added zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, around 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned evenly, about 7-10 minutes, then drain any excess grease to keep the chili lean.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, optional cayenne, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper onto the turkey. Stir to combine and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Add Pumpkin and Beans: Mix in the pumpkin puree, great northern beans, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes with their juice, blending all the flavors together.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Add Corn: Stir the frozen corn into the chili during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure it heats through without losing texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as preferred to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and optionally add sour cream or Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the authentic flavor and texture.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference or omit for a mild chili.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Simmering time can be extended for deeper flavors; just ensure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and canned goods are labeled gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey chili, pumpkin chili, white bean chili, healthy chili recipe, ground turkey recipes, autumn recipes, comforting meals