Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey (or 4 cups shredded cooked turkey)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (the secret Thanksgiving touch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, green onions
Instructions
- Start by browning your ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it is no longer pink. If you are using pre-cooked shredded turkey leftovers, you can skip the browning phase. While the meat browns, chop your onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Once the turkey is cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean. Transfer the cooked turkey into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and bell pepper into the crockpot with the turkey. Pour in the pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the top. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well-combined and the spices are evenly distributed. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow simmer allows the pumpkin to meld with the spices, creating a rich, deep flavor profile.
- Once the cook time is complete, give the chili a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt or spice level if necessary. Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls. For a high-protein “sour cream” alternative, top each bowl with a dollop of plain non-fat Greek yogurt. Add fresh avocado slices for healthy fats and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth of Thanksgiving in a bowl.
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes