Pumpkin Chili with Ground Turkey

This easy turkey pumpkin chili is a cozy, 20-minute soup made with ground turkey, canned pumpkin, Rotel, and white beans. The only thing you need to chop is the onion.

A bowl of turkey pumpkin soup with a pot of it behind it - with crispy tortilla chips and cheese on the side.

I love soup recipes, and this turkey pumpkin chili quickly became a favorite. Inspired by spicy pumpkin soups, this version blends ground turkey with pumpkin puree for a rich, velvety broth. It’s a fresh twist on classic chili that’s hearty without being heavy, and it comes together in about 20 minutes. The only fresh ingredient you need to chop is an onion, making this an excellent weeknight dinner.

ingredients for turkey pumpking chilir — This turkey pumpkin chili requires very little prep—just dice one onion.

Ingredients you’ll need for this soup recipe:

See the recipe card below for exact measurements. The list here covers everything you’ll use and offers simple swaps if you need them.

Olive oil – for sautéing the onion
Diced onion
Fresh minced garlic (or garlic powder as a substitute)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Ground turkey (ground chicken works well as an alternative)
Chicken broth (store-bought or prepared from powder)
Rotel Original — two cans work well for a zesty tomato base; plain diced tomatoes may be substituted
Canned pumpkin puree — NOT pumpkin pie filling
White beans (cannellini or great northern). Black beans or red kidney beans can be used instead
Chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne (optional) — adjust these to match your preferred spice level

Step-by-step instructions

1. Brown turkey with onions.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer.
3. Serve with your favorite toppings.

What to serve with Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This chili pairs nicely with classic garnishes and simple sides. Here are a few favorite options to make the meal complete:

Baked tortilla strips
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Grated cheese
Fresh parsley or oregano
Warm bread—dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread, or a crusty loaf

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

This warm, comforting chili is a family-friendly twist on traditional chili. Ground turkey, pumpkin puree, tomatoes, and beans combine into a thick, velvety broth that’s easy to season to your taste.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (19 oz) can white or cannellini beans, drained
2 (9 oz) cans Rotel Original (or diced tomatoes)
1 (14 oz) can pumpkin puree
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it begins to turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Stir in the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, Rotel (or diced tomatoes), drained beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat and simmer for at least 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Diced tomatoes can replace Rotel if you prefer a milder tomato flavor. Adjust the spices to suit your taste—add more cayenne for heat or omit it for a milder bowl. Garnish with tortilla strips, grated cheese, plain Greek yogurt, or fresh herbs.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Yield: 6 • Serving Size: 1

Calories: 324 • Total Fat: 17g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Cholesterol: 81mg • Sodium: 928mg • Carbohydrates: 22g • Fiber: 5g • Sugar: 4g • Protein: 25g

Nutrition estimates are approximate and depend on specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
You can, but the texture and flavor are best when you brown fresh ground turkey with the onions. Ground chicken is a closer substitute if you prefer a different fresh ground meat.

Does turkey pumpkin chili taste like pumpkin?
Not like pumpkin pie. The pumpkin puree blends into the broth, giving the chili a richer, creamier texture and subtle depth without a sweet pumpkin-pie flavor.

How do I make it less spicy?
Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel and omit the cayenne. You can always add hot sauce at the table for anyone who wants more heat.

Can I use different beans?
Yes. White beans work beautifully here, but black beans or red kidney beans are excellent alternatives depending on what you have on hand.

Can I make turkey pumpkin chili in the slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the turkey and onions first on the stovetop, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Can you freeze turkey pumpkin chili?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Looking for more soup recipes?

If you enjoy this chili, try other comforting soups such as chicken noodle soup, chicken gnocchi soup, white chicken chili, or creamy tortellini soup with sausage and spinach.