Cozy Turkey Pumpkin Chilli
If you're looking for a dinner that screams autumn comfort while actually supporting your health goals, this cozy Turkey Pumpkin Chili is about to become your new obsession. It's hearty, warming, packed with flavour — and secretly loaded with exactly what your body needs during perimenopause and menopause.
Why This Chili Is a Game-Changer
This isn't just another cozy fall recipe. This chili is strategically delicious, combining high protein and high fiber in one bowl — the exact combo that helps manage blood sugar, keeps you satisfied for hours, and supports muscle maintenance during hormonal transitions.
The Protein Power: Ground turkey delivers lean protein without the heaviness, helping you hit those crucial 25-30 grams per meal that keep your metabolism humming and your muscles strong.
The Fiber Boost: Between the pumpkin puree, sweet potato, beans, celery, and tomatoes, you're getting a serious fiber payload. This means stable blood sugar, happy gut bacteria, and that satisfying fullness that lasts.
Bonus: It's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so if you're dealing with any sensitivities or inflammation, this one's got your back.
What Makes It So Good
The pumpkin puree isn't just festive — it adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that balances the chili spices perfectly. The sweet potato brings earthy comfort and even more fiber. The celery adds crunch and freshness. And together? Pure cozy magic.
Plus, it comes together in just 40 minutes. That's weeknight-friendly, meal-prep-ready, and "I need comfort food but also need to feel good" approved.
If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram. I love seeing this community cooking together!
Cozy Pumpkin Turkey Chilli
prep time: 15 min | cook time: 35 min | serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 cup diced celery
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup arborio rice
2 bell peppers (any colour), diced
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 lb ground turkey
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp baking soda
Directions:
In a small dish, combine the 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp ground pepper. Set aside.
In a large pot (the bigger the better!), heat the oil over med-high heat. Once heated, add the onion and celery and cook until soft ~ 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and sweet potato. Cook until the peppers are softened and the potatoes begin to get crispy on the outside. ~ 10 mins.
Make some space in the center of the pot and add the 1 lb ground turkey. Cook, stirring often until the turkey begins to crumble. About 7 minutes. Add in the spice mix and stir to coat. Cook until aromatic - another ~2 mins.
Add in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans and the 3/4 cup pumpkin puree. Stir to combine. Add water as needed in 1/4 cup increments to thin as desired.
Increase the heat to medium-high and cover the pot. Bring it to a boi. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. About 20 minutes. Stir in the baking soda.
Top bowls with sour cream or Greek yogurt, jalapeños and serve with tortilla chips.
📌 Enjoy and Pin this recipe!
Notes:
Store It: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat It: Microwave until warmed, about 2 minutes, or return to a skillet with a splash of broth or water over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.
Swaps: I like to make this with ground turkey, but you can use any kind of ground meat you like.
How do you top your chili? Let me know in the comments!
The Real Win
This isn't just a delicious autumn dinner (though it absolutely is that). It's a meal that actually supports your body during a time when it needs extra care. High protein to maintain muscle. High fiber to manage blood sugar and keep you full. Warming spices that feel like a hug from the inside.
And it tastes like you spent way more than 40 minutes on it.
So grab your biggest pot, embrace the pumpkin vibes, and make a batch this week. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
Pro tip: This tastes even better the next day after the flavours have had time to get cozy together. So if you're meal prepping? You're in for a treat all week long.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Remember, adding new foods to your diet doesn't have to be complicated. This Cozy Turkey Pumpkin Chili is proof that simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something extraordinary while nourishing your body.
Give it a try and let me know in the comments how you liked it!
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