If you're craving a cozy, hearty bowl that doesn't feel heavy, this Turkey Veggie Chili is about to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation! It's packed with vegetables, big chili flavor, and a sneaky boost from pumpkin that makes everything rich and comforting without anyone guessing why.
This is the kind of pot that simmers away while your house smells amazing and dinner basically cooks itself. Keep reading to see why this combo works so well, how the flavors build over time, and a few easy ways to serve it up just the way your crew likes it!
Jump to:
What makes this recipe a keeper
You get so much flavor with very little fuss! The spices have time to mellow and mingle as it simmers, the vegetables soften into the sauce, and the turkey stays tender instead of dry. The pumpkin adds a subtle richness that rounds everything out without screaming "pumpkin," and the beans make it filling enough to satisfy serious appetites.
It's the kind of chili that tastes even better the next day, works for meal prep, and somehow pleases both veggie lovers and the "just give me chili" crowd without starting a dinner table debate.
Turkey Veggie Chili
Equipment
- 1 Soup Pot
- 1 Soup Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 60 ounces canned black beans do not drain (that's 4 cans)
- 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
- 28 ounce can stewed tomatoes do not drain
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cups spinach chopped
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven over medium heat, cook meat the ground turkey meat with the onion, bell pepper and zucchini. Add the dry mustard, chili powder and smoked paprika and allow it to toast while browning the meat and sauteing the vegetables.
- Add the garlic and sautéing until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the black beans, pumpkin puree, brown sugar and canned tomatoes, stir well to combine.
- Cover pot and simmer over low heat for two hours, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a cup or so of water, just keep an eye on it.
- At 1½ hours, add the chopped spinach. Stir well and continue to simmer for another half hour. Serve with your favorite chili fixin's and enjoy!
Nutrition
Love this recipe? Join the free membership group!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes. Brown the meat with the vegetables and spices first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the spinach near the end.
Nope, not at all. The pumpkin blends into the sauce and adds body and richness without a noticeable pumpkin flavor.
Absolutely. Pinto beans, kidney beans, or a mix of beans all work well. Just keep them undrained for the right consistency.
Deb's tips to make great flavorful chili
Let the spices toast with the meat and vegetables before adding any liquid. That quick step wakes up the chili powder, smoked paprika, and dry mustard, giving the chili deeper flavor without needing extra seasoning later. It's a small move with big payoff.
Related recipes
If you're on a chili or comfort-food kick, there are plenty of other cozy dinners that pair right in with this one. A pot of turkey chili is always great alongside other easy one-pot meals like a hearty white bean chicken chili, or a classic beef and bean chili for variety. For something just as filling, a stuffed pepper casserole or a slow-simmered lentil soup hits the same warm, satisfying note.
These are the kinds of recipes that make weeknight dinners simpler and leftovers something to look forward to.
Serving suggestions
This chili is great on its own, but a few simple extras can turn it into a full-on comfort meal. Serve it with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping, or spoon it over baked potatoes or rice for something a little more filling.
A dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or a handful of green onions adds contrast and texture, and a squeeze of lime brightens everything up right before serving.
Cozy chili with a veggie boost
This turkey veggie chili is one of those recipes that quietly earns its keep-easy to make, flexible for busy days, and generous enough to feed a crowd or stock the fridge for later. It's a solid option when you want something warm and satisfying without babysitting the stove, and it fits just as well on a casual weeknight as it does for game day or sharing with friends.
If you give it a try, leave a comment and let me know how you served it or what toppings made it your own!
Leave a Reply