Hearty & Wholesome: The Best Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort and satisfaction, especially as the seasons shift and evenings grow cooler. This easy-to-make Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Chili with Turkey is not just a meal; it’s an experience – a hearty, flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day, preparing a week’s worth of healthy meals, or simply craving something deeply nourishing, this chili delivers on all fronts. Its rich blend of savory turkey, aromatic spices, and the unexpected sweetness of pumpkin puree creates a comforting depth that’s truly irresistible.
Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of chili simmering gently all day. That’s the magic of this slow cooker recipe. It simplifies your mealtime, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying dish with minimal effort. Plus, with a recipe this good, you’ll want to make a big batch, which is perfect for leftovers or entertaining.
Why Pumpkin in Chili? A Flavorful Secret Weapon
If you’ve never thought about adding pumpkin puree to your chili, prepare to be amazed! Canned pumpkin isn’t just for pies; it’s a culinary secret for adding incredible depth, a rich, hearty texture, and a beautiful, festive color to savory dishes. In chili, pumpkin puree acts as a natural thickener, contributing a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the turkey and spices. It enriches the broth, making the chili incredibly smooth and velvety, without overpowering the traditional chili flavors you love. Furthermore, pumpkin is packed with fiber and vitamins, making this chili an even more nutritious choice for a fall-inspired meal.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking for Unmatched Flavor
Using a slow cooker for this Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili is an absolute game-changer. Chili is one of those dishes that undeniably improves with time, as flavors meld and deepen through extended simmering. The “set it and forget it” nature of the slow cooker means you can simply combine your ingredients, turn it on, and let it work its magic throughout the day. This convenience is unmatched, especially for busy individuals or when preparing for large gatherings. The low and slow cooking process ensures that every ingredient infuses its essence into the broth, resulting in a chili that’s far more complex and satisfying than one cooked quickly on the stovetop. It’s the ultimate method for achieving that rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying taste profile.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Game Day Feasts
This recipe yields a substantial amount of chili, making it an excellent choice for both weekly meal prepping and feeding a crowd on special occasions like Sunday Funday or game day. There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a delicious, homemade meal ready to go, whether it’s for quick lunches during the work week or a fuss-free dinner. Chili, in general, is renowned for tasting even better the next day, and this pumpkin turkey variation is no exception. The flavors continue to develop and harmonize, making leftovers a highly anticipated treat. For football enthusiasts, a big pot of this chili means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game, with a delicious and wholesome option for everyone.
Wholesome & Diet-Friendly: Paleo, Whole30, and Low-Carb
One of the standout features of this Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili is its incredible versatility and dietary compliance. This is a beanless chili, which automatically makes it suitable for those following a Paleo diet. But the benefits don’t stop there. It’s also completely Whole30 compliant, meaning it’s free from grains, legumes, dairy, and added sugars, focusing purely on whole, unprocessed ingredients. For those mindful of carbohydrate intake, this chili is also low-carb friendly, clocking in at around 10 net carbs per serving (without garnishes). It’s a clean and nourishing meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and incredibly satisfying.
The Essential Ingredients for This Flavorful Chili
Crafting the perfect chili starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this delicious Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili and why each component plays a crucial role:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: The aromatic foundation of any great chili. Onions provide a sweet and pungent base that deeply flavors the entire dish as it cooks down.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is indispensable in chili, adding a pungent, savory kick that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red): Bell peppers contribute a fresh, slightly sweet, and earthy note, along with a pleasant texture. Red peppers offer a sweeter profile, while green peppers lend a more traditional, slightly bitter chili flavor.
- 2 lbs ground turkey (93/7 suggested): Lean ground turkey is an excellent protein choice, providing a lighter base than beef but still offering substantial flavor and texture. The 93/7 fat content ensures it remains moist and flavorful without being overly greasy.
- 2 tablespoons cumin: Cumin is the quintessential chili spice, offering a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is central to chili’s identity.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a fantastic layer of smoky depth that complements the pumpkin and turkey beautifully, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon coriander: Ground coriander introduces a citrusy, floral, and slightly sweet note that brightens the chili and adds complexity.
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the rich, tangy base of the chili. They provide acidity and a robust tomato flavor that balances the pumpkin.
- 2- 14.5 oz. cans pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, offering warmth, richness, a touch of sweetness, and a beautiful fall color. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Broth is essential for achieving the right consistency and helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes while adding an extra layer of savory flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for an equally delicious result.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Crucial for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony. Always adjust to your personal preference.
The combination of these ingredients, particularly the savory turkey, the rich tomato base, and the unique pumpkin, creates a chili that is both familiar and excitingly new. The spices are carefully selected to enhance and deepen these core flavors, ensuring a truly memorable eating experience.
Elevate Your Bowl: Delicious Topping Ideas
No bowl of chili is truly complete without an array of delicious toppings! They add contrasting textures, fresh flavors, and a beautiful visual appeal. Here are some fantastic options that perfectly complement this Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili:
- Fresh Cilantro: A vibrant herb that adds a burst of freshness and a bright, citrusy note.
- Diced Avocado: Offers a creamy texture and healthy fats, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the chili’s warmth.
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the pumpkin theme.
- Fresh Jalapeño Slices: For those who love a bit of heat, thinly sliced jalapeños provide a spicy kick and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty tang.
- Full-Fat Coconut Cream: A fantastic dairy-free option for creaminess. A drizzle of coconut cream adds a subtle richness without compromising the paleo or Whole30 guidelines.
While some might jokingly call the fresh herbs and avocado on top a “salad,” the truth is these garnishes are essential for adding layers of flavor and texture. Just be sure to mix them in before you dig in with a big spoon!
For those not strictly adhering to Paleo or Whole30, feel free to explore other classic chili toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (if you’re following a keto-friendly diet). And for game day, don’t forget a bag of your favorite tortilla chips for dipping! Siete grain-free tortilla chips are an excellent Paleo-friendly option that pairs wonderfully with this chili.
Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Chili with Turkey
This comforting and warm Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Chili with Turkey is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser, perfect for dinner or feeding many on game day!
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Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion – diced
- 4 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 bell pepper – diced (green or red)
- 2 lbs ground turkey – 93/7 suggested
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2- 14.5 oz. cans pumpkin puree
- 4 cups chicken broth – can also use veggie broth
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, coconut cream, cilantro, jalapeno, for garnish – optional
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion and garlic; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until tender and fragrant.
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Working in batches if necessary, cook turkey in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles. Remove from skillet and transfer meat and onion/garlic combo to slow-cooker.
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To slow-cooker, stir in spices, crushed tomatoes, pumpkin, broth, bell pepper, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
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Cover with lid, and cook on low 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor!
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Serve with garnishes of choice (pumpkin seeds, avocado, coconut cream, jalapeno, etc.) and dig in. Can also be made in advance and will freeze well.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chili
While the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, a few small steps can elevate your chili from good to extraordinary:
- Brown the Turkey: Don’t skip browning the ground turkey and sautéing the onions and garlic beforehand. This crucial step develops a rich depth of flavor through caramelization that simply cannot be achieved by adding raw ingredients directly to the slow cooker.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the turkey, work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat. You want a nice brown crust for maximum flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. The flavors will concentrate and deepen during slow cooking, so a final seasoning check is always a good idea. You might find you need a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of an extra spice like chili powder if you desire more heat.
- Don’t Forget the Broth: Using broth, rather than just water, significantly enhances the flavor of the chili. It provides a savory liquid base that infuses into all the ingredients.
- Longer is Better: While 6 hours on low is good, letting it cook for the full 8 hours on low will truly bring out the most profound and complex flavors. The longer simmer allows the spices and ingredients to fully meld together.
Serving Suggestions & Leftover Love
This Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Beyond the fresh garnishes, consider serving it with a side of steamed greens for an extra boost of nutrients, or a simple side salad. For those not strictly adhering to Paleo, a slice of cornbread or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese would be a welcome addition.
One of the best things about making a large batch of chili is the incredible leftovers. This chili stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors only get better. It’s also an excellent candidate for freezing. Simply portion cooled chili into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and comforting meal anytime.
Whether you’re new to paleo eating or simply looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy meal to make for your family, this Slow Cooker Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili is a fantastic choice. Its comforting warmth, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect addition to your fall and winter meal rotation. Give it a try, and prepare to be delighted by this unique and incredibly satisfying chili!
Other Slow Cooker Recipes to Make Right Now:
- Slow-Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
- Whole30 Beef Stir Fry in the Slow-Cooker
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