Name: Weeknight Maple Turkey Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey – This lean protein is the base of the chili, providing a nice texture and allowing the spices and maple syrup to shine. If you want to make it heartier, feel free to add more turkey or use a mix of ground turkey and beef.; 1 medium onion, chopped – A staple in chili, onion brings depth and sweetness to the dish. It also helps create that savory aroma while the chili simmers away.; 1 bell pepper, chopped – For some added crunch and color. You can use any color you like—red, yellow, or green.; 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential for building layers of flavor. Its savory punch adds richness to the turkey and complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Tomatoes add the perfect amount of acidity and moisture to the chili.; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – These hearty beans soak up all the flavors in the chili and help to bulk it up. You can use black beans or pinto beans as a substitute.; 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree – This is the secret ingredient! It adds a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture to the chili, making it feel extra cozy. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients.; 2 tablespoons maple syrup – This is where the magic happens. The maple syrup adds a deep sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory turkey and spices.; 1 teaspoon chili powder – A classic chili seasoning that gives the dish a little heat and depth. Feel free to adjust this depending on your heat preference.; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a smoky, earthy flavor to balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup.; 1 teaspoon cumin – A warm spice that adds complexity to the chili and brings everything together.; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A little bit of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the maple syrup, giving the chili a subtle warmth and depth.; Salt and pepper to taste – Essential to bringing out all the flavors. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed.; 1/2 cup chicken broth or water – To thin out the chili and create a stew-like consistency. Add more for a soupier version.; Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground turkey – This lean protein is the base of the chili, providing a nice texture and allowing the spices and maple syrup to shine. If you want to make it heartier, feel free to add more turkey or use a mix of ground turkey and beef.
1 medium onion, chopped – A staple in chili, onion brings depth and sweetness to the dish. It also helps create that savory aroma while the chili simmers away.
1 bell pepper, chopped – For some added crunch and color. You can use any color you like—red, yellow, or green.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential for building layers of flavor. Its savory punch adds richness to the turkey and complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Tomatoes add the perfect amount of acidity and moisture to the chili.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – These hearty beans soak up all the flavors in the chili and help to bulk it up. You can use black beans or pinto beans as a substitute.
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree – This is the secret ingredient! It adds a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture to the chili, making it feel extra cozy. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients.
2 tablespoons maple syrup – This is where the magic happens. The maple syrup adds a deep sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory turkey and spices.
1 teaspoon chili powder – A classic chili seasoning that gives the dish a little heat and depth. Feel free to adjust this depending on your heat preference.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a smoky, earthy flavor to balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup.
1 teaspoon cumin – A warm spice that adds complexity to the chili and brings everything together.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A little bit of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the maple syrup, giving the chili a subtle warmth and depth.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential to bringing out all the flavors. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed.
1/2 cup chicken broth or water – To thin out the chili and create a stew-like consistency. Add more for a soupier version.
Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little oil. Once the pot is hot, add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot with the turkey. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This will help build the base flavors of your chili.
Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute, letting the spices toast and release their oils. This is key for a flavorful chili!
Incorporate the Liquids and Tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to thin it out. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the chili will thicken slightly.
Add the Beans
Once the chili has simmered, add the kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes, just long enough to warm the beans through. If you prefer a thicker chili, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. This will give the chili a creamier texture.
Taste and Adjust
Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup. Add more salt or pepper if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro. Serve with some cornbread or a side of tortilla chips for an extra treat!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 28g