Numerical studies of turbulent swirling reacting flows are performed using unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES). The conserved scalar-mixture fraction-based thermo-chemical variables are described using the steady laminar flamelet model. The Favre-filtered scalars are obtained from the presumed beta probability density function (β-PDF) approach. The flow field exhibits upstream recirculation zone due to the bluff body and a downstream vortex breakdown region induced by the swirling flow. The URANS approach underpredicts the flow and combustion variables when compared to LES.