The Coziest Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Fall Family Gatherings

Warming bowls of hearty pumpkin chili offer comfort during chilly autumn evenings.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this unexpected twist on classic comfort food.

Robust spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Southwestern influences shine through with every carefully crafted bite.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe breaks traditional chili boundaries.

Meat lovers and vegetarians alike will find something to celebrate in this delightful dish.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this creative culinary adventure.

Why Pumpkin Chili Is A Cozy Autumn Favorite

• Craft a Unique Twist: Transform classic chili with unexpected pumpkin puree, adding creamy richness and subtle sweetness that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack your meal with protein from ground beef and kidney beans, while pumpkin delivers extra vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for a wholesome dinner.
• Spice Up Your Comfort Zone: Layer complex flavors through carefully selected spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, creating a deeply satisfying and warming meal perfect for cool evenings.
• Customize with Endless Possibilities: Top with favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, making this chili adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For Flavorful Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili.

• Onions, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that builds a deep flavor foundation for the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Pumpkin Puree: These ingredients create a smooth, slightly sweet base that adds moisture and complexity to the dish.

• Kidney Beans: A classic chili ingredient that contributes protein, texture, and earthy flavor.

• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that delivers warm, smoky, and complex flavor profiles to the chili.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking while adding a subtle flavor.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro: Classic toppings that add extra richness, creaminess, and fresh herb notes to the finished chili.

How To Make Pumpkin Chili That Warms You Up

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables become soft and release their delightful fragrance, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the pot. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until it’s completely browned with no pink showing, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with the aromatic spice mixture.

Step 4: Create the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Pumpkin puree

Mix well to create a smooth, consistent sauce that will form the heart of your chili.

Step 5: Add Kidney Beans

Stir in kidney beans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the chili.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to blend and create a rich, deep taste.

Step 7: Prevent Sticking

Occasionally stir the chili during cooking to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 8: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt or spices to perfect the flavor profile.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes. This short waiting period allows the flavors to further meld together.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

Enjoy your warm, comforting pumpkin chili!

Smart Tips For Balancing Sweet And Savory

• Boost Protein Variety: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different protein options and dietary preferences.
• Enhance Spice Depth: Roast whole spices before grinding to intensify their flavors and create a more complex, aromatic chili profile.
• Manage Liquid Consistency: Control thickness by adding extra broth for a soupier texture or simmering longer to reduce and thicken the chili.
• Elevate Vegetable Content: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn to increase nutritional value and add subtle sweetness.
• Optimize Flavor Development: Allow chili to rest overnight in the refrigerator, as flavors continue to meld and intensify, creating a more robust taste experience.

Tasty Pumpkin Chili Styles You’ll Love Trying

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the chili's hearty texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery southwestern flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial sautéing, cooking on low for 6-8 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavors and create an effortless meal.
• Autumn Harvest Blend: Incorporate additional seasonal vegetables like diced butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or roasted corn to enhance the pumpkin's earthy undertones and create a more complex autumn-inspired chili.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Chili On Chilly Days

• Pair with Amber Ale: Rich, malty beer complements the deep, earthy pumpkin and spice notes in the chili, balancing its robust flavors while enhancing the overall warmth of the dish.
• Serve with Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread provides a perfect textural contrast to the chunky chili, absorbing the delicious sauce and offering a complementary corn-based side.
• Top with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Tangy, aged cheddar cuts through the chili's richness, adding a creamy sharpness that brightens the pumpkin's subtle sweetness and meaty depth.

How To Store Pumpkin Chili The Easy Way

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for long-term preservation.
• Divide chili into individual serving sizes before storing, making it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount needed for a quick meal.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Pumpkin Chili FAQs, Answered Clearly

• What makes pumpkin chili different from traditional chili?

The addition of pumpkin puree gives this chili a unique, slightly sweet flavor and creamy texture while boosting nutritional value with extra vitamins and fiber.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe uses mild spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, creating a warm, balanced flavor without intense heat. You can adjust spice levels by adding more or less spice.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein, lentils, or additional beans to maintain protein content and hearty texture.

• How nutritious is pumpkin chili?

Pumpkin adds significant nutritional benefits, including vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making this chili a healthier version of the classic comfort food.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 53-63 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chili delivers a robust autumn flavor profile that blends Mexican-inspired spices with seasonal warmth. Comfort meets creativity in this soul-satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings, perfect for gathering friends around a steaming pot of deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large onion
• 2 cans kidney beans

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 bell pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pumpkin puree, mixing well to create a uniform consistency.
5. Add kidney beans and stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of components.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the chili for 30-40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, hearty texture.
7. Periodically stir the chili during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow further flavor absorption.
10. Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with desired toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains incredible flavor depth.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or carrots, which blend seamlessly into the chili’s rich texture.
• Create a meal-prep friendly dish by storing leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, with flavors becoming more intense and complex over time.
• Dial down heat sensitivity by reducing chili powder or using mild spices, making this recipe adaptable for sensitive palates while preserving its robust character.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 48-58 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg