Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Chili Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Crisp autumn winds whisper the promise of comfort in this hearty pumpkin chili recipe that blends warmth and spice.

Chilly evenings call for a bowl of rich, soul-satisfying goodness packed with deep flavors and robust ingredients.

The unexpected addition of pumpkin creates a velvety texture that elevates this classic chili to new culinary heights.

Tender chunks of meat mingle with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

Warm and inviting, this chili transforms a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

Each spoonful tells a story of comfort and nourishment that will keep you coming back for more.

Grab a ladle and savor the magic of this delicious, hearty dish that celebrates the best of seasonal cooking.

Fresh Twists for Your Pumpkin Chili Recipe

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Chili: Substitute beans with zucchini chunks and add extra ground meat for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Increase chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.

Serving Pumpkin Chili at Gatherings

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty chili during board game sessions with friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for socializing.
• Autumn Harvest Presentation: Ladle the chili into hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive and Instagram-worthy presentation that captures seasonal spirit.
• Comfort Food Loaded Bowl: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and crispy tortilla strips for a deliciously loaded chili experience that adds texture and flavor complexity.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, maintaining robust flavors throughout the week and providing a satisfying midday meal.

Pumpkin Chili Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 4 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chili into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños if you want more kick.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives or add extra beans like chickpeas or lentils for protein.

• What makes pumpkin a good addition to chili?

Pumpkin adds creaminess, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor. It also increases the fiber and vitamin content of the dish while creating a rich, smooth texture.

Fall and Pumpkin Chili Pairing

• Craft a Hearty Meal: This pumpkin chili transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting, nutritious dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with protein from turkey/beef and beans, plus the added nutritional punch of pumpkin, this chili delivers a powerhouse of health benefits in every bite.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs, making it a versatile meal that suits different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Checklist for Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Turkey or Beef: A hearty protein base that adds richness and substance to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the chili.
• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Protein-packed legumes that contribute texture and nutritional value.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and moisture to the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon: A warm, complex spice blend that creates depth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a light, fruity undertone.
• Broth: Provides liquid and helps create a rich, cohesive sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Pumpkin Chili Bowls

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot, setting the heat to medium.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to dance and soften until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground turkey or beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 3: Create the Hearty Base

• Pumpkin puree
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Savory broth

Blend everything together, creating a rich and robust foundation for your chili.

Step 4: Sprinkle Magic Seasonings

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Warming cinnamon
• Salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the pot bubble softly for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their delicious characteristics.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and crown with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tricks for Getting the Most from Pumpkin Chili

• Add a splash of beer or red wine while simmering to enhance the chili's complexity and richness.
• Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains protein content.
• Let chili rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and thicken naturally without extra reduction.
• Adjust heat by adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or extra chili powder for those who love bold, spicy profiles.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and reheating for more developed flavors.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm autumn nights call for hearty Pumpkin Chili, a comforting Mexican-inspired dish blending robust spices with creamy pumpkin richness. Home cooks craving a seasonal twist will savor this satisfying meal that delivers both nutrition and deep, complex flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Avocado slices

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate ground protein, breaking it into crumbly fragments and sautéing until completely browned and no pink remains visible.
3. Gently fold pumpkin puree into the meat mixture, ensuring thorough integration and creating a rich, velvety texture.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, combine both bean varieties, and add liquid broth, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Sprinkle aromatic spices including chili powder, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, warming cinnamon, alongside salt and pepper, blending thoroughly to develop complex flavor profiles.
6. Allow mixture to reach a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering and allowing contents to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 30 minutes.
7. After simmering, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring balanced and robust flavor composition.
8. Ladle into serving bowls, topping with preferred garnishes such as shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or dollop of sour cream for added dimension.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding extra beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian adaptation.
• Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to create a lighter, lower-fat version of the chili.
• Swap traditional beans with cauliflower or zucchini chunks for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative.
• Enhance depth of flavor by roasting spices briefly before adding liquid ingredients, which intensifies their aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg