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Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili

Warm up your evenings with hearty Pumpkin Chili, a comforting fall recipe that blends the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree with robust spices, savory proteins, beans, and fresh vegetables. This one-pot meal offers rich layers of flavor and texture, perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Easy to customize, nutritious, and packed with warmth, Pumpkin Chili is a delicious choice for chilly nights.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based substitute for vegetarian)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers

Legumes & Canned Goods

  • 1 can (15 oz) beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Heat olive or avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful foundation for the chili.
  2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef or chosen protein to the pot. Cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon to ensure even texture.
  3. Add the spices and vegetables: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat and aromatics. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Then add diced bell peppers for crisp texture.
  4. Incorporate beans, pumpkin, and tomatoes: Pour in the drained beans, pumpkin puree, and diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients so the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Simmer and season: Add broth and bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors deepen.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for better aroma and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the simmer time; longer simmering enriches taste and ensures pumpkin blends perfectly.
  • Adjust pumpkin quantity to your liking for sweetness and creaminess.
  • Layer spices gradually and taste as you go to balance heat and flavor.
  • Let chili rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: pumpkin chili, fall recipe, hearty chili, pumpkin puree recipe, healthy chili, comforting meal, one-pot dinner, gluten free chili