Fall’s Hearty Hug: Cozy Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Crisp autumn winds call for a comforting bowl of hearty pumpkin chili that warms you from the inside out.

This robust recipe blends rich seasonal flavors with classic chili spices.

Pumpkin adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness to the traditional meat-based dish.

Each spoonful delivers a complex layer of warmth and depth that satisfies deep hunger.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this chili becomes an instant favorite for cool evenings.

Tender chunks of meat mingle with soft pumpkin, creating a memorable meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

You’ll want to ladle this chili into deep bowls and savor every delicious bite.

Gear For Making Pumpkin Chili A Breeze

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for cooking the entire chili and managing multiple ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground meat while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately adding spices and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable preparation.
• Can Opener: Required for opening canned tomatoes and beans.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the chili into bowls.

Steps To A Hearty Pumpkin Chili Night

• Sauté Aromatic Veggies

Heat oil in a large pot and cook onions and bell peppers until they’re soft and golden, releasing their delicious flavors.

• Brown the Protein

Add ground meat and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces until it’s nicely caramelized and cooked through.

• Spice It Up

Mix in garlic and a blend of warming spices, stirring to create a rich, fragrant base that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Combine Hearty Ingredients

Pour in pumpkin puree, tomatoes, beans, and broth, stirring everything together to create a thick, comforting mixture.

• Simmer to Perfection

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat, allowing all the flavors to mingle and develop a deep, satisfying taste.

• Final Touch

Give the chili a quick taste and adjust seasonings to make it just right for your palate.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like creamy cheese, fresh green onions, or crunchy tortilla chips.

Pumpkin Chili Tips That Wow

• Meat-Free Magic: Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and add cayenne pepper for heat lovers, or reduce spices for milder palates and kid-friendly meals.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, richer flavors.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the chili in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
• Topping Creativity: Experiment with unique garnishes like crispy bacon bits, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a drizzle of lime juice to elevate the dish's taste and presentation.

Serve Pumpkin Chili Hot And Loaded

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty pumpkin chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting meal that feels like a hug on a chilly day.
• Friendly Game Day Feast: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, creating a perfect shareable dish for football parties or casual gatherings with friends.
• Seasonal Harvest Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro to enhance the autumn flavors and add delightful texture.
• Wholesome Meal Companion: Pair with a side of cornbread or warm crusty bread to soak up the rich, spiced chili and complete the satisfying dining experience.

Smart Storage For Pumpkin Chili Leftovers

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy fresh meals for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for convenient future meals. Chili maintains excellent quality for 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chili in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide chili into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy simplifies meal prep, reduces waste, and allows quick defrosting of exact amounts needed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Pumpkin Chili Must-Haves For Cozy Bowls

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky base and helps develop deep, rich flavors while preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, savory foundation that builds complexity in the chili's overall taste profile.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a crisp texture and subtle sweetness to balance the hearty elements.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish's depth.

• Ground Meat: Delivers hearty protein and creates a robust, satisfying texture in the chili.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cinnamon: Craft a warm, multilayered spice blend that gives the chili its signature southwestern flair.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and harmonize all other ingredients.

• Pumpkin Puree: Contributes creamy thickness, subtle sweetness, and autumnal character to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides bright acidity and creates a luscious, chunky base.
• Beans: Add protein-rich substance and classic chili texture.
• Broth: Helps merge flavors and creates the perfect simmering liquid for melding ingredients.

Hearty Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chili delivers a robust autumn blend of spices and seasonal warmth. Mexican-inspired flavors merge with comforting ingredients, satisfying deep hunger with each savory spoonful you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sautéing Base: In a Dutch oven, caramelize onions and bell peppers until they release their aromatic essence, establishing a robust flavor foundation for the chili.
2. Meat Preparation: Introduce ground meat to the pan, browning and crumbling while eliminating any excess fat, ensuring a lean and textured protein base.
3. Spice Awakening: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon into the mixture, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify their deep, complex flavors.
4. Pumpkin Integration: Fold in pumpkin puree, transforming the classic chili into a velvety, autumnal-inspired dish with rich, warming undertones.
5. Liquid Composition: Add fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and broth, stirring comprehensively to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Simmering and Melding: Bring the chili to a brief boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a deep, nuanced taste profile.
7. Finishing Touch: Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying culinary experience before serving in hearty bowls with optional garnishes like sour cream, cheese, green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

• Select Ideal Pumpkin Puree: Choose 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain a savory chili profile and avoid unwanted sweetness.
• Manage Meat Moisture: Pat ground meat dry before browning to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Balance Spice Complexity: Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to enhance their depth and release complex flavor compounds.
• Adjust Consistency Smartly: Add extra broth if chili becomes too thick during simmering, maintaining ideal texture without compromising rich flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg