Pumpkin Chili 🎃🌶️🥣 Hearty, Smoky, and Packed With Cozy Fall Flavor

Pumpkin purée adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture to this chili, balancing smoky spices and savory meat (or beans). It’s rich, warming, and just the right twist on a classic bowl of comfort.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken (or extra beans for vegetarian)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the meat

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté vegetables

• Add onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Step 3: Add spices

• Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cinnamon. Cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 4: Build the chili

• Stir in pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Taste and adjust

• Season with more salt, pepper, or spice as desired.

Step 6: Serve hot

• Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.

Flavor Variations

• Make it spicy with chipotle peppers in adobo or fresh jalapeños
• Use chorizo instead of ground beef for smoky depth
• Swap black beans for pinto beans or add corn for sweetness
• Add a splash of apple cider for a subtle fall twist

Pro Tips

• Let the chili simmer longer for deeper flavor — up to an hour if you have time
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky note
• For vegetarian chili, skip the meat and add extra beans or lentils
• Pumpkin purée also thickens the chili naturally, so no need for flour or cornstarch

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Chili is a cozy, flavorful way to bring autumn into a classic comfort dish. It’s hearty enough for game day, weeknight dinners, or a big-batch make-ahead meal.

Simmer it. Scoop it. Savor the season. 🎃🌶️🥣