As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s one dish that rises above the rest in fall coziness: Pumpkin Chili. This hearty, nutrient-packed recipe marries the best of autumn flavor with the classic warmth of chili. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or serving up something special for game day, pumpkin chili is the unexpected hero of the season.
What Makes Pumpkin Chili Unique?
Unlike traditional chili that leans heavily on tomatoes and beef, pumpkin chili brings in:
- A subtle earthy sweetness from pumpkin puree
- A velvety texture that thickens naturally
- An unusual but perfect blend of spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cumin
If you’ve never cooked with pumpkin outside of pie, you’ll be shocked at how it enhances chili without overpowering it.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Chili
To make an unforgettable pumpkin chili, here are the essential ingredients:
Proteins:
- Ground turkey (lean and protein-rich)
- Ground beef (for a traditional flavor)
- Vegan meat crumbles (for plant-based eaters)
Veggies:
- Pumpkin puree (canned or fresh sugar pumpkin)
- Sweet potatoes
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Onion & garlic
Legumes:
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Chickpeas (optional)
Liquids & Base:
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Vegetable or chicken broth
Spices:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Chipotle chili powder
- Cinnamon & nutmeg (for warmth)
- Oregano, salt, pepper
How to Make Pumpkin Chili: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep & Saute
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven.
- Sauté diced onions, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
Step 2: Brown the Protein
- Add ground turkey (or your choice of meat) to the pot.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Spice It Up
- Stir in your spices: chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chipotle powder.
- Let the spices toast for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Step 4: Add Pumpkin & Liquids
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Add in the beans and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer
- Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust consistency with more broth if too thick.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorites (see toppings below!)
Best Toppings for Pumpkin Chili
Take your bowl from great to unforgettable with these topping ideas:
- Sliced avocado
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Red onion
- Shredded cheese
- Cornbread croutons
Pumpkin Chili Recipe Variations
Vegetarian or Vegan
- Omit meat, double up on beans or use meat alternatives
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Chicken or Beef Options
- Substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or ground beef
Slow Cooker Version
- Brown the meat first
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on:
- LOW for 5–6 hours
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
Want It Spicy?
- Add more chipotle chili powder
- Throw in diced jalapeños or hot sauce
What to Serve with Pumpkin Chili
Pair your chili with:
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Tortilla chips or nachos on the side
Storing, Reheating & Freezing
Pumpkin chili is a meal-prepper’s dream. Here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Store in fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers
- Reheat: On stovetop or microwave until heated through
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Chili
You’re not just getting great flavor—this chili is loaded with:
- Vitamin A from pumpkin and sweet potatoes
- Protein from turkey or beans
- Fiber for digestion
- Antioxidants from tomatoes and spices
- Low in saturated fat if made with lean meat or meatless
FAQ About Pumpkin Chili
Is pumpkin chili sweet?
Only slightly. The pumpkin and sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, but it’s balanced by savory and spicy elements.
Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes! Sugar pumpkins are ideal. Peel, cube, and roast or simmer until soft.
What kind of beans are best?
Pinto beans are classic, but black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas all work.
Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Is pumpkin chili healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fiber, nutrients, and protein, especially if made with lean meat or plant-based options.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add more chili powder, jalapeños, or even a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
Can I freeze pumpkin chili?
Definitely. Just cool it first, portion it, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin chili is more than just a seasonal gimmick—it’s a flavorful, healthy, and comforting dish you’ll return to all fall and winter long. It’s adaptable, easy to make, and pairs well with everything from slow cooker meals to sweet fall bakes like chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
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Pumpkin Chili: The Cozy Fall Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A warm, cozy, and hearty pumpkin chili made with ground turkey, beans, and spices. Perfect for fall dinners, meal prep, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet potato, peeled and cubed
0.5 cup frozen corn (optional)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers for 5–7 minutes until soft.
Add ground turkey, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook 1 minute.
Add pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well.
Add beans, sweet potato, and corn if using. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in maple syrup if more sweetness is desired.
Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, cheddar, avocado, or cilantro.
Notes
This recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and add more beans.
Make it spicy by adding chipotle chili powder or jalapeño.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: pumpkin chili, fall chili, healthy chili, turkey chili, gluten-free chili