Description
Pumpkin chili is a hearty, comforting twist on classic chili, featuring ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and savory spices, all simmered with creamy pumpkin puree for a rich, subtly sweet flavor. Perfect for fall dinners, gatherings, and cozy nights!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups beef or chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1½ teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Chopped parsley or cilantro
Sliced green onions
Optional serving bowl:
Small pumpkin, cleaned and hollowed out
Instructions
If serving in a pumpkin, slice off the top and scoop out seeds and fibers. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in pumpkin puree, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste.
Add broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Ladle into bowls (or pumpkin). Top with cheese, sour cream, and herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Adjust broth for desired chili thickness. Add extra vegetables or spice to customize. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Simmered
- Cuisine: American, Fall
Keywords: pumpkin chili, fall chili, pumpkin recipes, hearty chili, cozy dinner, autumn comfort food, healthy chili, one pot meals, easy chili