Overhead view of a bowl of pumpkin chili, title text at the top
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to welcome the fall season. And if you’re looking to elevate your chili game, adding pumpkin is a game-changer. Inspired by classic comfort food recipes, this pumpkin chili recipe brings a delightful twist to your traditional chili, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty family meal.
Overhead view of a pot of pumpkin chili, title text at the bottom
I’ve always been a huge fan of pumpkin in the fall – from pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin pie, I embrace it all. Chili is another one of my absolute favorite comfort foods, especially as the weather cools down. My Homemade Chili recipe is a staple, with endless variations possible. Combining these two loves—pumpkin and chili—was a natural and delicious evolution. Adding pumpkin to chili is surprisingly simple and adds a boost of nutrients without sacrificing that classic chili taste we all crave.
pumpkin chili in the pot, title text at the bottom
The beauty of pumpkin in chili is how seamlessly it blends in. It doesn’t overpower the familiar chili flavors; instead, it creates a richer, slightly smoother texture that feels both comforting and wholesome. It even lightens the chili up a bit, making it feel less heavy than traditional versions. Trust me, once you try pumpkin chili, you might never go back!
Overhead view of a bowl of pumpkin chili, title text at the top
Just like all the recipes you find here, this pumpkin chili recipe has been rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen. We ensure every recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make and budget-friendly, so you can enjoy flavorful meals without breaking the bank.
What to Expect: Pumpkin Chili Flavor Profile
If you’re hesitant about adding pumpkin to chili, I understand the skepticism. You might be picturing pumpkin pie spice territory, but rest assured, this pumpkin chili does not taste like pumpkin soup! The pumpkin flavor is subtle and enhances the chili, making it more saucy and luxuriously rich without feeling overly heavy.
A bowl of pumpkin chili with cheese and tortilla chips
The pumpkin introduces a gentle earthiness and a hint of sweetness. If you usually add a touch of brown sugar to your chili, you might find you can skip it here, thanks to the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Because I love a deeply spiced chili (and you can check out my homemade chili seasoning for inspiration), the pumpkin flavor harmonizes beautifully without being overtly noticeable.
It’s crucial to let your pumpkin chili simmer for a good amount of time. Tasting it right after mixing everything together won’t give you the true flavor experience. Patience is key! Simmering allows the spices to bloom, the flavors to meld, and the chili to deepen in taste. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly delicious pumpkin chili.
Customize Your Pumpkin Chili
This pumpkin chili recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences and dietary needs.
Vegetarian & Vegan Pumpkin Chili Options
Making this pumpkin chili vegetarian or vegan is a breeze. Simply replace the ground beef with an extra can of your favorite beans, such as kidney or black beans, or try cooked lentils for a protein boost. Crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground beef substitute also work wonderfully. The core flavors of this chili come from the robust chili seasoning, tomatoes, and vegetables, so swapping out the meat won’t compromise the deliciousness.
Exploring Different Meats
While ground beef is classic, feel free to experiment with other ground meats. Ground turkey is a popular choice for pumpkin chili, offering a lighter flavor profile that complements the pumpkin. For a bolder twist, consider using Mexican chorizo. Its smoky spices would create an amazing flavor combination with the pumpkin’s subtle sweetness.
Spice Level: Mild to Wild
The spice level of this pumpkin chili is easily adjustable. As written, the recipe’s spiciness comes primarily from the chili powder you use. Most store-bought chili powders are mild, but some brands can pack more heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a milder chili powder, like McCormick brand chili powder, which is generally quite mild.
Want to turn up the heat? Dice a jalapeño and sauté it with the onion and garlic at the beginning. Stir in some chipotle powder with the chili seasoning, or add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smoky heat. The possibilities are endless for customizing the spice to your liking!
And don’t forget the perfect side: cornbread! Pumpkin chili and cornbread are a match made in fall heaven. Try my classic homemade cornbread, jalapeño cheddar cornbread, or sweet potato cornbread to complete your cozy meal.
Overhead view of a bowl of pumpkin chili, title text at the top
Overhead view of a pot of pumpkin chili, title text at the bottom
pumpkin chili in the pot, title text at the bottom
Overhead view of a bowl of pumpkin chili, title text at the top
Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Yields: 6 servings (1.25 cups each)
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 40 mins
Total time: 50 mins
Hearty yet light, this pumpkin chili is packed with fiber and nutrients, embodying the perfect warm and comforting flavors of fall.
Author: Beth Moncel
Ingredients:
Chili:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15oz can black beans, drained
- 1 15oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz can pumpkin purée
- 1/2 6oz can tomato paste (5 Tbsp)
- 2 cups water
Chili Seasoning:
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Mince the garlic and dice the onion. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), pumpkin purée, tomato paste, water, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After simmering, taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Equipment:
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Notes:
- For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or chipotle powder to the seasoning.
- You can use pre-made chili seasoning if preferred, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or tortilla chips.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 431kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 21g, Sodium: 1131mg, Fiber: 14g
For full nutrition disclaimer, please visit our nutrition disclaimer page.
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Watch the Video:
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A spoon lifting a bite of pumpkin chili with melted cheese stretching from the bowl
Step-by-Step Pumpkin Chili Photos
Follow along with these photos to guide you through each step of making this delicious pumpkin chili.
Dice one yellow onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil in a large pot until softened.
Add one pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the remaining ingredients: black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, tomato paste, water, and all the spices. Stir to combine.
simmered chili in a pot with a spoon
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with extra salt if needed.
Serve your pumpkin chili hot and with your favorite toppings!
Overhead view of a pot of pumpkin chili with toppings on the sides
More Chili Recipes to Explore
Looking for more chili inspiration? Try these other delicious chili recipes:
[
Creamy White Chicken Chili
$12.81 recipe / $1.60 serving](https://www.budgetbytes.com/creamy-white-chicken-chili/)
[
Overhead view of a bowl full of chili with toppings and a spoon in the center.
Classic Homemade Chili
$9.28 recipe / $1.55 serving](https://www.budgetbytes.com/basic-chili/)
[
Black Bean Chili
$9.19 recipe / $1.53 serving](https://www.budgetbytes.com/weeknight-black-bean-chili/)
[
Overhead view of a bowl full of chili with toppings.
Turkey Chili
$11.55 recipe / $1.78 serving](https://www.budgetbytes.com/turkey-chili/)
Enjoy the fall season with this comforting and flavorful pumpkin chili recipe!
