Cozy Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic, perfectly blending the robust, hearty flavors of traditional chili with the subtle, comforting warmth of autumn pumpkin. This unique combination creates a dish that is both familiar and exciting, making it the ideal cozy dinner as the weather cools. It’s a testament to fall’s bounty, delivering deep, savory notes with an unexpected creamy richness that will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Discover the Unique Flavor of Savory Pumpkin Chili

While many pumpkin recipes lean towards the sweet side – think pies, lattes, and breads – pumpkin’s versatility truly shines in savory applications. For those who adore the autumnal squash but crave something beyond the usual sugary treats, this Pumpkin Chili is a revelation. It stands out among my personal savory autumn favorites, offering a truly unique culinary experience that might even rival beloved dishes like our Pumpkin Pasta in seasonal appeal.

Adding a can of pure pumpkin puree to a robust, meaty chili might sound unconventional, but it’s an absolute game-changer. The pumpkin doesn’t introduce a sweet, cinnamon-spiced “pumpkin pie” flavor, but rather a smooth creaminess and a delicate hint of sweet nuttiness that beautifully complements the chili’s robust profile. It deepens the flavor without overpowering it, creating a richer, more complex broth and a velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.

Imagine your favorite classic chili: rich, meaty, packed with beans and tomatoes, and perfectly spiced. Now, infuse that with a subtle, earthy undertone and an incredibly smooth texture that clings to every ingredient. That’s precisely what this Pumpkin Chili delivers. It’s savory, hearty, and deeply comforting, with just a whisper of autumn. If you’re seeking a more pronounced pumpkin flavor, our cherished Pumpkin Soup recipe, which also utilizes canned pumpkin, is an excellent choice for a pure pumpkin experience. However, for a balanced, flavorful, and uniquely fall-inspired chili, you’ve found your perfect match.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Pumpkin Chili

Crafting the perfect Pumpkin Chili relies on a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and comforting texture that define this dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best:

• Olive Oil: Start with extra-virgin olive oil. Its rich, fruity notes provide an excellent base for sautéing and enhance the overall depth of the chili.
• Yellow Onion: A cornerstone of any good chili, yellow onions add a fundamental sweetness and aromatic depth. Select firm onions with smooth, dry skin for the best flavor and texture. Store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
• Ground Beef (or Turkey): For a hearty chili, lean ground beef (93/7) is an excellent choice, offering robust flavor without excessive grease. If you prefer a lighter option, lean ground turkey is a fantastic substitute; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even browning.
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated ingredient is a secret weapon, delivering intense tomato flavor and a rich umami punch without adding excess liquid, which helps maintain the chili’s desired consistency.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation that is essential for chili. For convenience and time-saving, good quality jarred minced garlic can also be used.
• Chili Powder and Spices: The heart of chili lies in its spices. A blend of chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder creates a complex, warming flavor profile. Always check the freshness of your spices; stale spices lose their potency. For a milder chili, you can start with less chili powder and adjust to taste, but remember it also contributes significantly to the overall flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient! Crucially, use canned 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), which would alter the savory profile we’re aiming for. Pure pumpkin adds creaminess, body, and that characteristic subtle, earthy sweetness.
• Black Beans: These add protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture to the chili. Be sure to drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly before adding them to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor.
• Chili Beans: Often found near other canned beans, chili beans come in a flavorful sauce that should be included (undrained) for maximum taste. If chili beans are unavailable, well-drained and rinsed pinto or ranch beans make excellent alternatives.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The quality of your crushed tomatoes can significantly impact the final taste of your chili. Opt for premium brands like Cento Marzano®, Carmelina Marzano Italian®, or Muir Glen®. These brands typically offer sweeter, less acidic tomatoes with a superior texture, contributing to a richer, more authentic chili base.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds liquid and enhances the savory flavors of the chili. While water can be used in a pinch, broth will provide a much more flavorful result.
• Fresh Cilantro (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped cilantro at the end provides a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant freshness.

Crafting Your Cozy Bowl: How to Make Pumpkin Chili

Making this pumpkin chili is a straightforward process, yielding incredibly delicious results. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect pot every time:

1. Building the Flavor Base: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, ideally a cast-iron pot, over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften and become fragrant. The aroma filling your kitchen is the first hint of the deliciousness to come!
2. Browning the Meat: Push the softened onions to the edges of the pot. Increase the heat to high and carefully place the ground beef (or turkey) in the center. Allow it to sear undisturbed for about 1 minute per side to develop a rich, flavorful crust. Then, break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula and continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, or until it’s fully browned. Stir in the onions with the meat as it cooks. If there’s a significant amount of excess grease, carefully drain it off to keep the chili lighter.
3. Blooming the Spices: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, beef bouillon powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pot. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This crucial step, known as “blooming” the spices, toasts them in the hot oil, intensifying their aromas and flavors before liquids are added. The kitchen will now smell absolutely incredible!
4. Bringing It All Together: Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it’s well combined with the meat and spice mixture. Next, add the star of the show – the 100% pure pumpkin puree – along with the crushed tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, and the undrained chili beans. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly rich and harmonious dish. During this time, the pumpkin will fully integrate, adding its signature creaminess.
6. Final Touches: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a touch more chili powder for extra kick. If you’re using fresh cilantro, stir it in just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm, aromatic pumpkin chili into bowls. Now comes the fun part – adding your favorite toppings!

The Art of Toppings: Elevate Your Pumpkin Chili Experience

No bowl of chili is truly complete without a generous array of toppings! They are the crowning glory, adding bursts of contrasting flavors, exciting textures, and visual appeal. For this Pumpkin Chili, toppings not only enhance the taste but also help balance any spice and introduce delightful creaminess or crunch. Consider setting up a “chili bar” to let everyone customize their perfect bowl!

• Tortilla Chips: Whether crushed on top for a delightful crunch, used for dipping, or served alongside for scooping, tortilla chips add a savory, salty element that’s simply irresistible.
• Avocado: Diced ripe avocado provides a luscious, buttery creaminess that beautifully contrasts the chili’s warmth and spice. Its mild flavor offers a refreshing counterpoint.
• Cheese: Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese is our top recommendation. Its tangy richness melts into the hot chili, creating gooey pockets of pure comfort and a wonderful savory boost. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend are also excellent choices.
• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative) is a classic chili topping for a reason. It provides a refreshing tang and helps temper any heat, making each spoonful incredibly smooth.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous, and fresh note that lightens the rich flavors of the chili and provides a pop of color.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over your bowl introduces a zesty acidity that brightens and enhances all the flavors in the chili, preventing it from feeling too heavy. It’s a surprisingly impactful addition!
• Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños offer a vibrant, spicy kick.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and a slight crunch, adding another layer of texture and taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chili

Achieving chili perfection is easy with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you tailor your Pumpkin Chili to your exact preferences and ensure it’s delicious every time:

• Adjusting Heat Levels: Your chili, your spice! To increase the heat, consider adding a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper during the onion sauté, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. For a milder, kid-friendly option, simply use less chili powder, or choose a mild variety. Just remember that reducing chili powder too much can also diminish the overall depth of flavor, so balance is key. The cooling effect of toppings like sour cream and avocado can also help tame the heat.
• Checking Spice Freshness: Stale spices can dull the flavor of your chili. To quickly check if your spices are fresh, rub a small pinch between your fingers. If you don’t detect a strong, characteristic aroma, it’s probably time to replace them for optimal flavor.
• Meat or Vegetarian Option: Our recipe features lean ground beef or turkey for a hearty meal. However, this chili is wonderfully adaptable for vegetarians! Simply omit the meat and replace it with 1-2 additional cans of beans (such as kidney beans, cannellini beans, or another can of black beans) or your favorite plant-based ground substitute. You may also consider adding a bell pepper or zucchini for extra texture and nutrients.
• Achieving Perfect Consistency: Chili consistency is a matter of personal preference. If your chili turns out too thick for your liking, gradually add more chicken broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired texture. If it’s too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a longer period, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and the chili to thicken.
• Using Fresh Pumpkin Puree: While canned 100% pure pumpkin puree is incredibly convenient, using fresh pumpkin puree can take your chili to another level. Choose a sugar or pie pumpkin (not a carving pumpkin), roast it until tender, then scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth. This adds an even fresher, earthier flavor.
• Make It a Toppings Bar: To make mealtime extra fun and interactive, especially when serving guests, set up a dedicated toppings bar! Arrange small bowls of various cheeses, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips. This allows everyone to personalize their bowl and makes for a festive presentation.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Pumpkin Chili brings cozy fall vibes to classic chili with a meaty base and a hint of pumpkin that elevates the flavor. It’s autumn comfort in a bowl!

By Chelsea Lords

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

• Large cast-iron pot

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-1/2 cups yellow onion (1 large, finely diced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey, 93/7
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons chili powder (see Note 1)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans, undrained (see Note 2)
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (see Note 3)
• 1 cup chicken broth (use up to 1 cup additional if needed for thinner consistency)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• Serving suggestions (see Note 4)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron pot over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Push onions to the edges of the pot, increase heat to high, and place ground beef (or turkey) in the center. Sear beef for about 1 minute per side to brown, then break it apart and cook for 5 minutes or until fully browned, stirring in the onions. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add minced garlic, all listed spices (chili powder, ground cumin, beef bouillon powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
3. Stir in the 100% pure pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, and undrained chili beans. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (add more later if a thinner chili consistency is preferred). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. If using, stir in the finely chopped cilantro just before serving.
5. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Top generously with your favorite additions like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, crushed tortilla chips, or cornbread. Enjoy your comforting autumn meal!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chili Powder Heat: Chili powders can vary significantly in their heat level. We typically use McCormick® chili powder, which tends to be on the milder side. If you’re concerned about the spiciness, start with 1 tablespoon of chili powder and gradually add more to taste. Remember that many cooling toppings like sour cream, cheese, and avocado will naturally temper the heat of the chili. To increase the spice, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Note 2: Chili Beans: You’ll usually find chili beans alongside other canned beans in your local grocery store. It’s important not to drain or rinse these beans, as the flavorful sauce they come in is integral to the chili’s taste. If you can’t locate chili beans, undrained ranch beans or drained and rinsed pinto beans are suitable substitutes.

Note 3: Quality Crushed Tomatoes: The quality of your crushed tomatoes makes a noticeable difference. Brands such as Cento Marzano®, Carmelina Marzano Italian®, or Muir Glen® are highly recommended. These premium brands offer a sweeter, richer flavor and a better texture that contributes significantly to the overall depth and consistency of the chili.

Note 4: Don’t Skip the Toppings!: Toppings are essential for enhancing the flavor and experience of this Pumpkin Chili! They add delightful contrasts in texture and flavor, and also help to balance the chili’s warmth. Our absolute “must-haves” include crispy tortilla chips, tangy sharp Cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, and creamy diced avocado.

Storage: Allowing Pumpkin Chili to rest for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator significantly enhances its flavors as the ingredients meld. If made ahead, gently warm it over low heat, covered, before serving. Chili freezes wonderfully! Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with a date label for an easy, pre-made meal on busy evenings. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 751mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6302IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this cozy recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts or favorite toppings!