Warm & Spicy Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Cozy Evenings

When autumn whispers its cozy pumpkin chili secrets, comfort hugs you like a warm blanket.

Crisp breezes and falling leaves inspire hearty meals that speak to the soul.

Cool evenings call for robust flavors that dance between sweet and spicy.

Seasonal ingredients mingle in this unexpected twist on classic chili, creating a dish that surprises and delights.

Robust spices complement the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, promising a meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Richness and depth emerge from each carefully blended ingredient, turning an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

Pumpkin Chili That Feels Like Fall In A Bowl

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this hearty pumpkin chili in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious and comforting dinner.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with protein from beef and beans, plus vitamin-rich pumpkin, this chili delivers a nutritional punch that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize with toppings like sour cream, cheese, or cilantro to suit different tastes, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Seasonal Comfort Food: Embrace fall flavors with this unique twist on classic chili, bringing warmth and cozy vibes to your dinner table on chilly evenings.

What Builds A Bowl Of Pumpkin Chili

• Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing and adding rich flavor to the base of the chili.

• Onion, Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor, texture, and classic chili base with natural sweetness and aromatic qualities.
• Pumpkin (Diced and Puree): Adds autumn-like sweetness, creamy texture, and nutritional boost with smooth vegetable character.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein source that creates substantial and satisfying chili.
• Kidney Beans, White Beans: Classic chili beans offering protein, fiber, and textural contrast.

• Beef Stock: Adds rich meaty flavor and helps create consistent chili texture.
• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.

• Chipotle Chili Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Dried Oregano: Complex spice blend creating deep, smoky, and warm flavor profile.
• White Granulated Sugar: Balances acidity and enhances overall flavor.
• Coarse Sea Salt, Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing and rounding out flavors.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe Steps

Step 1: Kickstart the Vegetable Symphony

Grab a large pot and warm up some oil over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Let these veggies dance and soften, releasing their aromatic magic.

Step 2: Beef Up the Flavor

Introduce ground beef to the party, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Brown the meat thoroughly, allowing it to develop a rich, deep color and intense flavor.

Step 3: Welcome Autumn’s Harvest

• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh pumpkin
• Beef stock

Let these ingredients mingle and start to create a harmonious base, watching the pumpkin soften and release its subtle sweetness.

Step 4: Build a Robust Tomato Foundation

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Smooth pumpkin puree

Stir everything together, creating a velvety, complex texture.

Step 5: Spice Up the Celebration

• Drained beans
• Chipotle chili powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Sugar
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Let the Magic Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the chili gently bubble.

Allow 30-40 minutes for flavors to marry and the texture to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Final Flavor Finesse

Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfect balance of spices and depth.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting embrace of this unique chili.

Pumpkin Chili – Flavorful Tips

• Add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots to increase nutritional value and add more depth to the chili's flavor profile.
• Adjust chipotle chili powder quantity to control spiciness, making it milder for kids or spicier for heat lovers.
• Use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to maintain a savory flavor and avoid unwanted sweetness.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Pumpkin Chili Reheats Nicely When Stored This Way

• Store leftover pumpkin chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer chili to a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef stock if the chili seems too thick.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated. Check temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.

Best Sides for Pumpkin Chili

• Complement Creamy Comfort: Pair this hearty pumpkin chili with a crisp, hoppy IPA beer that cuts through the rich flavors and balances the spiciness.
• Elevate with Freshness: Top the chili with cool, tangy sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro to add brightness and contrast to the warm, robust dish.
• Serve with Crunch: Accompany the chili with warm, buttery cornbread or crispy tortilla chips to provide a satisfying textural element and soak up the delicious sauce.
• Enhance with Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah, whose bold fruit notes and subtle spice complement the chili's complex flavor profile.

Chili Mac Swaps

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a hearty meatless version.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Chili: Swap beans for low-carb vegetables like zucchini, swap sugar with erythritol, and increase ground beef ratio to boost fat content.
• Slow Cooker Version: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables and beef, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, increase chipotle powder, and top with jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and southwestern flair.

FAQs

• Why does this recipe use pumpkin?

Pumpkin adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the chili while boosting nutritional value with extra vitamins and fiber.

• Is this chili spicy?

The chipotle chili powder gives a mild heat, but you can adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing the amount of powder used.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional beans like black beans or kidney beans to maintain protein content.

• What makes this chili different from traditional recipes?

The addition of pumpkin creates a unique flavor profile and richer, smoother texture compared to classic beef chili recipes.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pumpkin Chili brings autumn’s warmth to your dinner table with rich, spicy flavors that dance between comfort and excitement. Robust beans, tender ground beef, and smooth pumpkin puree create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs ground beef

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 12 oz diced pumpkin
• 1 large onion
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 oz garlic (4–6 cloves)

Liquid and Canned Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef stock
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 3 oz tomato paste
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained
• 15 oz can white beans, drained

Oils and Seasonings:

• 2–3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1–2 teaspoons coarse sea or kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a spacious cooking vessel, warm the oil over moderate flame, introducing diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce ground beef to the aromatic vegetable mixture, methodically crumbling the meat while ensuring complete browning and thorough cooking.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, freshly prepared pumpkin, and rich beef stock, allowing the ingredients to meld and the pumpkin to soften and release its subtle flavors.
4. Integrate tomato sauce, concentrated tomato paste, and smooth pumpkin puree, stirring comprehensively to create a harmonious base for the chili.
5. Incorporate thoroughly rinsed beans, complementing them with a dynamic blend of spices including smoky chipotle chili powder, warm paprika, robust garlic powder, earthy cumin, subtle sugar, aromatic oregano, and essential salt and pepper.
6. Reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, allowing the chili to gradually thicken and develop complex, intertwined flavors over approximately 35-45 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
7. Conduct a final taste assessment, making nuanced seasoning adjustments to elevate the overall flavor profile before presenting the hearty, autumn-inspired dish.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle chili powder for mild or spicy preferences.
• Select lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for healthier protein option.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during sautéing stage.
• Use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin for consistent texture and easier preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg