Warm up with this pumpkin chili recipe—a hearty blend of ground beef, pumpkin puree, beans, and bold spices that brings fall’s essence to your bowl. Ready in 40 minutes, this pumpkin chili recipe transforms canned pumpkin into a creamy, subtly sweet base that thickens the classic chili without overpowering it. It’s cozy, customizable, and packed with autumn vibes, ideal for game days or chilly evenings. Serve with cornbread for the ultimate pumpkin chili recipe comfort. For more seasonal eats, explore our Fall Recipes or Soup Recipes. Beef lovers? Check Beef Recipes. Quick comfort? See One-Pot Meals.
Table of Contents
What Is Pumpkin Chili?
A pumpkin chili recipe is a seasonal twist on traditional chili, incorporating pumpkin puree for creaminess and mild sweetness, simmered with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices like cumin and chili powder. This pumpkin chili recipe balances the earth’s pumpkin earthiness with savory beef and hearty kidney beans, creating a thicker, more velvety texture than standard versions. Originating from creative fall adaptations in American home cooking, the pumpkin chili recipe gained traction in the 2010s with harvest trends, blending squash’s natural thickener into one-pot ease.
In this pumpkin chili recipe, puree adds fiber and vitamins without diluting flavor—simmered low for melded tastes. It’s forgiving: vegetarian, spicy, or mild. The pumpkin chili recipe shines in slow cookers too, but stovetop keeps it quick. Nutritionally, pumpkin boosts vitamin A, pairing with beans’ protein for a nourishing pumpkin chili recipe bowl.
Why You’ll Love It
This pumpkin chili recipe delivers fall-forward comfort with simplicity. Here’s why the pumpkin chili recipe captivates:
- Seasonal Coziness: Pumpkin’s subtle sweetness warms the pumpkin chili recipe soulfully.
- One-Pot Wonder: 40 minutes, minimal cleanup—perfect for easy pumpkin chili recipe nights.
- Flavor Layers: Spices and veggies build depth in this versatile pumpkin chili recipe.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Tastes better next day; freezes for pumpkin chili recipe meal prep.
- Inclusive Tweaks: Vegan or gluten-free options keep pumpkin chili recipe for all.
The pumpkin chili recipe earns raves for its hearty, hug-like appeal.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: Prep 15 minutes; Cook 25 minutes; Total 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup/Stew
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American fall-inspired
Brown, simmer, serve—pumpkin chili recipe perfected.
Ingredients
Pantry heroes make this pumpkin chili recipe shine—use fresh spices for punch.
Pumpkin Chili Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20): Savory base for pumpkin chili recipe.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Aromatic start to pumpkin chili recipe.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Bold kick in pumpkin chili recipe.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red for color): Adds sweetness to pumpkin chili recipe.
- 15 oz can pumpkin puree: Creamy thickener for pumpkin chili recipe.
- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained: Hearty protein in pumpkin chili recipe.
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes: Juicy foundation for pumpkin chili recipe.
- 2 cups beef broth: Builds body in pumpkin chili recipe.
- 2 tbsp chili powder: Warm spice core of pumpkin chili recipe.
- 1 tbsp cumin: Earthy depth for pumpkin chili recipe.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoky note in pumpkin chili recipe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasons pumpkin chili recipe perfectly.
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced: Heat boost for pumpkin chili recipe.
Yields filling bowls in pumpkin chili recipe.
Quick Garnish
- Sour cream: Cools pumpkin chili recipe spice.
- Cheddar shreds: Melty top for pumpkin chili recipe.
- Green onions: Fresh crunch on pumpkin chili recipe.
Pro tip: Roast puree 10 minutes for deeper pumpkin chili recipe flavor.
Instructions
Detailed guide for irresistible pumpkin chili recipe.
Step 1: Brown the Base
Heat large pot over medium-high; add beef, breaking up as it cooks 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain fat if needed—this builds rich pumpkin chili recipe foundation.
Add onion, garlic, bell pepper (and jalapeño if using); sauté 4 minutes until softened. Aromatics bloom for layered pumpkin chili recipe taste.
Step 2: Add Spices and Veggies
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper—cook 1 minute to toast spices, releasing oils for fragrant pumpkin chili recipe.
Pour in tomatoes, broth, pumpkin puree, and beans. Stir well; bring to simmer. This melds the creamy pumpkin chili recipe elements.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce to low; cover and simmer pumpkin chili recipe 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover last 5 for slight reduction—achieves thick, glossy pumpkin chili recipe.
Taste; adjust spices—pumpkin chili recipe should balance sweet-savory.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle pumpkin chili recipe into bowls; top with garnishes. Pair cornbread for sopping pumpkin chili recipe sauce.
Pro Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Enhance your pumpkin chili recipe effortlessly.
Essential Pro Tips
- Puree Quality: Unsweetened for true pumpkin chili recipe taste.
- Simmer Control: Low heat prevents splatters in pumpkin chili recipe.
- Thickening: Mash beans lightly for extra body in pumpkin chili recipe.
- Batch Size: Doubles easily—pumpkin chili recipe freezes great.
Variations for Pumpkin Chili Recipe
- Turkey Swap: Ground turkey lightens pumpkin chili recipe.
- Vegan Delight: Lentils and veggie broth for plant-based pumpkin chili recipe.
- Spicy Heat: Chipotle in adobo amps pumpkin chili recipe fire.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add zucchini or corn to pumpkin chili recipe.
- Slow Cooker: Low 6 hours for set-it pumpkin chili recipe.
Adapt pumpkin chili recipe seasonally.
Storage & Shelf Life
Keep pumpkin chili recipe lasting.
How Long in the Fridge?
Airtight up to 4 days—pumpkin chili recipe flavors deepen. Track with USDA FoodKeeper app.
Can You Freeze It?
Portion pumpkin chili recipe in bags 3 months. Thaw fridge, reheat gently.
Signs It’s Gone Bad
Sour smell or separation—toss pumpkin chili recipe. Per FDA guidelines.
Reheating
Stovetop medium to 165°F—stir for even pumpkin chili recipe warmth.
Nutrition
Per Serving:
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~25g
Carbs: ~30g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~8g
Pumpkin adds vitamin A to pumpkin chili recipe. Follow MyPlate.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Loved pumpkin chili recipe? Rate, share mods! Tag @masterlyrecipes. More in Fall Recipes and Soup Recipes.
Conclusion
Pumpkin chili recipe warms with creamy pumpkin, bold beef, and spiced depth—a 40-minute fall essential that’s hearty and heartwarming. Easy to tweak, this pumpkin chili recipe fits any table. Simmer pumpkin chili recipe soon; top with cheese for heaven.
FAQs
What’s unique about pumpkin chili recipe?
Pumpkin’s creaminess thickens—pumpkin chili recipe elevates classic with fall flair.
Can pumpkin chili recipe be vegetarian?
Yes, skip beef, add more beans—pumpkin chili recipe stays hearty.
Slow cooker pumpkin chili recipe?
Dump ingredients, low 6 hours—effortless pumpkin chili recipe.
How spicy is pumpkin chili recipe?
Mild; jalapeños customize pumpkin chili recipe heat.
Best beans for pumpkin chili recipe?
Kidney or black—pumpkin chili recipe loves their texture.
Is pumpkin chili recipe healthy?
Veggie-packed protein—pumpkin chili recipe nourishes.
Fresh vs. canned pumpkin in chili recipe?
Canned for ease; roast fresh for richer pumpkin chili recipe.
How long does pumpkin chili recipe last?
Fridge 4 days—USDA FoodKeeper for pumpkin chili recipe.
Add veggies to pumpkin chili recipe?
Yes, peppers or squash boost pumpkin chili recipe.
Serve pumpkin chili recipe how?
Over rice or with chips—pumpkin chili recipe soaks up well.