Cozy Fall Pumpkin Chili Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Autumn

Warming autumn days call for a hearty pumpkin chili that blends unexpected flavors into a comforting meal.

Creamy pumpkin puree adds a silky texture to this classic dish.

Spices dance together, creating a complex profile that surprises and delights.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of robust beans and tender meat.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this creative recipe that breaks traditional chili boundaries.

Aromas of cumin and chili powder will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.

Let’s make something extraordinary that celebrates fall’s rich culinary traditions.

What Makes Pumpkin Chili A Seasonal Favorite

• Craft Bold Flavors: Blend aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to create a robust, deeply satisfying taste profile that elevates traditional chili.
• Master One-Pot Comfort: Prepare a hearty meal using just a single large pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with optional add-ins like corn, beer, or dark chocolate to personalize the recipe and surprise your taste buds with unique flavor dimensions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or hosting casual gatherings, this versatile chili adapts to different preferences with various topping options.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Meat: A hearty protein option that adds richness and depth to the chili.
• Zucchini, Carrot: Vegetarian alternatives that provide texture and nutrition.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: A flavor-building base that creates a robust foundation for the chili.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon: Spices that add warmth, complexity, and a hint of smokiness to the dish.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the chili.
• Beans: Provide additional protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and moisture to the chili.
• Broth: Creates the perfect consistency and enhances overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.

• Sour Cream, Cheese, Cilantro, Jalapenos, Avocado: Customizable garnishes that add extra flavor, creaminess, and freshness.

How To Make Pumpkin Chili Stepwise

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot, creating a sizzling base for your culinary adventure.

• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful aromas.

Step 2: Introduce the Protein

If using ground meat, add it to the pot and cook until it’s beautifully browned. For a plant-based twist, toss in zucchini and carrot, cooking until they’re just tender.

Step 3: Unleash the Spice Symphony

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cinnamon

Stir and cook for a minute, awakening the deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Pumpkin puree
• Beans
• Diced tomatoes (with juice)
• Broth

Stir everything together, creating a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Allow the flavors to meld and intensify for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Fine-Tune the Taste

Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal flavor preference.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Avocado

Enjoy your comforting, autumn-inspired meal!

Tips For Perfect Pumpkin Chili Every Time

• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or tempeh for a vegan-friendly protein boost.
• Enhance the chili's depth by roasting bell peppers and onions before adding them to the pot for a smoky flavor profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne pepper gradually to suit individual heat preferences.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.

Flavorful Pumpkin Chili Variations To Try

• Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground meat with chorizo sausage, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for extra heat, and garnish with pepper jack cheese.
• Harvest Vegetable Pumpkin Chili: Include roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and kale for a hearty vegetarian version with autumn-inspired flavors.
• Mediterranean Pumpkin Chili: Incorporate lamb instead of beef, add Mediterranean spices like oregano and coriander, top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint.
• Black Bean Pumpkin Quinoa Chili: Replace traditional beans with black beans, add cooked quinoa for protein, and include roasted corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions For Pumpkin Chili

• Create a cozy gathering with this pumpkin chili as the star. Serve in rustic ceramic bowls alongside warm cornbread. Arrange toppings in small decorative dishes for guests to customize their bowls.
• Pack this chili in a large thermos for outdoor sports events. Bring portable toppings in separate containers. Use disposable cups for easy serving and minimal cleanup during exciting game moments.
• Portion chili into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Store toppings separately to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for quick weeknight meals. Reheat and top with fresh ingredients for a delicious, stress-free meal solution.

Proper Storage Tips For Pumpkin Chili

• Store leftover pumpkin chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Move frozen chili to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Reheat thoroughly in a pot on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Warm chili over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Is pumpkin puree the same as canned pumpkin?

Pumpkin puree is pure cooked and mashed pumpkin without added spices or sugar, while canned pumpkin pie filling contains sweeteners and spices. For this chili recipe, use plain pumpkin puree.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! You can substitute the beans with kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans based on your preference. Each type will add a slightly different texture and flavor to the chili.

• How can I make this chili spicier?

Add more chili powder, include diced jalapeños during cooking, or sprinkle red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chili brings autumn comfort to your dinner table, blending rich spices with seasonal warmth. Robust flavors and comforting textures invite you to savor this delightful Mexican-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) or additional vegetables for vegetarian version
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
• 2 15-oz cans beans (kidney, black beans, or mix), drained and rinsed
• 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (16 fl oz) vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Optional toppings:
• sour cream
• shredded cheese
• chopped cilantro
• sliced jalapenos
• avocado

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. If using meat, add ground protein and cook until completely browned; for vegetarian option, incorporate diced zucchini and grated carrot, cooking until slightly softened.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon into the pot, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to activate and intensify the spice aromatics.
4. Pour in smooth pumpkin puree, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, and vegetable broth, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.
5. Increase heat to high, allowing mixture to reach a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, creating a gentle simmer for 25-35 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
7. Ladle steaming chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like tangy sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or creamy diced avocado.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a fully vegetarian and protein-packed chili that keeps the hearty texture.
• Roast bell peppers beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add deeper, smokier undertones to the overall dish.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a more vibrant, authentic flavor and better control of moisture levels in the chili.
• Try different bean varieties like black, kidney, or pinto to create unique flavor profiles and boost nutritional diversity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg