Description
This **Pumpkin Chili Recipe** is hearty, savory, and full of fall flavor. Made with pumpkin puree, ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, it’s the perfect cozy dinner for chilly nights. Flexible enough for a vegetarian quinoa variation or even a bold chorizo pumpkin chili, this dish is nourishing, freezer-friendly, and ideal for meal prep or festive gatherings. Serve in a hollowed pumpkin for a stunning seasonal centerpiece!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or chorizo)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 oz each) beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed
- 2–3 cups broth or water, as needed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: bell peppers, corn, or 1 cup quinoa + 2 cups broth for vegetarian option
- Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, Greek yogurt, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes.
- Brown the meat: Add ground beef (or turkey/chorizo) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add main ingredients: Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and spices. Add 1–2 cups broth to loosen.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed.
- Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with toppings of choice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add quinoa or lentils.
- For spicy chili, use chorizo, chipotle in adobo, or cayenne.
- Serving idea: Hollow out a sugar pumpkin, roast it, and use as a festive serving bowl.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep.
- Toppings like avocado, yogurt, cheese, or chips add texture and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soups & Stews, Fall Recipes
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Chili, Savory Pumpkin Recipes, Fall Dinner, Pumpkin Quinoa Chili, Chorizo Pumpkin Chili