Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Chili Recipe: A Hearty Fall Delight

Autumn’s crisp air makes this hearty pumpkin chili a comforting companion for chilly evenings.

Warm spices dance through each spoonful, creating a melody of flavors that comfort and delight.

Bold ingredients mingle in a robust pot, promising depth and richness.

Seasonal produce adds unexpected character to this classic dish.

Fragrant cumin and smoky paprika weave magic into every bite.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional chili.

Scoop up a bowl and let the warmth embrace you completely.

What Makes Pumpkin Chili a Seasonal Treat

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with pumpkin's rich vitamins and beans' protein, this chili delivers a powerful nutritional punch for health-conscious food lovers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic chili warmth with unexpected pumpkin twist, creating a delightful meal that surprises and satisfies everyone at the table.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep and cooking steps, making it perfect for busy families seeking a hearty, delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible ingredient options like swapping meat or adjusting spice levels, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Chili

• Pumpkin: A seasonal vegetable that adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the chili.
• Ground Beef: The primary protein that provides a rich and hearty base for the dish.
• Kidney Beans, White Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and substance to the chili.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the chili.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Acidic components that create a rich and tangy sauce base.

• Chipotle Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Warming spices that provide complex and smoky flavor profiles.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the chili's taste.
• Sugar: A small amount to balance the acidity and round out the flavors.

• Beef Stock: A savory liquid that adds moisture and depth to the chili.
• Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and browning the meat.

How to Cook Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Awaken the Flavor Base

Heat oil in a spacious pot over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften until translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

• Chopped tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Diced red bell pepper

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become tender and release their aromatic essence.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color with delicious caramelized edges.

Step 4: Incorporate Autumn Harvest Elements

• Diced pumpkin
• Beef stock
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste

Allow the mixture to simmer and meld for 5 minutes, creating a robust base.

Step 5: Layer Complex Textures

• Pumpkin puree
• Kidney beans
• White beans

Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution and harmonious blending.

Step 6: Elevate with Spice Symphony

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

Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop deep, complex notes.

Step 7: Final Flavor Refinement

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as your palate desires.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of this autumnal dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Chili

• Toast spices like chipotle chili powder and cumin in the pot before adding liquids to intensify their rich, aromatic qualities.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of beef for a leaner protein option that maintains the chili's hearty texture.
• Let chili simmer uncovered to naturally reduce liquid and create a thicker, more concentrated consistency without added thickeners.
• Fold in extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking to boost nutritional value without compromising flavor.
• Make this chili a day in advance, as flavors deepen and develop more complexity when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations to Try with Pumpkin Chili

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Increase chipotle chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and include a dash of cayenne pepper to create a fiery, bold flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the beef and vegetables, then cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more developed flavors.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that still provides robust protein content.

Serving Pumpkin Chili Ideas

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve this hearty chili with thick slices of crusty sourdough or cornbread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
• Cheese and Green Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese on top, then garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a bright, zesty finish.
• Creamy Cool Down: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the chili's spicy warmth and create a creamy texture contrast.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the chili's richness and add freshness to the meal.

Best Ways to Store Pumpkin Chili

• Store leftover pumpkin chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is pumpkin chili healthy?

Pumpkin chili is nutritious, packed with protein from beans and beef, and loaded with vitamins from pumpkin and vegetables. It’s a balanced meal with low-calorie ingredients and high fiber content.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, tofu, or additional beans. Maintain the same spice and vegetable proportions for best flavor.

• How spicy is this pumpkin chili?

The chipotle chili powder adds mild heat, but you can adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount. For less heat, use regular chili powder or paprika.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chili blends Mexican-inspired flavors with autumn warmth, creating a comforting bowl packed with robust spices and seasonal goodness. Simmering with ground beef, beans, and a rich pumpkin base, this dish delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave during cooler months.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) diced pumpkin
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped

Proteins and Beans:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) can kidney beans, drained
• 15 ounces (425 grams) can white beans, drained
• 1 ounce (28 grams) garlic (4 – 6 cloves), minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 – 3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup beef stock
• 8 ounces (226 grams) tomato sauce
• 3 ounces (85 grams) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2.5 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 – 2 teaspoons coarse sea or kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they turn translucent and soft.
2. Incorporate chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper, allowing vegetables to become tender and release their aromatic essence for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef into the pot, carefully fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil and cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.
4. Blend diced pumpkin, robust beef stock, tangy tomato sauce, and concentrated tomato paste, simmering the mixture for 5 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
5. Fold in creamy pumpkin puree, hearty kidney beans, and delicate white beans, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
6. Enhance the chili with a complex spice blend: smoky chipotle chili powder, sweet paprika, robust garlic powder, earthy cumin, subtle sugar, fragrant oregano, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce heat and allow the chili to gently simmer for 20-30 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and the texture to thicken.
7. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to personal preference before presenting the aromatic and comforting dish.

Notes

• Boost the pumpkin flavor by roasting the diced pumpkin before adding to the chili for a deeper, caramelized taste.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Control the spice level by adjusting the chipotle chili powder; start with less and add more gradually to suit your heat preference.
• Enhance the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach without compromising the chili’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 401 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg