Warm & Cozy Hearty Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Autumn Nights

Autumn’s crisp breeze calls for a warm, hearty pumpkin chili that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning hungry souls to gather around.

Bold spices mingle with rich, velvety pumpkin, creating a robust meal that defies traditional chili expectations.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, offering a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Cozy sweaters and this soul-warming dish go hand in hand, making chilly evenings feel magical.

Nutritious and satisfying, each bite tells a story of culinary creativity.

You’ll want to ladle this delightful chili into bowls and watch smiles spread across faces.

Why Hearty Pumpkin Chili Stands Out in Flavor

• Elevate your fall dining with this hearty pumpkin chili that brings warmth and cozy flavors to your table.
• Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, plus the nutrient-rich pumpkin puree, this recipe delivers a wholesome meal in one pot.
• Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro to make the dish uniquely yours and keep everyone satisfied.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps mean you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients That Go Into Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the hearty chili.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds creamy texture and autumn flavor.
• Kidney Beans: Provides protein and hearty texture.
• Black Beans: Adds additional protein and depth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Creates the chili's liquid foundation.

• Onions: Builds foundational flavor profile.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste complexity.

• Beef Broth: Supports liquid consistency and deepens flavor.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Creates warm, complex spice blend.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances overall seasoning.

Cooking Instructions for Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a hefty pot and toss in ground beef over medium heat.

Let the meat sizzle and turn golden brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Once cooked, drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Tumble chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot.

Let them dance and soften until the onions become translucent and send out mouthwatering scents through your kitchen.

Step 3: Introduce the Flavor Makers

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Pumpkin puree
• Diced tomatoes

Stir everything together so each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

Step 4: Pour and Season

Pour beef broth into the pot and mix thoroughly.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the spices are evenly distributed and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat.

Let it bubble gently for 30-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Perfect Your Chili

Taste and adjust seasonings.

If the chili seems too thick, splash in more broth.

If it’s too runny, let it simmer uncovered to thicken up.

Your goal is a rich, hearty consistency that’ll warm everyone’s soul.

Expert Tips to Master Pumpkin Chili at Home

• Brown the ground beef until it develops a deep, caramelized crust for richer taste and more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust spice levels gradually, tasting as you go to create a perfectly balanced chili without overwhelming heat.
• Use pure pumpkin puree for smooth consistency; avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
• Replace kidney beans with diced zucchini or cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining hearty texture.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for maximum deliciousness.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Chili for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Frozen chili maintains its robust flavor and hearty texture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

What to Pair with a Bowl of Pumpkin Chili

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that matches the hearty, spiced flavors of the pumpkin chili, enhancing its rich and complex taste profile.
• Complement with Cornbread Delight: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the chili to balance its savory notes and provide a perfect textural contrast with its soft, crumbly consistency.
• Refresh with Crisp Apple Cider: Pour a chilled, slightly tangy apple cider that cuts through the chili's richness while echoing the subtle pumpkin undertones in the dish.
• Top with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle aged, sharp cheddar cheese over the chili to add a creamy, tangy element that intensifies the overall flavor complexity and provides a delightful melting texture.

Pumpkin Chili Variations to Keep Things Fresh

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check canned tomatoes and beans for any hidden gluten-containing additives. Serve with gluten-free cornbread or rice.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown meat and sauté onions first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, and top with fresh jalapeños for extra heat. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.

FAQs

• Why use pumpkin in chili?

Pumpkin adds rich, creamy texture and boosts nutritional value with extra fiber, vitamins A and C, and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the spicy chili ingredients.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or add extra beans like lentils or chickpeas to maintain protein content.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe has moderate spice from chili powder and cumin. You can easily adjust heat by reducing spices or adding more if you prefer a bolder flavor profile.

• What makes this chili different from traditional recipes?

The addition of pumpkin puree creates a unique, creamy texture and introduces a seasonal twist to classic chili, making it more nutritious and flavorful.

Hearty Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm comfort meets seasonal spice in this hearty Pumpkin Chili, blending robust flavors with creamy pumpkin richness. Protein-packed beans and tender ground meat create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly autumn evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef (or 454 grams ground turkey for a leaner option)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans (drained and rinsed)

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth

Spices:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, discarding any accumulated fat.
2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate kidney beans, black beans, pumpkin puree, and diced tomatoes, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Stream beef broth into the mixture, ensuring thorough integration of all components.
5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper across the surface, then gently fold to create a uniform blend.
6. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld for 35-40 minutes while occasionally stirring.
7. Evaluate seasoning profile, adjusting with additional spices if needed. Modulate liquid consistency by incorporating extra broth for a thinner texture or extending simmering time for a more concentrated result.
8. After reaching desired thickness and flavor intensity, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a cleaner, healthier chili base.
• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles in the dish.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg