Go Back

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Warm, hearty, and packed with seasonal ingredients, this Pumpkin Chili Recipe brings together tender vegetables, beans, pumpkin purée, and bold spices in one comforting pot. It's an easy meal that works equally well for busy weeknights, meal prep, game day, or cozy fall dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 342

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups pumpkin purée
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can Opener
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened before stirring in the garlic for another minute.
    Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook briefly until the spices become fragrant, then stir in the pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn.
    Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin
  3. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the chili thickens.
    Bring the chili to a gentle simmer,
  4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If you'd like a thinner consistency, stir in a little extra vegetable broth before serving.
    Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper
  5. Ladle the chili into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, pumpkin seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
    Ladle the chili into bowls and finish

Notes

  • Pumpkin purée creates a naturally creamy texture without adding dairy.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the chili from sticking.
  • Adjust the chili powder to make it milder or spicier.
  • The flavor becomes even richer after resting for a few hours.
  • Garnish just before serving for the freshest finish.