There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bowl of chili that warms you from the inside out, especially when it’s packed with a delightful twist—like this Pumpkin Chili Recipe. It's not just hearty and comforting but brings in a subtle sweet earthiness that you might not expect, making it a real standout dish for chilly days.

A white bowl filled with thick chili made of beans and meat in a rich red-brown sauce, topped with melted bright yellow cheddar cheese and scattered green onion pieces. Two large triangular yellow corn chips are standing upright in the chili. A black spoon is partially dipped in the chili on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with several corn chips scattered around it. There is a wooden bowl of shredded cheddar cheese and a wooden bowl of chopped green onions visible in the top right corner. A white cloth with black stripes is placed under the bowl at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Pumpkin Chili Recipe—it was a cool fall evening, and the pumpkin added such a lovely depth and richness to the chili that everyone kept going back for seconds. It’s a cozy, satisfying bowl that feels both familiar and a little unexpected.

Perfect blend of flavors: The pumpkin adds subtle sweetness and creaminess that balances the spicy and savory elements beautifully.
Easy to make: Minimal fuss with simple ingredients, yet the taste feels gourmet and indulgent.
Nutritious comfort food: With wholesome ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and pumpkin, it’s hearty but nourishing.
Great for batch cooking: It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

A large white pot with red handles is filled with thick, rich chili, showing beans and pieces of meat in a deep reddish-brown sauce, with a gray spatula with a wooden handle resting inside. Around the pot, there are yellow tortilla chips scattered on a white marbled surface, along with two small white bowls filled with shredded yellow cheese and chopped green onions. A striped cloth is placed underneath the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Chili Recipe plays an important role, combining to build layers of flavor and texture that make it extra special. Using pantry staples makes shopping a breeze, and each component brings something unique to the pot.

Flat lay of two peeled garlic cloves, one whole yellow onion with natural skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, raw ground beef portioned in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny dark red kidney beans, another small white ceramic bowl with glossy black beans, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright red petite diced tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth orange pumpkin purée, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, and five small white ceramic bowls each with chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth; fresh is best for that punch of savory goodness.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet base when sautéed, balancing savory and sweet notes.
Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
Ground Beef: The hearty protein that makes this chili filling and comforting.
Kidney Beans: Offer a classic chili texture and help soak up the flavors.
Black Beans: Their creaminess contrasts nicely with the kidney beans and beef.
Petite Diced Tomatoes: Bring acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
Pumpkin Purée: The star ingredient—adds creaminess and a gentle sweetness without overpowering.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that deepens the tomato presence.
Water: Adjusts consistency and helps bring all the ingredients together.
Chili Powder: The foundation of heat and flavor that ties the chili spices together.
Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky notes, enhancing that "cooked over fire" flavor.
Ground Cumin: Earthy warmth that’s essential in any good chili.
Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor subtly without overpowering.
Onion Powder: Enhances the savory depth of the sautéed onion.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A bit of heat and bite for balance.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors and seasoning perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Pumpkin Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to experiment with the spice level or swap beef for turkey when I want it lighter. Don’t hesitate to make this chili your own—you’ll find it forgiving and adaptable.

Variation: I once added diced sweet potatoes for a chunkier texture and a little extra natural sweetness—it was a hit with my family!
Vegetarian twist: Replace the ground beef with extra beans or lentils for an equally satisfying meatless meal.
Spicier version: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if you like things with a kick.
Seasonal spin: Swap canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin purée when in season for an even fresher taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by mincing the garlic and dicing the onion. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the garlic and onion. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent—I always keep an eye so they don’t brown, which can change the flavor for this dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until it’s fully browned with no pink left, roughly 7–8 minutes. This step builds the savory base, so take your time and don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Pumpkin

Drain the kidney and black beans well, then toss them into the pot along with the diced tomatoes (juice and all), pumpkin purée, and tomato paste. This combo is what makes this chili truly unique and satisfying.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Add the water and all the spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and bring the chili to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 30 minutes, stirring every so often to keep the flavors marrying beautifully.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste your chili. If it needs a bit more salt or a touch more spice, go ahead and tweak it just how you like. This is your moment to perfect the balance.

Top Tip

Having made this Pumpkin Chili Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few things that make a big difference in the final dish. These tips helped me get consistent, delicious results, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Brown the beef thoroughly: Don’t rush this step; well-browned meat adds rich flavor and better texture.
Don’t skip stirring during simmer: It prevents sticking on the bottom and helps develop a harmonious flavor.
Use canned pumpkin purée, not pie filling: It keeps the savory balance just right without added spices or sugar.
Adjust spices gradually: You can always add more, but it’s tough to fix if it gets too spicy.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping my pumpkin chili with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and some chopped green onions for freshness. A handful of crunchy corn chips on the side adds a fun texture contrast that my kids especially enjoy.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve it with a simple green salad or some baked cornbread. Both complement the chili perfectly without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, try serving the chili in mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls—that wow factor always gets compliments. It makes mealtime feel festive and cozy, especially during the fall.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Chili freezes really well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight for a quick, comforting meal later on.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer gently warming it on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often. This method keeps the texture consistent and brings out the fresh flavors without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

It’s best to use canned pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling because pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can overpower the savory flavors of the chili. Pumpkin purée provides a natural, mild sweetness and creamy texture perfect for this recipe.

Is this Pumpkin Chili Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding extra beans or lentils for protein. The pumpkin and spices ensure it remains flavorful and satisfying without meat.

How spicy is this chili?

This chili is mildly spiced with warming flavors from chili powder and smoked paprika, but it isn’t extremely hot. You can control the heat by adjusting the chili powder or adding jalapeños if you want a spicier version.

What are good toppings for Pumpkin Chili Recipe?

Toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and crunchy corn chips are some of my favorite ways to add creaminess, freshness, and texture. Feel free to customize with avocado slices, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Chili Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s simple, hearty, and a little surprising in the best way. Sharing it feels like sharing a little warmth and comfort. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how pumpkin can take chili to a whole new delicious level!