Description
This Pumpkin Chili recipe is a warm, nourishing, and flavorful one-pot meal. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess that balances the spices, making it a perfect seasonal favorite. It’s easily customizable whether you prefer it vegetarian or with ground meat.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey, beef, or plant-based protein
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, beef, or plant-based protein and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, corn (if using), and broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and stir in lime juice for brightness, if desired.
- Serve warm, topped with cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- Use fresh roasted pumpkin instead of canned puree for a richer flavor.
- To make it vegetarian or vegan, skip the meat and use extra beans or lentils.
- For extra heat, add chipotle peppers or cayenne.
- Pumpkin chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Serve with tortilla chips, avocado, or shredded cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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