Pumpkin Chili

Hearty, cozy, and full of bold fall flavor

Simple Introduction

Pumpkin Chili is the ultimate expression of fall comfort food. It takes everything we love about classic chili—rich spices, hearty beans, savory sausage, and slow-simmered depth—and adds a seasonal twist that feels both familiar and exciting. The secret ingredient, creamy pumpkin purée, melts seamlessly into the broth, giving the chili a velvety texture and subtle natural sweetness that balances heat, smoke, and spice beautifully.

This isn’t a novelty recipe or a “pumpkin-for-the-sake-of-pumpkin” dish. Instead, Pumpkin Chili is deeply savory, satisfying, and cozy, with pumpkin acting as a quiet background note that enhances the overall flavor rather than dominating it. Paired with spicy Italian sausage, smoky chili powder, cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this dish delivers bold flavor while still feeling comforting and approachable.

Perfect for crisp autumn evenings, game days, Halloween parties, or easy weeknight dinners, Pumpkin Chili is a one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour. Serve it with cornbread, over rice, or topped with cheese, sour cream, and avocado for a meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Why Pumpkin Chili Deserves a Spot in Your Fall Rotation

Pumpkin Chili has earned its place as a seasonal staple for a reason. It’s versatile, nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe checks every box.

First, it offers a unique twist on traditional chili without straying too far from what people love. The pumpkin purée thickens the chili naturally, eliminating the need for excess simmering or added starches. It also adds nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making this chili feel both indulgent and wholesome.

Second, Pumpkin Chili is incredibly forgiving. You can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, change the beans, or even make it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor. It tastes amazing fresh, but like most chili recipes, it’s even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Finally, it’s a recipe that feels festive and seasonal without being complicated. Using pantry staples like canned beans, pumpkin purée, and tomatoes means you can whip this up anytime pumpkin cravings strike—no peeling, roasting, or special prep required.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American / Fall Comfort Food

• Servings: 6–8

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Ingredients Breakdown and Flavor Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you make the best possible Pumpkin Chili and confidently customize it to your taste.

Olive Oil

Used to start the chili and brown the sausage, olive oil adds richness and helps develop flavor in the base of the dish.

Spicy Italian Sausage

This provides the backbone of flavor. The fennel, garlic, and spices in Italian sausage pair exceptionally well with pumpkin. Spicy sausage adds heat, but mild works just as well if you prefer a gentler chili.

Onion and Red Bell Pepper

These vegetables create a sweet, aromatic base. As they soften, they release natural sugars that balance the spices and acidity of the tomatoes.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds depth and warmth, enhancing the savory notes without overpowering the dish.

Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Cinnamon, Salt, and Pepper)

• Cumin: Earthy and warm, essential for chili flavor

• Chili Powder: Smoky and bold, providing classic chili character

• Cinnamon: Used sparingly, it enhances the pumpkin and adds subtle warmth

• Salt & Pepper: Balance and sharpen all flavors

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

These add acidity and a smoky undertone that complements the pumpkin and sausage perfectly.

Kidney Beans and Black Beans

Using two types of beans adds texture and visual appeal. Kidney beans are hearty, while black beans are creamy and mild.

Pumpkin Purée

The star ingredient. Pumpkin purée thickens the chili and adds body, color, and subtle sweetness. Always use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

Chicken Broth

This forms the liquid base of the chili, tying everything together while keeping the flavor savory and balanced.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Chili

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Proper browning builds flavor, so let the sausage develop some color before stirring too frequently. Once fully cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. This step builds sweetness and depth in the chili base.

3. Bloom the Spices

Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon to the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Blooming the spices in oil intensifies their flavor and ensures they distribute evenly throughout the chili.

4. Build the Chili

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, black beans, pumpkin purée, chicken broth, and the cooked sausage. Stir well to combine, making sure the pumpkin purée fully dissolves into the liquid.

5. Simmer

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

6. Adjust and Serve

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

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Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chili

Making Pumpkin Chili is straightforward, but these tips will help you elevate it from good to unforgettable.

Use Pumpkin Purée, Not Pie Filling

Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices that will clash with savory chili flavors. Always check the label.

Control the Heat

For a milder chili, use mild Italian sausage and reduce chili powder slightly. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.

Thicken to Your Liking

If you prefer thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Pumpkin naturally thickens the chili as it cooks.

Make It Ahead

Pumpkin Chili tastes even better the next day. The spices mellow and deepen, making leftovers incredibly flavorful.

Freezer-Friendly

Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

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Pumpkin Chili Variations

One of the best things about Pumpkin Chili is how adaptable it is.

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Skip the sausage and add an extra can of beans or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Substitute ground turkey for Italian sausage for a lighter option. Add extra spices to boost flavor.

Beef Pumpkin Chili

Use ground beef and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.

Creamy Pumpkin Chili

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for an ultra-creamy texture.

Low-Carb Pumpkin Chili

Reduce beans and increase meat and vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.

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Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Chili is satisfying on its own, but the right sides and toppings can take it to the next level.

• Serve with warm cornbread, cheddar biscuits, or crusty bread

• Spoon over rice or baked potatoes for a heartier meal

• Top with shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, avocado slices, or roasted pumpkin seeds

• Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store Pumpkin Chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal

• Protein: 22 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fiber: 7 g

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Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Chili is the kind of recipe that surprises people in the best possible way. At first glance, pumpkin in chili might seem unusual, but one spoonful is all it takes to understand why this dish has become a fall favorite. The pumpkin doesn’t scream its presence—instead, it quietly enhances everything else, creating a chili that’s richer, thicker, and more balanced than traditional versions.

What makes Pumpkin Chili truly special is its versatility. It works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for feeding a crowd at a fall gathering. It’s cozy enough for a rainy evening, hearty enough for game day, and festive enough for Halloween or Thanksgiving-adjacent meals. Plus, it’s simple to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and rewards you with leftovers that taste even better the next day.