Fall is here, and with it comes chilly weather, cozy sweaters, and the craving for hearty, warming meals. But let’s be honest, traditional chili can feel a little heavy. That’s why this Pumpkin Chili Recipe is such a game-changer.
It’s a delicious twist on a classic, made with ground turkey, fiber-rich black beans, and nutrient-packed pumpkin puree. It’s warm, satisfying, and sneaks in a dose of veggies without compromising on flavor.
Whether you’re a busy mom prepping for Halloween, a meal-prepper wanting cozy lunch leftovers, or just someone looking to switch up your chili game, this one’s for you.
Let’s break it all down and make this fall favorite from scratch, step-by-step!
What Makes This Pumpkin Chili So Special?
This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a warm, soul-hugging bowl of fall comfort. What makes this Pumpkin Chili so special is how effortlessly it blends cozy flavors, nourishing ingredients, and seasonal vibes all in under an hour.
Let’s break it down:
🍂 1. Pumpkin with a Purpose
This chili achieves a creamy, velvety texture with the addition of a straightforward ingredient: canned pumpkin puree. But it’s not just about texture.
Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances out the smoky spices and savory turkey. Plus, it’s packed with beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, turning your comfort food into a nutrient powerhouse.
🍁 2. Warming Spices with Unexpected Twists
Classic chili flavors like chili powder and cumin are here, but there’s a fun twist—a dash of cinnamon. It’s just enough to add a little warmth and complexity without turning your chili into dessert.
Think of it as the secret ingredient that makes people go, “Wait…what is that? It’s delicious!”
🥣 3. One Pot, Easy Cleanup
No juggling pans. No elaborate prep. Everything comes together in a single pot, making it a perfect weeknight meal or fall party dish. Less mess, more cozy.
👩👧👦 4. Family Friendly & Crowd Approved
It’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough to satisfy grown-ups. Add toppings and let everyone customize their bowl. Great for Halloween, game day, or casual get-togethers.
🌱 5. Flexible & Customizable
Don’t eat meat? Use lentils or veggie crumbles. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or cayenne. Need to make it ahead? It stores and reheats like a dream. This chili accommodates all your preferences.
Bottom line? This pumpkin chili is a feel-good dish that’s simple, comforting, and packed with fall flavor and once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This pumpkin chili recipe utilizes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you may already have on hand. Each one brings something special to the table: flavor, texture, or nutrients.
📋 Pumpkin Chili Ingredients:
| Ingredient | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil (1 tbsp) | Used to sauté veggies and enhance flavor |
| Onion (1, chopped) | Seasoning is used throughout to enhance every layer of flavor |
| Bell Pepper (1, chopped) | Brings color, crunch, and subtle sweetness |
| Carrots (2, chopped) | Adds natural sweetness and texture, and packs in fiber |
| Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced) | Adds warmth and bold flavor to the base |
| Ground Turkey (1 lb) | A lean protein option that makes the chili hearty without being too heavy |
| Salt & Black Pepper | The heart of chili flavor is smoky and bold |
| Chili Powder (1 tbsp) | Adds fiber, protein, and bulk, making it filling and satisfying |
| Ground Cumin (1 tsp) | Adds earthy, nutty undertones and warmth |
| Cinnamon (1/8 tsp) | The “secret” ingredient adds cozy depth without being overpowering |
| Pumpkin Puree (1 can, 15 oz) | Gives body, nutrition, and creaminess without dairy |
| Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (15 oz) | Adds a tangy-sweet kick and light smokiness |
| Chicken Broth (3 cups) | Adds fiber, protein, and bulk, making it filling and satisfying |
| Black Beans (1 can, drained & rinsed) | Adds fiber, protein, and bulk, makes it filling and satisfying |
Tip: Make sure your canned pumpkin puree lists only one ingredient: pumpkin. Avoid pumpkin pie filling it’s sweetened and spiced.
This ingredient list strikes a balance between convenience, flavor, and nutrition, providing a meal that’s as smart as it’s cozy.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Chili from Scratch
Ready to make the coziest bowl of chili you’ve ever had? Let’s walk through each step together so you can confidently recreate this pumpkin chili from scratch. It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for fall nights. Grab your favorite pot, here we go!
Step 1: Chop & Prep All Veggies First
Before turning on the stove, let’s get organized. Prepping your ingredients ahead of time (also known as “mise en place” in culinary terminology) makes this recipe smooth and stress-free.
Here’s what you need to chop:
- 1 onion, diced – Any kind works, but yellow or sweet onions add the best depth.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – Opt for red or yellow for a hint of sweetness.
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces – These bring color and natural sweetness.
- 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced – Use more or less, depending on your garlic preference.
Pro tip: Don’t worry about perfect knife skills just aim for evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
By prepping all the veggies first, you’ll be ready to roll once the stove heats up. This step may feel basic, but it sets the tone for a great dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Now, let’s bring the pot into play. A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot works best here. (The creator of the recipe loves using a 6-quart Lodge enameled cast iron pot, durable, affordable, and perfect for soups and chilis.)
Heat your pot over medium heat, and once it’s warm, add:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
The oil should shimmer quickly, meaning it’s ready. Then toss in your chopped veggies:
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Carrots
- Garlic
Sprinkle in a small pinch of sea salt to start building flavor.
Let these cook down for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for the onions to become translucent and fragrant, and for the other vegetables to soften slightly.
This step is the foundation of your chili. Take your time here well-sautéed veggies = layers of flavor later on.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Once your veggies have softened, gently push them to one side of the pot to make space for the protein.
Add:
- 1 pound of ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
Then season the turkey with:
- A pinch of sea salt
- A few cracks of black pepper
Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking it evenly until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. It should be crumbled and opaque by the time it’s ready.
Not a turkey fan? Sub in ground chicken, ground beef, or even ground bison. If you’re going plant-based, lentils or meatless crumbles work beautifully too.
The key here is to let the meat cook thoroughly and brown slightly, which adds rich, savory notes that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin and carrots.
Step 4: Add the Warming Spices
Now the real fun begins, building that deep chili flavor!
Once the turkey is cooked, add the following spices:
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder – Brings that classic chili warmth.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin – Adds a smoky, earthy element.
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – The magic touch. It’s subtle, cozy, and adds unexpected depth.
Stir everything together so that the meat and veggies are evenly coated in the spices. Let the spices toast for 1 minute, which helps them “bloom” and release their full aroma.
Don’t skip this step! Toasting the spices in the fat from the turkey and oil wakes up their flavors and makes the chili taste richer and more complex.
And if cinnamon in chili sounds strange, don’t worry. It won’t make the chili sweet, but it will make it beautifully balanced.
Step 5: Stir in the Pumpkin Purée
Here comes the star ingredient!
Add:
- 1 can (15 ounces) of pure pumpkin purée
Make sure you’re using 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The only ingredient listed should be pumpkin.
As soon as you stir it in, you’ll notice the chili starts to thicken and take on a rich, golden color. The pumpkin adds an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices, making the texture velvety.
Pumpkin is also a nutrition powerhouse, bringing in:
- Fiber
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Beta-carotene
You get cozy comfort and a nutritional upgrade in one scoop.
Step 6: Pour in the Rest
With the flavor base built, it’s time to finish the chili with all the liquids and hearty mix-ins.
Add:
- 1 can (15 oz) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth if you’re keeping it meat-free)
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
Give everything a solid stir until well combined.
The tomatoes add a bit of acidity and a smoky punch that balances out the sweetness from the carrots and pumpkin. The beans in the chili filling make it both satisfying and nutritious, packed with protein and fiber.
Want to bulk it up even more? Add frozen corn, cooked quinoa, or even sweet potatoes.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
Now that everything is in the pot, turn up the heat and bring the chili to a gentle boil. Once you see those first bubbles, lower the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
Why is it partially covered? It allows some steam to escape, allowing the chili to thicken while still keeping the flavors sealed in.
During this time:
- The vegetables finish softening
- The spices meld beautifully
- The chili thickens just enough to cling to a spoon
You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like you want to eat it straight from the pot. (And honestly? No judgment if you do.)
Want it thicker? Simmer a little longer with the lid off. Want it thinner? Add a splash more broth.
Top It Your Way: Favorite Chili Toppings
One of the best aspects of any chili, especially this one, is its customization options. Everyone loves topping their bowl with their favorite extras, and this pumpkin chili plays well with both classic and creative options.
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a cozy Halloween party, setting up a DIY toppings bar takes the experience to the next level. Let everyone build their bowl, their way.
🎃 Favorite Toppings to Try
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy, tangy alternative to sour cream. It cuts through the richness of the chili and adds a protein boost.
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)- Toasted pumpkin seeds are a fun, crunchy topping that complements the fall theme.
- Shredded cheese, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, melts beautifully on top of hot chili.
- Green Onions or Chives – Add freshness and a mild onion bite.
- Sliced Avocado – Creamy and cooling, especially if your chili has a spicy kick.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips – Crunchy, salty, and perfect for scooping.
- Hot Sauce – A dash of heat goes a long way if you like it spicy.
- Cilantro – Brings a bright, herbal finish to each bite.
Hosting Tip: Keep your chili warm on the stove or in a slow cooker and lay out bowls of toppings buffet-style for easy serving. Great for Halloween parties, Sunday football, or casual get-togethers.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chili Ever
Want to take your chili from really good to can’t-stop-eating-it amazing? Here are some tried-and-true tips straight from the kitchen that will help elevate your bowl every time:
✅ Toast Your Spices
After adding the chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, let them cook in the pot for a minute before adding liquids. This “blooms” the spices and brings out richer, deeper flavor.
✅ Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
They add a smoky layer that balances beautifully with the pumpkin’s creaminess. It’s a subtle change, but one that makes a big difference.
✅ Don’t Skip the Cinnamon
It may seem like an odd addition to chili, but trust us—it gives a warmth and subtle sweetness that makes each bite feel like a fall hug.
✅ Pumpkin Purée, Not Pie Filling
This is critical. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced. You want 100% pure pumpkin with no added ingredients.
✅ Let It Rest
Like most chilis, this one tastes even better after it sits for a few hours—or the next day! The flavors deepen and the texture thickens.
✅ Make It a Meal Prep Star
Double the batch and store portions in the fridge or freezer. It reheats beautifully and makes for easy, cozy lunches all week long.
Variations & Substitutions
Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, working with what you have on hand, or just like to experiment, this pumpkin chili is incredibly flexible. Here’s how to switch things up without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
🍴 Pumpkin Chili Variations & Substitutions:
| Ingredient | Swap With | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Ground turkey | Ground beef, chicken, bison, or veggie crumbles | Adjusts flavor and suits dietary preferences (meatless or richer meat) |
| Black beans | Kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans | Adds variety in flavor, texture, and color |
| Pumpkin purée | Mashed sweet potato or butternut squash | Brings similar creaminess and nutrients with a slightly sweeter profile |
| Fire-roasted diced tomatoes | Regular diced tomatoes or tomato sauce | Still adds acidity and body, just without the smoky note |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or beef broth | Makes it vegetarian or adjusts richness |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil, ghee, or butter | Depends on what you prefer for sautéing |
| Carrots | Zucchini, parsnips, or sweet potato | Keeps the veggie base flexible and seasonal |
| Cinnamon | Nutmeg or omit entirely | For a different take on warming spice |
| Greek yogurt (topping) | Sour cream, cashew cream, or omit | Offers dairy or dairy-free creamy options |
| Pumpkin seeds (topping) | Crushed nuts or tortilla strips | Adds crunch with a different flair |
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is forgiving and designed to work with whatever’s in your fridge or pantry.
Why Pumpkin Belongs in Your Chili
Let’s talk about the ingredient that gives this recipe its signature twist: pumpkin.
At first glance, adding pumpkin to chili might seem like an autumn trend or a quirky Pinterest experiment. Still, in reality, it’s a smart, delicious, and profoundly satisfying addition that brings a lot to the table.
🎃 1. It Adds Creaminess Without the Cream
Pumpkin puree brings a thick, velvety texture to your chili that feels indulgent, without needing any heavy cream or dairy. It makes every spoonful feel heartier and more comforting.
🥄 2. It Balances Bold Flavors
Chili can sometimes lean heavily into smoky or spicy territory. Pumpkin’s natural sweetness acts as a built-in flavor balancer, mellowing the heat and blending seamlessly with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and even cinnamon.
💪 3. It’s a Nutritional Powerhouse
Pumpkin is more than just pretty and orange. It’s loaded with:
- Vitamin A – Great for immunity and eye health
- Beta-carotene – A powerful antioxidant
- Fiber – Keeps you full and supports digestion
- Vitamin C, potassium, and iron – Essential for overall wellness
In other words, pumpkin helps your body feel as good as your taste buds do.
🌱 4. It’s Budget-Friendly & Pantry-Stable
A single can of pumpkin costs just a couple of bucks and lasts for months in your pantry. It’s a low-cost way to stretch your meals and add richness to soups, stews, and (of course) chili.
So, does pumpkin belong in your chili? 100% yes. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Final Thoughts: Cozy Chili with a Seasonal Twist
There’s something magical about curling up with a big bowl of warm chili as the temperatures drop outside, and this Pumpkin Chili Recipe delivers on all fronts: comfort, nutrition, ease, and just the right touch of seasonal flair.
It’s:
- Simple to make in just one pot
- Flexible for all types of eaters
- Packed with veggies, protein, and flavor
- And most of all, delicious enough to become a year-round favorite
Whether you’re planning a Halloween dinner, meal prepping for the week, or need a wholesome dish to wind down with after a long day, this chili has your back.
So go ahead, make a big batch, top it your way, and taste why pumpkin truly belongs in your bowl. 🍂
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Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.
