Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili is the best fall chili recipe! This savory and filling soup recipe is perfect for tailgating with pumpkin, ground beef, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

When you’re in the mood for something thick and creamy, this savory pumpkin recipe will hit the spot. Unlike other pumpkin recipes, this one is hearty and not sweet. It has an earthy flavor that the whole family will enjoy. 

Since it uses a few simple ingredients, this is an excellent recipe for colder months. It’s also a very easy recipe to memorize. In no time, you’ll be able to customize it and make it without even looking at the recipe card. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweet. There isn’t added sugar. The sweetness comes from the pumpkin. 
• Mild pumpkin flavor. This is the perfect recipe to make during pumpkin season. 
• Budget-friendly. Since it’s with simple ingredients, it’s in your wallet. 
• Easy recipe. This recipe involves just two easy steps. 
• Perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day. 
• Full of fall flavors. Pumpkin, mushrooms, and chili powder combine to make the perfect chili.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef so that it is less greasy. 
• Yellow Onion – Either yellow or white onion will work perfectly. 
• Mushrooms – These add earthy flavors to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes – Use either canned or fresh tomatoes for the chili.
• Can of Pumpkin – Either fresh or canned pumpkin puree adds sweetness and flavor to the chili. 
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – This blend of spices enhances the natural pumpkin flavor. 
• Salt and Pepper – Use just enough to enhance the rest of the flavors. 
• Chili Powder – This is what makes it taste like chili. 

How to Make Pumpkin Chili

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It doesn’t get easier than this! See how to make pumpkin chili in just two steps.

• Step One: In a large pot, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink; drain.

• Step Two: Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, uncovered. Serve hot. 

What to Serve with It

Serve your chili with your favorite classic side dishes. Here are some of my favorite ones. 

• Cheesy Potato Skins
• Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Coleslaw

Variations and Substitutions

• Add beans. Either canned black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans are perfect. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili. 
• Change the meat. Use ground turkey, ground sausage or ground chicken instead of ground beef. 
• Use chipotle chili powder. This will give it smoky undertones.
• Make it spicy. If you want it to be spicier, add some sliced jalapenos. 
• Make it vegetarian. Replace the ground meat with your favorite types of beans and more veggies. Add some green bell pepper and chopped butternut squash. 

Storage Instructions 

Leftover chili should be stored in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months.

I will say this recipe tasted the best on day two; the flavors were able to blend overnight.

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping a few meals for the rest of the week. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, serve, and enjoy. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• If the chili is too thick, add a few tablespoons (or more) of vegetable or chicken broth. Keep adding the broth until it is the consistency that you like. 
• Top with fresh cilantro for added aroma and flavor. 
• To make it thicker, drain the canned tomatoes before you add them to the chili or you can add some tomato paste.
• If you want to add cheese on top, shred the cheese at home. This will give you fresher, bolder-tasting cheese. 

What Does It Taste Like?

Adding pumpkin puree to your favorite chili recipe takes it to a whole new level. It will still taste smoky and spicy, but the pumpkin gives it a creamy texture with a hint of natural sweetness. One taste, and you’ll see that this is the best pumpkin chili recipe you’ve made. 

Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin?

Yes! If you prefer making homemade pumpkin puree, go for it. I reached for a can for an easy, quick fix, but if you have the puree you made on hand, add the same amount of measured puree the recipe calls for. Just make sure you don’t use pumpkin pie filling by mistake!!

Slow Cooker Instructions 

You can make Pumpkin Chili in the crockpot! Just cook the beef and onion in a skillet and drain the fat. Then, add them to the crockpot along with all the other ingredients. Then, turn the crockpot on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. 

Toppings 

• Cornbread to dip or crumble on top
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese 
• Crackers 
• Tortilla chips
• Chopped onions 
• Fresh avocado slices
• Hot sauce 
• Sliced green onions

Chili Recipes

• White Chicken Chili
• Bean Chili 
• Taco Chili 
• Frito Chili Pie
• Presidential Chili
• Pantry Chili
• Chicken Chili
• Best Chili Recipe
• Slow Cooker Verde Chicken Chili
• Chili Macaroni

You’ll also like this Pumpkin Soup.

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