This deliciously different, surprisingly tasty Pumpkin Chili is made with ground beef, red bell peppers, sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and pumpkin puree, blended with a perfect mix of spices and a touch of cinnamon.
It is one of my favorite chili recipes and a must-try for the fall and winter seasons. It is a nice change from the traditional red chili, with a touch of sweetness and flavor from the pumpkin and sweet potato. I love to serve it with homemade corn muffins or Johnny cakes.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
See the complete ingredient list on the recipe card below.
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or pork. Choose ground meat with a bit of fat in it for more flavor.
- Bell pepper: Any color bell pepper works well in this dish, but red is my favorite because it is a little sweet.
- Sweet Potatoes: Orange or white.
- Pumpkin puree: Canned or homemade.
- Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
How to Make Pumpkin Chili
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat. Halfway through, toss in the onion, red bell pepper, and sweet potato.
- Reduce heat to low, add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, then stir for 1 minute.
- Add the pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and chicken broth.
- Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili thickens.
Preparation Tips
- If the chili becomes too thick, add a bit of chicken broth.
- Peel the sweet potatoes because they have coarse, thick skins.
- Garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, homemade tortilla chips, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), minced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, or minced jalapeño.
- Add fresh minced jalapeño or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this with skillet cornbread, corn muffins, and creamy coleslaw. Other great choices include cheese garlic bread, oven-roasted corn, or fresh black bean and corn salad.
More Chili Recipes
Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (16-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken broth to desired consistency
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch Oven. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the onion, red bell pepper, and sweet potato. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions and bell pepper are soft.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Stir while cooking for about 1 minute.
- Add the pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and about 3 cups of chicken broth. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has slightly thickened.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze in a freezer zipper bag or sturdy freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
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Bryan
I love chili and I love pumpkin, so this taste combo should suit me well! I have never had anything like this, but it sounds divine!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Bryan! Enjoy!!
Sam
Perfect entry into Fall! Very tasty chili
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sam! So glad that you liked the chili!
Juliane
This pumpkin chili is such a bomb! SO good!
Catalina
This is a new dish for me! I am so curious to make this pumpkin chili!
Tavo
Great chili variation! I had no clue what to make with leftover pumpkin and it came out super yummy! thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Tavo!
Sandra
Can’t wait to make this again! Everyone in my family loved it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sandra! So glad that they liked it!
Andrea
Pumpkin chili was so delicious! I love the traditional chili with the fun fall flavor.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Andrea! So glad that you liked it!
Kelley
This was so good and hearty! Comforting and loaded with flavor thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Kelley!
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
Looks beyond delicious! Can’t wait to try this one!
Amanda
This will be perfect for those chilly evenings that are coming!