Pumpkin Chili

4.72 from 7 votes
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Here’s a delicious recipe for pumpkin chili that is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Made with hearty ingredients like pumpkin puree, ground turkey, and a blend of savory spices, this chili offers a unique twist on a classic favorite.

If you’re a fan of chili, I have more versions, like white bean chicken chili, vegetarian chili, and slow cooker pork chili.

Bowl of pumpkin chili with sour cream and grated cheddar on top.

Recipe Science

  • Adding pumpkin puree to chili provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture, balancing the heat from spices and enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
  • The fiber and starches in pumpkin help thicken the chili, creating a hearty, satisfying consistency without the need for additional thickeners.
  • Cooking the chili allows the pumpkin’s subtle flavor to meld with the other ingredients, resulting in a rich and cohesive dish with a unique twist on traditional chili.

Why It Works

This cozy pumpkin chili recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors. It combines turkey, beans, tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and a bold blend of sweet and savory spices. You can easily switch up the ingredients to customize each bowl. If you prefer a beef version, try the best homemade chili.

I’ll show you my key shortcuts for making a quick yet flavorful chili. I use a combination of canned products and homemade chili seasoning for a rich stew. Pumpkin puree is naturally starchy with a hint of sweetness and creates a thick consistency. For a delicious appetizer or entree, serve with cornbread or your favorite side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make this homemade pumpkin chili recipe.
  • Turkey: I use 93% lean ground turkey, but if you want a little more fat and flavor, use 85% lean. Ground chicken is an excellent swap.
  • Pumpkin: For convenience, use 15 ounces of canned pumpkin puree. Alternatively, roast some sugar pumpkins to make homemade pumpkin puree; it’s delicious! I like to make roasted pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of puree.
  • Seasonings: Use my homemade chili seasoning blend for the recipe. It mixes chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder. You’ll need ¼ cup. Add pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon to enhance the subtle sweet taste.
  • Vegetables: Diced onions and minced garlic adds dimension. The sulfurous notes are tamed, and the natural sweetness concentrates in the alliums as they cook. Bell peppers add a vibrant color and crispness. Fresh jalapeno adds an extra kick of heat.
  • Tomatoes: I use a combination of canned products, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. They help to thicken the chili and add a nice charred flavor.
  • Beans: Use 15 ounces of each: canned red kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. They give a variety of sizes and textures.
  • Liquids: Chicken broth or stock enhances the taste of ground turkey. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy and savory flavor to balance the sweet spices and pumpkin.

See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).

Ingredient Substitutions

There are endless ways to switch up the flavor of this pumpkin chili. Try these options:

  • Protein: Instead of turkey, try ground chicken, beef, pork, or sausage. Make a vegetarian pumpkin chili with tofu, seitan, tempeh, quinoa, and vegetable broth.
  • Chilies: Bump up the spiciness with cayenne or more chipotle chili powder. Add your favorite type of peppers like hot serrano, habanero, or canned chipotle in adobo sauce. Add hot sauce or Sriracha to your bowl.
  • Vegetables: Add diced sweet potato, butternut squash, kabocha, carrots, celery, corn, mushrooms, zucchini, or kale.
  • Liquid: Add coffee or beer for bitterness. Soy sauce will enhance the umami taste.
  • Sweetness: Add a hint of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
  • Toppings: Add pepitas, walnuts, tortilla chips, goldfish crackers, sour cream, Greek yogurt, diced chilies, cilantro, grated cheddar, parmesan, smoked gouda, or pepper jack.

How to Make Pumpkin Chili

Diced onions and minced garlic sauteing with a metal spoon stirring the pot.

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Grab a large, high-sided pan or Dutch oven. To enhance the sweetness of the onions, cook them first in hot olive oil. Briefly sauteeing the garlic tames the raw flavor.

Large chunk of ground turkey being broken down with a metal spoon.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

Add the ground turkey, quickly breaking it into small chunks. It’s hard to make the pieces smaller once the protein starts to cook and pack tightly together. The meat cooks quickly, in about 5 minutes.

Several dried spices added to the pot of turkey.

Step 3: Add the Seasoning and Vegetables

With the olive oil and rendered fat from the turkey in the pan, sprinkle in the chili seasoning and pumpkin pie spice.

Diced red bell peppers and jalapeno in a pot with ground turkey.

Add the tomato paste, bell pepper, and jalapenos, and briefly cook to soften.

Spoon stirring a bout of ground turkey.

Pro Tip: The fat-soluble flavor compounds are released, intensifying the taste of the chili. Don’t worry. The warm spices won’t make the dish taste sweet. They add dimension and more enticing aromas and complement the vegetables and meat.

Stock being poured into a pot with pumpkin puree and roasted tomatoes.

Step 4: Add the Beans, Pumpkin, and Tomatoes

Once all of the fresh vegetables and spices are sauteed, add the hearty ingredients. Stir in the three types of canned beans, pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Adding the pumpkin will instantly thicken the mixture.

Pumpkin chili in a large pot.

Step 5: Cook the Chili

All the ingredients need time to simmer, melding the flavors together in the stew. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium heat for gentle cooking. Make sure to stir occasionally, as there will be heat pockets in the bottom of the pan under the thick chili.

The acids in the tomatoes and vinegar will help to break down and soften the ground turkey. The process takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

Pumpkin chili in a white bowl topped with pepitas and green onions.

Step 6: Ready to Serve

My favorite toppings are sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and pepitas for crunch. The chili will taste even better the next day as the ingredients have time to meld together. Add more stock or water to warm it so it’s not too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pumpkin chili vegetarian or vegan?

Replace the amount of turkey with either tofu, tempeh, seitan, quinoa, sauteed mushrooms, diced sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. Use vegetable stock or broth instead of chicken.

How can I make pumpkin chili thicker or thinner?

Add water, stock, or broth for a thinner consistency. Adjust the seasoning level, as the salt will get diluted. Reduce the stew on the stovetop for a thicker chili, or stir in masa harina, cornmeal, or crushed tortilla chips.

Can I make pumpkin chili without beans?

The beans can be replaced with other sturdy vegetables that hold their shape, like corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. Make sure to simmer until they are tender.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for pumpkin chili?

The pumpkin chili gets its thickness from the natural starches in the pumpkin and pureed flesh. If you’d like to use fresh pumpkins, I recommend roasting small sugar pumpkins for the sweetest taste. Once the flesh is tender, puree in the food processor or blender until smooth. Chunks of pumpkin won’t taste as good if simmered in the chili. The flavor is better pureed because the texture will be creamy. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of homemade pumpkin puree.

Serve This With

If you tried this Pumpkin Chili recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!

Pumpkin Chili

If you crave comforting and hearty meals, you're going to love my pumpkin chili recipe. The rich combination of savory ground turkey, tender vegetables, and velvety pumpkin puree creates a warm and satisfying dish perfect for chilly days.
4.72 from 7 votes
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Course Entree
Cuisine American

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion, ¼" dice
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 pound ground turkey, 85 to 93% lean
  • ¼ cup chili seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper, ¼" dice
  • 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno
  • 15 ounces canned red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 15 ounces  canned crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted tomatoes, plus juice
  • 2 cups unsalted chicken stock, or broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions 

  • Cook Aromatics – Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, then once hot, add the onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Cook the Turkey – Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking the meat into smaller chunks, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Add Seasonings and Vegetables – Add the chili seasoning and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Add bell peppers and minced jalapenos, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the Beans, Pumpkin, and Tomatoes – Add the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, pumpkin, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Cook the Chili – Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the liquid reduces slightly, about 25 to 30 minutes. Reduce the heat if bubbling too rapidly. Add more stock or water for a thinner consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To Serve – Serve with desired toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, pepitas, and sliced green onions.

Recipe Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Recipe Yield: About 10 cups
  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Increasing the Spiciness: Add cayenne or chipotle chili powder ¼ teaspoon at a time until the desired heat level is reached.

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 10 servings
Calories 256kcal (13%)Carbohydrates 35g (12%)Protein 21g (42%)Fat 5g (8%)Saturated Fat 1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat 1gMonounsaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0.01gCholesterol 25mg (8%)Sodium 618mg (26%)Potassium 937mg (27%)Fiber 11g (44%)Sugar 8g (9%)Vitamin A 8768IU (175%)Vitamin C 34mg (41%)Calcium 109mg (11%)Iron 5mg (28%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

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5 Comments Leave a comment or review

  1. Carrie says

    This is so good! It does not taste like pumpkin and I couldn’t detect the cinnamon either, but with Jessica’s chili seasoning and the ingredients listed, it’s a really good, flavorful chili with great texture. Will definitely make this regularly! Everybody devoured it.

  2. Bob Joyner says

    This chili is amazing! The pumpkin really adds texture and everyone just loved it. It’s our new go to recipe for chili!

  3. Arlette K. says

    Very Best of the very best. I have tasted many, I mean many different types in my 75 years. That one is the one I have been making time and time again. I actually crave it. Not only me, but my entire family as well.
    Thank you my dear Jessica. A LOT of respect I have for ou and your dedication to always do your very best. So proud f you.
    I have your book and save all your recipes, not missing one.
    Thank you so much 😊

  4. Diane says

    Fabulous new recipe for chili. The gentle mingling of turkey with autumn flavors of turkey, pumpkin and spice with traditional chili seasonings is a total winner. It will be our new go to chili recipe.