Pumpkin Chili

Imagine a steaming bowl of pumpkin chili, where the hearty aroma of spices fills the air, inviting you to savor each bite.

This cozy dish is surprisingly easy to make, promising comfort with every spoonful.

As ground turkey mingles with creamy pumpkin puree and vibrant beans, the chili slowly transforms into a delightful, flavor-packed meal.

Let’s bring this dish to life and warm up your kitchen with this autumnal favorite.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 can opener

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pumpkin Chili, follow this timeline:

1. Reading Time: 5 minutes
   • Begin by reading through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • 0:00 – 5:00: Gather all ingredients and equipment.
   • 5:00 – 10:00: Chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
   • 10:00 – 15:00: Open the cans of pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes using the can opener and measure out the chicken broth and spices.
3. Cook Time: 45 minutes
   • 15:00 – 25:00: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
   • 25:00 – 35:00: Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.
   • 35:00 – 45:00: Stir in pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • 45:00 – 60:00: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Resting Time: 10 minutes
   • 60:00 – 70:00: Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes.
5. Serving Time: After 70 minutes
   • Serve the chili hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro if desired.

Adjust the timeline if you prefer to taste and adjust seasoning during the simmering process.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.

Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.

Stir in pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.

Add chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes.

Serve hot with optional toppings if desired.

Serving Tips

• Cornbread: Serve with a side of warm cornbread for a classic and comforting pairing.
• Rice: Spoon the pumpkin chili over a bed of rice to add texture and make the meal more filling.
• Tortilla Chips: Use tortilla chips for scooping the chili, adding a crunchy contrast to the dish.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad to add a light and invigorating element to your meal.
• Jacket Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the chili for a hearty and satisfying combination.

Storage

Allow the Pumpkin Chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Freezing

To freeze Pumpkin Chili, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to three months for ideal flavor retention.

Reheating

To reheat pumpkin chili, transfer it to a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin chili is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the warmth of traditional chili with the unique flavor of pumpkin.

This American cuisine is perfect for a cozy meal and is sure to satisfy with its hearty ingredients.

Whether you choose to top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, this chili is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Enjoy it as a main course and let it become a regular part of your fall recipe rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree. Peel, seed, and cube the pumpkin. Steam or roast until tender, then blend until smooth. Use an equal amount to replace the canned puree for ideal consistency.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?

To make it vegetarian, replace ground turkey with a plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Verify all other ingredients align with vegetarian standards. Enjoy your meal!

How Can I Make the Chili Spicier?

To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or introduce chopped jalapeños. You can also increase chili powder or include a dash of hot sauce. Taste frequently and adjust to your preferred heat level.

What Are Some Alternative Toppings for Pumpkin Chili?

Consider adding jalapeño slices, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for alternative toppings. You can also top with toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for varied textures and flavors.

Can This Recipe Be Made in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and turkey first. Transfer to slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Pumpkin Chili

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 can opener

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium bell pepper chopped
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
• Add ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.
• Stir in pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
• Add chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

For best results, taste the chili as it simmers and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker chili, allow it to simmer longer to let the flavors meld. Additionally, feel free to use different types of beans or meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.