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Healthy Pumpkin Chili Recipe

This Healthy Pumpkin Chili is an autumn favorite. It’s loaded with healthful ingredients and big bold flavors. Your family will thank you for serving comfort in a bowl.

pumpkin chili with cheese in a bowl.

What is Pumpkin Chili?

Before you raise a brow because you saw pumpkin chili, let me reassure you that it’s not nearly as quirky as it sounds. Fact: this chili tastes a lot like our all-time favorite hearty chili, except we’ve subtly seasoned it with fall flavors that amp up the autumn vibes. You won’t have to cut open any pumpkins. Instead, you’ll simply add pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree to an amazing pot of chili. You’ll be rewarded with comforting bowls of savory, satisfying chili that tastes extraordinary.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

  • You’ll bring fall flavors into your home by simply adding pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree to an incredible chili recipe.
  • No fancy cookware is needed; just a good old large pot or Dutch oven will do.
  • You’ll be able to serve up comforting bowls of homemade chili in less than 1 hour.
  • This pumpkin chili is deliciously healthy, with lean protein and plenty of vegetables your family will actually devour.
  • You can make pumpkin chili meatless, if you’d like.
  • This chili recipe is perfectly suited for meal prep; make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
pumpkin chili in a bowl.

Key Ingredients

  • Pumpkin Puree: Sure, you already love it in pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie. But pumpkin chili? Nobody will guess how sneaky you were. Its main role in this recipe is to thicken the chili and provide an extra boost of nutrition. 
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A touch of fall spices give this chili recipe a delicious autumn vibe.
  • Aromatics: We are never shy about onions and garlic. In fact, we roast entire heads of garlic on the regular.
  • Seasonings: Chili powder, coriander, and cumin all play key roles in imparting an earthy, succulent flavor to this chili.
  • Protein: We use ground turkey, but feel free to use ground beef or ground sausage. Black beans are a great source of protein here as well.
  • Broth: High quality chicken stock is recommended for full flavor, but you can also make it meatless with vegetable broth.
  • Vegetables: Plenty of veggies round out this homemade chili, including bell peppers, tomato paste, and fire roasted tomatoes.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Go Vegan: Make your pumpkin chili vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and replacing the meat with more beans and/or vegan sausage crumbles.
  • Vary the Vegetables: Use any mixture of veggies, including corn, diced carrots, and fresh tomatoes. s
  • Vary the Protein: Use any combination of ground turkey, ground beef, ground sausage, or ground chicken.
  • Garnishes: We love a good sprinkling of cheddar cheese on top, but feel free to use any variety of cheese and include sour cream or avocado slices on top.
pumpkin chili in a pot.

Step By Step Instructions

  1. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil until hot. Add onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Add sugar, chili powder, cumin, pumpkin pie spice, oregano, and coriander.
  2. Add ground turkey to pot and sprinkle 1 tsp salt over it; cook/stir to break up into small pieces. When turkey is cooked through, add tomato paste.
  3. Add bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, and broth. Scrape bottom of pan while stirring. Bring chili to a simmer; simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add beans and pumpkin puree. Bring chili back to a simmer for 15-20 min or until heated through.
  4. Remove from heat. Add additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, with shredded cheddar cheese or your choice of garnishes.

Commonly Asked Questions

What does pumpkin add to chili?

Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to chili. It also contributes to the thickness and richness of the chili, making it a bit heartier.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Simply roast and puree fresh pumpkin or use canned pumpkin puree as a convenient alternative.

Is pumpkin chili sweet?

Pumpkin chili is not noticeably sweet at all. Any subtle sweetness is well balanced by the savory flavors of the chili spices, meat, and other ingredients.

Can I make pumpkin chili vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan pumpkin chili by using plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh, vegetable broth, and omitting any animal products like meat or dairy-based toppings.

Can I freeze pumpkin chili?

Yes, pumpkin chili freezes well. Allow it to cool, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw it in the fridge a couple of nights before you want to reheat and serve it.

Is pumpkin chili a healthy meal option?

Pumpkin chili can be a nutritious option, especially if you use lean meat or opt for a vegetarian version. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamins, and protein. Drain out any fat from browned meats.

What to serve with pumpkin chili?

We love serving any chili recipe with Sweet Honey Cornbread or Sweet Corn Muffins. For the greens, we highly recommend Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad with Maple Vinaigrette or Kale Brussel Sprouts Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

pumpkin chili with cheese in a bowl.

Healthy Pumpkin Chili Recipe

4.86 from 42 ratings
This Healthy Fall Pumpkin Chili is an autumn favorite. It’s loaded with healthful ingredients and big bold flavors. Comforting, cozy, and deliciously savory.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Optional Garnishes

  • shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped chives

Instructions

  • In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil until hot. Add onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sugar, chili powder, cumin, pumpkin pie spice, oregano, and coriander. Stir to combine, 10 seconds.
  • Add ground turkey to pot and sprinkle 1 tsp salt over it; cook/stir to break up into small pieces. When turkey is cooked through, add tomato paste and stir 30 seconds.
  • Add bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, and broth. Scrape bottom of pan while stirring. Bring chili to a simmer; simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add beans and pumpkin puree. Bring chili back to a simmer for 15-20 min or until heated through.
  • Remove from heat. Add additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Chili keeps well; simply cover and chill in fridge. Reheat by bringing back to simmer on stovetop.
  • Make it meatless by using veggie broth and omitting turkey; add more beans or use vegan sausage crumbles.
  • If preferred, use ground beef or ground sausage. If using sausage that is seasoned, reduce amount of salt used. 
  • Serve pumpkin chili with Sweet Honey Cornbread and Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad with Maple Vinaigrette for an amazing meal. 
  • If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating – we ❤️ hearing from you! 

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1g | Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 1399mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2661IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 6mg
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Amerian
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose
Method: dutch oven, Stovetop

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Recipe Rating




55 comments

    • Dalene Ekirapa
    • 5 stars

    Oh yummy!
    This is too much goodness in one dish!
    I love chilli and when cooked with pumpkin, it’s even better. I would literally enjoy this meal without any accompanying dish. You just made me salivate!

    • Nate

    This dish is perfect for fall and winter! I’m craving it now!

    • Nancy

    I am definitely going to try this recipe but I am confused. You said to cook until squash is tender but not mushy. I don’t see squash in the recipe.

      • chewoutloud

      Thank you, Nancy! I just updated the instructions 🙂 So happy you’re going to make this; hope you all love it! Happy fall.

    • aileenluib

    Oh my god, two of my favorite things in the world combined?! I HAVE to try this! I LOVE pumpkin!!!

    • Ana Vukosavljevic

    Woow! This looks so delicious. I’m so hungry now 😀

    This is saved and I can’t wait to make it on my own, thanks for sharing it!

    • thenafranssen
    • 5 stars

    You had me at chili…but then you added pumpkin?!!! Amazing.

    • Aditi

    One! Can’t wait to try this! Just the recipe I’ve been waiting for!thank you!

      • chewoutloud

      You’re so welcome, Aditi! 🙂

    • Befitting Style

    So good. I want to make a good healthy chilli! So good for you!

      • chewoutloud

      Glad you like it 🙂

    • Sin Yee
    • 5 stars

    I will definitely try this out! I always want to make a pumpkin chili so much..

    • shubhadabhide
    • 5 stars

    Chili galore here! All mouth watering recipes…I don’t relish pumpkin much but I might actually try this recipe.

    • Christine ann Dela Cruz
    • 5 stars

    That pumpkin chili look so delicious and tasty. and it’s perfect for fall season. I will definitely be pinned this one.

    • rochkirstin

    Onion and garlic are my two favorite basic spices. These are enough to provide a boost of flavor in this recipe.

    • Joy

    I may not be ready for Fall weather; however, I know I’m ready to try out your recipe lol. That looks beyond delicious! Thanks so much for sharing.

    • Liza Perry

    Amazing and mouthwatering pics! I will definitely try it asap! Yummm!

    • Nicole Aguilar
    • 5 stars

    That looks amazing. I use vegan meat to make chili, so I’ll just swap that in.

    • art4ever82

    I always wanted to try something with pumpkin. That looks delicious!

    • Thehyppomyselfthecat

    This looks absolutely delicious! I am definitely going to try it out! thanks for sharing it with us!

    • Erin Creeks
    • 5 stars

    You had me at pumpkin! I am so making this, I was just talking about how I want to make a variety of soups for the next few weeks.

      • chewoutloud

      Hope you all love it

    • streetsmartnutrition
    • 5 stars

    Great chili recipe! I’m so ready for the cold weather to get here (and stay!) so I can enjoy more meals like this.

      • chewoutloud

      Food is the only reason I can tolerate cold weather 😉

    • Courtney Andrews
    • 5 stars

    This looks so delicious! I just recently tried pumpkin flavored soup for the first time and it was so good! This chili sounds like the perfect Fall dish!

      • chewoutloud

      Yay, glad you like it, Courtney! 🙂

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