Pumpkin Chili

🎃Why You'll Love This Halloween Recipe

Pumpkin chili is the fall dinner that converts skeptics: the pumpkin melts into the base, adding body and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat. It's high-protein, freezer-friendly, and tastes even better the next day — everything a busy October weeknight needs.

🧺Ingredients for Pumpkin Chili

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey (or beef)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar, cilantro, jalapeños

👩‍🍳How to Make Pumpkin Chili Step by Step

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up, 5-6 minutes.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon; toast 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, tomatoes, both beans, and broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Ladle into bowls and load up with your favorite toppings.

🍂Halloween Party Serving Ideas

Serve in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a Halloween dinner party that guests will photograph. It's the perfect savory anchor before dessert — follow it with Pumpkin S'mores Cookies, and keep a Skeleton Veggie Platter on the side for crunch.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the pumpkin in pumpkin chili?

Barely — it melts into the base adding body and a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky heat. Even pumpkin skeptics love it.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in the slow cooker on LOW 6-7 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.

Is pumpkin chili freezer-friendly?

Very. Cool completely and freeze up to 3 months in portion containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.