Easy Pumpkin Chili – Hearty, Cozy & Perfect for Fall

Last updated on August 7, 2025

Imagine a chilly autumn evening, the sun has set, and the air has that crisp, cool bite that only fall can bring. The smell of pumpkin and spices wafts through the house, bringing with it memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. One dish that never fails to fit this scene is Pumpkin Chili.

You might be thinking, “Chili? With pumpkin? Can that even be good?” And let me assure you—it absolutely is! Whether you’re looking for a fun way to incorporate seasonal ingredients or just trying to find a hearty, comforting meal for your busy family, this recipe for Pumpkin Chili is here to make your life easier. It’s stress-free, totally doable even if it’s your first time cooking, and most importantly, it’s delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe of Pumpkin Chili

What makes this Pumpkin Chili special to me is how it combines those comforting, traditional chili flavors with the unique and seasonal taste of pumpkin. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for soothing the soul.

For beginner cooks, this recipe is fantastic because it doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You simply chop, sauté, stir, and simmer—all manageable steps that lead to a delightful meal! Plus, it’s a versatile dish that allows for creativity. The emotional benefit? It brings my family together, reviving conversations and laughter over a comforting bowl of chili.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Chili

Let’s gather what you need for this delicious Pumpkin Chili. Here’s your shopping list:

Pumpkin Chili

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Pumpkin Chili is a cozy, savory fall dish made with lean ground turkey, chicken maple sausage, pumpkin purée, beans, and warming spices. It’s flavorful, protein-packed, and perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.3 lbs extra lean ground turkey
• 6 small links (9 oz) chicken maple sausage, sliced
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (29 oz) can pumpkin purée
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (12 fl oz) bottle pumpkin beer (or non-alcoholic alternative)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons:

• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 diced jalapeño or other chili pepper (for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Prep: Thinly slice chicken sausage (or remove casing). Set aside with ground turkey.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Add Peppers: Add diced yellow and orange bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes. Remove all veggies from pot and set aside.
4. Brown the Meat: In the same pot, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Add ground turkey and sausage. Brown for about 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Combine: Return veggies to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, cannellini and kidney beans, pumpkin beer, chicken broth, chili powder, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar, green onions, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

• No sausage? Substitute with more ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Alcohol-free? Replace pumpkin beer with 1/2 cup more chicken broth.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans or add lentils.
• Thicker chili? Simmer uncovered longer or reduce the broth slightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: pumpkin chili, turkey chili, fall chili recipe, gluten free chili, hearty pumpkin chili, pumpkin recipes savory

Essentials

• 1.3 lbs ground turkey (extra lean): A lean and healthy protein base for our chili.
• 6 small links (9oz chicken maple sausage): Adds wonderful flavor and a bit of sweetness to balance the spice.
• 1 sweet onion (chopped): The aromatic foundation of our dish.
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced): Essential for depth of flavor.
• 1 yellow bell pepper (diced): Sweetness and color.
• 1 orange bell pepper (diced): A little more sweetness and color.
• 1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed): Creaminess and protein; feel free to swap for black beans if you prefer.
• 1 (15.5 oz) can red kidney beans: Classic chili bean for texture and heartiness.
• 1 (29 oz) can pumpkin purée: The star of the dish, offering a rich, smooth texture and a subtle sweetness.
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and body.
• 1 (12 fl oz) bottle pumpkin beer: Not only adds flavor, but enhances the fall vibes—opt for non-alcoholic pumpkin-flavored beer if you prefer.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: To smoothly meld all the flavors.
• 2 tbsp chili powder: The key spice for that classic chili kick.
• 1 tsp oregano: Adds an earthy note.
• 1 tsp cumin: A warm, smokey flavor that enhances everything.
• 2 tsp brown sugar: Helps to balance the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like it spicy!
• 4 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• Sea salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.

Optional Add-Ons

If you want to elevate your Pumpkin Chili, consider adding the following:

• Corn: Fresh or frozen can add sweetness and crunch.
• Zucchini: A great way to sneak in more veggies!
• Chili peppers: If you love heat, throw in a diced jalapeño.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

No sausage on hand? Try ground chicken or turkey instead. Feel free to use canned pumpkin rather than fresh if you’re short on time. You can skip the pumpkin beer altogether if preferred; just add another 1/2 cup of chicken broth for moisture. Remember, this recipe is flexible and can adapt to what you have.

How to Make Pumpkin Chili Step-by-Step

Ready to whip up this delicious Pumpkin Chili? Here’s a simple, stress-free guide:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by thinly slicing the chicken maple sausage (or removing the casing). Set aside with the ground turkey.

2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Add the bell peppers: Toss in the diced yellow and orange bell peppers and sauté for another 5 minutes until they soften slightly. Remove the veggie mixture from the pot and set aside.

4. Brown the meat: In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the ground turkey and chicken sausage. Cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper while cooking.

5. Combine ingredients: Once the meat is cooked, return the sautéed veggies to the pot. Add the canned diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, both types of beans, and all your spices (chili powder, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, and optional cayenne pepper). Pour in the pumpkin beer and chicken broth, stirring everything together.

6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and black pepper as needed.

7. Serve: Once the chili is rich and flavorful, ladle it into bowls. Top with grated cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for that creamy finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Browning the Meat Properly

When cooking your turkey and sausage, make sure the meat is browned nicely. This step enhances the flavors of your chili. A little caramelization goes a long way.

Overcooking or Undercooking the Vegetables

Sautéing the veggies too long can turn them mushy while undercooking can leave you with crunchy peppers. Aim for a perfectly softened texture to create the right balance.

Forgetting to Adjust Seasoning

After simmering, taste your chili! You might find it needs a touch more salt, or maybe a pinch more cayenne for heat. Adjusting at the end can elevate your dish dramatically.

Skipping the Simmering Time

The longer you let your Pumpkin Chili simmer, the better the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this, as thirty minutes to an hour can make a noticeable difference.

Easy Variations for Pumpkin Chili

Vegetarian or Vegan Pumpkin Chili

Swap turkey and sausage for plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the cheese and sour cream topping.

Spicy Pumpking Chili

If you love a bold kick, increase the cayenne pepper significantly or add finely chopped jalapeños. You could also include a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Sweet and Smoky Pumpkin Chili

Add smoked paprika along with the other spices for a toasted flavor profile. Consider tossing in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for added depth and heat.

One-Pot Lazy Pumpkin Chili

Want to simplify even more? Cook everything in a slow cooker. Toss all your ingredients in, give it a good stir, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Perfect for busy days.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Chili

Tasty Toppings

Top your chili with grated cheddar cheese and sliced green onions for that cool contrast to the spicy chili. A dollop of sour cream not only adds creaminess but enhances the flavor.

Crunchy Sides

Serving your chili with some crunchy tortilla chips or thick slices of crusty bread makes for a delightful textural contrast. You could even whip up some cornbread for the perfect pairing.

Fresh Green Salad

Balance the heartiness of the chili with a fresh salad. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the spices of the chili.

Perfect Pumpkin Beer Pairing

For an authentic experience, serve your Pumpkin Chili alongside an additional glass of pumpkin beer. The sweet, malty flavors work beautifully with the dish.

Conclusion

In the end, making Pumpkin Chili is much easier than it looks. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re keeping it traditional or experimenting with new flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Give yourself a break and let this cozy recipe be your go-to for those busy weeknights. I’d love for you to try it out and share your experiences.

Go ahead, gather the ingredients, and start your chili adventure today! Your family will thank you, and you might just create new memories along the way.

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FAQs About Pumpkin Chili

Now, with this easy and comforting Pumpkin Chili at your fingertips, you’re all set for cozy family dinners this fall!