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A steaming bowl of hearty pumpkin chili recipe, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, ready to enjoy.

Best Pumpkin Chili Recipe: Your New Fall Favorite

This hearty pumpkin chili recipe is a fall favorite, blending rich, earthy flavors with a unique touch of maple syrup and liquid smoke for smoky depth. An easy one-pot meal perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, it delivers ultimate comfort and improves overnight for meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Dish
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 15oz. can kidney beans drained
  • 1 15oz. can black beans drained
  • 1 15oz. can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 15oz. can pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 6oz. can tomato paste (5 Tbsp)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp liquid smoke

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Phase 1: Sauté Aromatics
  1. Mince your garlic cloves and dice the yellow onion. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Phase 2: Brown the Beef
  1. Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Continue to cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy, lighter chili.
Phase 3: Combine All Ingredients
  1. Now, add the drained kidney beans and black beans, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the creamy pumpkin purée, the rich tomato paste, and the two cups of water. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything really well, ensuring the tomato paste and pumpkin puree are fully incorporated into the liquid.
Phase 4: Simmer & Develop Flavors
  1. Place a lid on your pot and bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. Allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes for all those individual ingredients to meld into a harmonious, rich dish.
Phase 5: Add the Unique Twist & Finish
  1. During the last 10 minutes of simmering, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a dash (about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp) of liquid smoke. Continue to simmer, allowing these distinctive flavors to infuse into the chili. After the full simmering time, give the chili a taste and adjust salt and other seasonings to your preference. Serve hot with all your favorite toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 12gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For richer flavor, consider using beef broth or chicken stock instead of water. Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium versions of canned ingredients and rinsing beans thoroughly. This recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker after browning meat and aromatics. Don't rush the simmer; sufficient time is crucial for flavor development. Garnish generously with fresh green onion, sour cream, shredded cheese, or creamy avocado.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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