• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Wellness Mama script logo

Wellness Mama®

Simple Answers for Healthier Families

  • About
  • Favorites
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Health
  • Natural Home
  • Motherhood
  • Mindset
  • Natural Remedies
  • Beauty
  • Organization
  • Travel
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
pumpkin chili
  • Beef Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Soup & Stew Recipes

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Katie WellsNov 1, 2022
Reading Time: 3 min

This post contains affiliate links.
Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Jump to Recipe
Wellness Mama » Blog » Recipes » Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • How to Make Pumpkin Chili+−
    • Ingredient Options
  • Pumpkin Chili Toppings
  • Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Now that fall is officially here, I’ve been making a lot more soups and stews. Whether they’re in the slow cooker, the stovetop, or cooking away in the Instant Pot, there are plenty of different options. This pumpkin chili makes a hearty weeknight meal and it’s packed with fall flavor (and nutrition!).

I originally created this pumpkin chili as a way to use up the 100-pound pumpkin we bought at the farmer’s market. My kids really enjoyed it, and I love that it’s packed with veggies. When my son was on the GAPS protocol to reverse his allergies, I just gave him some of the browned meat with broth and pumpkin. Tomatoes are nightshades so he couldn’t have those at the time.

We cook this on the stovetop, but it would also work in a crockpot.

How to Make Pumpkin Chili

It’s not that different than traditional chili, but it’s a tasty twist on a classic. I’ll often use spices like smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne in my everyday chili. This pumpkin chili has some of the same flavors, but it also features cinnamon. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy optional (just omit the cheese)

Green ebook cover with spices, bears, and veggies on a table

Meal Prep!

Busy? Save Time + Eat More Protein

With my High-Protein (Family-Friendly) Bulk Meal Prep Guide. This saves me so much time each week and keeps my family fueled! Download it free here:

The optional hint of cinnamon adds a winter warmth, and the pumpkin sneaks in some added nutrition. If you don’t have fresh available then a can of pumpkin will work, or even butternut squash or sweet potato.

Ingredient Options

I like using ground beef, but you could also use ground chicken or ground turkey if preferred. And while most chili recipes rely heavily on beans, I omitted them here. If you prefer your chili with beans though, then feel free to add some to the recipe. Black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are all good options.

Pumpkin Chili Toppings

Here are some topping ideas for your chili. My kids love choosing their own toppings to really customize their bowls!

  • Jalapeño

  • Crispy tortilla strips (these homemade chips are delicious!)
  • Cheese

  • Cilantro

  • Diced bell pepper

  • Avocado

  • Sour cream or plain yogurt

  • Chopped yellow onion

  • A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice

Even if you aren’t a fan of pumpkin, I’d encourage you to try this recipe. It is simple, delicious, and definitely kid-approved at our house! It also reheats well the next day, since the flavors have had even more time to meld.

pumpkin chili

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Katie Wells
A hearty and delicious chili with a hint of pumpkin flavor (and all the added nutrients of delicious pumpkin!).
4.05 from 24 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cups
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or other ground meat)
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 15 oz canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed, optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 TBSP chili powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Optional toppings

  • avocado
  • shredded cheese
  • sour cream
  • green onions
  • sliced jalapeños
  • crispy tortilla strips

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
  • When the beef is almost completely cooked, add the onions and saute until soft.
  • Add the diced tomato and tomato sauce, pumpkin, broth, beans if using, and spices and stir to combine.
  • Simmer for 10-15 minutes on medium-low or until heated through and flavors are incorporated.
  • Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Like any soup, toppings are optional, but they add freshness and fun. Plus my kids love that they can customize their chili!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 12gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 624mgPotassium: 525mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 7470IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Like this recipe? Check out my cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

 Do you add pumpkin to any unusual dishes? Ever tried it in chili? Share below!

Category: Beef Recipes, Recipes, Soup & Stew Recipes

Share this article

FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
Print / PDF / Email

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

  • All Posts

You may also enjoy these posts…

is dairy healthy

Is Dairy Healthy or Dangerous?

ashwagandha tincture

How to Make an Ashwagandha Tincture (Plus Benefits!)

blue cheese dressing

Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip Recipe

Creatine_Benefits

Creatine Benefits and Why I Use It

probiotic deodorant

How to Make a Probiotic Deodorant Bar (Easy Recipe)

Loaded_Cauliflower

Loaded Cauliflower Recipe (With Bacon!)

Reader Interactions

Discussion (20 Comments)

  1. Elizabeth

    October 15, 2014 at 10:52 PM

    This looks amazing. Do you think this would work in a crock pot?

    Reply
  2. Christine

    October 7, 2014 at 12:55 AM

    Thanks for this recipe! 🙂 My question is how would you freeze it? Is it OK in plastic bags or with it being tomato (acid-y) based it must be in glass jars? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      October 7, 2014 at 10:24 PM

      I freeze in glass jars or medical grade silicon or stainless steel containers

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Walsh

    September 8, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    This recipe is awesome! The pumpkin is subtle as well as the cinnamon, a perfect blend! I added a very mild chili pepper from my garden and it was the perfect amount of spice and flavor. I’d like to experiment with adding bell peppers to this chili.

    Reply
  4. Ryan Vogt

    March 23, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    Great recipe, tasted delicious, my only issue was the tablespoon of chilli powder made for one super spicy chilli, perhaps a revision to that could be considered, I barely finish my serving and my wife actually couldn’t eat hers after one bite.

    Reply
    • Mike Hardie

      November 19, 2022 at 3:35 PM

      4 stars
      Really? I think it needs at least triple the chili powder as well as some spice added…

      Reply
  5. Amanda Armagost

    February 27, 2013 at 12:31 AM

    This chili rocks! Even my SAD diet mother-in-law loves it! It’s especially good with sour cream on top.

    Reply
  6. Terra Cox

    December 28, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    i had so much pumpkin, i started using pumpkin sauce instead of apple sauce in the muffin recipe. It worked great,.

    Reply
  7. Cayla Willingham

    December 26, 2012 at 2:10 AM

    YES! I would add pumpkin to everything if I could. And if it was available year round. I’ve started making a chili with pumpkin and beets. Sounds weird but kids and husbands alike eat it and ask for more!

    Reply
  8. Kesha

    December 20, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    I made this recipe last night, and it was delicious! The pumpkin flavor was too weird for my husband, who is very picky, but the fact that he made it three bites in was noteworthy. 🙂 I didn’t change a thing in the recipe (had to give it a fair shot as-is before modifying it), and it was just fine. The optional topping I didn’t include was green onions.

    This recipe will go on my meal rotation list for winter! It is so unbelievably easy and quick for such a healthy, hearty meal, and doesn’t dirty a lot of dishes. Thank you, Katie! I’m going to go eat some now and see if it’s even better the second day… 😀

    Reply
  9. Sam Hopper

    December 19, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    I’m so intrigued & excited to try this out. The only savory pumpkin I really have is in soup so this is a heartier 1 pot meal for me & my family. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Anthony Aadam

    December 18, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    thanks for sharing recipe.its looking so delicious.

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Join the Conversation... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Please read the comment policy.

Recipe Rating




The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Ads provided by CafeMedia Family & Parenting Network. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Wellness Mama.


Content

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Favorites
  • Wellnesse

Support

  • Newsletter
  • Podcast Application
  • Medical Review Board
  • My Books
  • Sitemap
  • Contact

Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Full Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Promo Guidelines
  • Comment Policy

Join the
Wellness Mama Tribe!


Copyright © 2023 · Wellness Mama® · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding