Pumpkin Chili Recipe (Easy, Hearty & Flavorful)
This creamy Pumpkin Chili combines spicy Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and pumpkin puree for a hearty fall meal. Ready in 45 minutes with warming spices and two types of beans.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 1 lb ground spicy Italian sausage can substitute mild or turkey sausage
- 1 onion chopped (yellow or white)
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¾ tsp ground black pepper plus more to taste
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 15-oz. cans fire-roasted tomatoes, not drained
- 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- For Garnish:
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Sour cream
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Avocado diced
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
- Chop the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and black beans thoroughly.
- Brown the Sausage
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot over medium heat, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Bloom the Spices
- Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Main Ingredients
- Add the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney beans, drained black beans, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and the browned sausage. Stir everything together until well combined, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
- Simmer
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
- Final Seasoning and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add an extra can of beans or 1 cup cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Heat Adjustments: For spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. For milder chili, use mild Italian sausage and reduce chili powder to 1 tablespoon.
Make It Creamier: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Slow Cooker Method: Brown the sausage first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Topping Tip: Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor and crunch.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add an extra can of beans or 1 cup cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Heat Adjustments: For spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. For milder chili, use mild Italian sausage and reduce chili powder to 1 tablespoon.
Make It Creamier: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Slow Cooker Method: Brown the sausage first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Topping Tip: Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor and crunch.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.