Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh for pumpkin chili?

Absolutely! Use a 15-oz can of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) as a substitute for 2 cups of fresh pumpkin. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Is pumpkin chili spicy?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level. You can easily adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of jalapeño and chili powder. For a kid-friendly version, omit the jalapeño entirely.

Can I make pumpkin chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

How do I thicken my pumpkin chili if it's too watery?

Simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes to reduce liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their natural starches, which will thicken the chili.

Can I use other types of winter squash in this pumpkin chili recipe?

Yes! Butternut, acorn, or kabocha squash can be substituted for pumpkin with excellent results. The flavor profile will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Pumpkin Chili Recipes That Turn Classic Comfort Food Into Fall Magic 2025

Name: Pumpkin Chili Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground turkey (or beef); 2 cups fresh pumpkin, cubed (or 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional); 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes; 1 8-oz can tomato sauce; 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

Pumpkin Chili Recipes

Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting pumpkin chili recipe that blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with savory spices, protein-packed beans, and rich tomato flavor. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or game day gatherings.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes (30 if using fresh pumpkin)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey (or beef)
2 cups fresh pumpkin, cubed (or 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)
1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Dice vegetables and prepare ingredients. If using fresh pumpkin, peel, seed, and cube it.
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Stir in bell peppers and jalapeño. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Add spices and stir until fragrant.
Add pumpkin, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
Mix in kidney and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Stir in maple syrup or brown sugar. Adjust seasoning as needed. Add more broth if too thick.

Notes

Tastes even better the next day! Swap turkey for tempeh or more beans for a vegetarian version. Use fresh roasted pumpkin for extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 285
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: pumpkin chili, fall recipes, comfort food, one-pot meal, turkey chili

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pumpkin-chili/