Pumpkin Chili is extra hearty with a delicious sweetness and earthy undertone that takes chili to a whole new level of good.  The perfect way to knock off the chill and satisfy hungry bellies.

Pumpkin bread, Pumpkin Monkey Bread, Pumpkin Magic Bars, Pumpkin Pie French Toast Roll Ups, Pumpkin Butter, Pumpkin Pie…….. I hope you’re not sick of pumpkin recipes yet because I have a really delicious Pumpkin Chili recipe for you today.

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Pumpkin Chili in a white pumpkin shaped casserole dish

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Chili

As the weather starts to cool down, it’s time for chili!!  So, to start the chili season off, I thought why not marry it with pumpkin season and make pumpkin chili?!

  • Pumpkin Chili is extra hearty, delicious, and rich in vitamins A and C.
  • Even if you’re not a fan of pumpkin, I think you’ll love this pumpkin chili.
  • There’s not a strong pumpkin flavor (I bet most people would never even guess pumpkin )
  • Canned solid pumpkin thickens the chili, giving it a subtly sweet, earthy undertone along with spices that will blow your mind.
  • A big pot of chili is hard to beat when you’re serving a crowd. It hits the spot and can be made ahead of time.
  • Quick and easy recipe!
Pumpkin Chili in a white casserole baker

Pumpkin Chili Ingredients

I know once the calendar turns to September, the world is taken over by the orange-yellow fruit….or is it a vegetable?  Either way, it’s pumpkin season, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate! Pumpkin is full health benefits for our bodies, everyone should be eating it all year long. I’m game for that!!

(full printable directions at the end of this post)

  • Ground Beef, Chicken or Turkey – your choice. Or make it vegan and add a few extra cans of beans.
  • Bush’s Black Chili Beans and White Chili Beans – I love that these chili beans come in a seasoned sauce! Do NOT drain the beans.
  • Pure Pumpkin – do NOT use pumpkin pie mix
  • V8 Vegetable Juice
  • Rotel – diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • Green Chiles – gives pumpkin chili a little kick
  • Chili Seasoning
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice – trust me here, warm pumpkin pie spices are the perfect complement to pumpkin chili.
  • Brown Sugar
  • Cumin
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
2 cans of chili beans with a pot of chili

How To Make Pumpkin Chili

I made this chili recipe on the stovetop, but it could certainly be made in the slow cooker (on low for 4-6 hours). Simply brown your meat before adding it to the slow cooker, and your house will smell amazing when your guests arrive.

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook meat until brown and drain.
  2. Stir in the remaining ingredients and seasonings and simmer for at least one hour.

What Are The Best Beans For Pumpkin Chili

This pumpkin chili is packed with flavor that starts with my favorite Bush’s White Chili Beans and Bush’s Black Beans in Mild Chili Sauce.

These chili beans are perfectly seasoned, zesty, and packed with protein and fiber, you could even make this a meatless chili, and not miss out on flavor.

CHECK OUT HOW EASY THIS PUMPKIN CHILI RECIPE IS TO MAKE! WATCH THE VIDEO!

 
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chili in a small orange pumpkin shaped bowl.

How Long Will Pumpkin Chili Keep?

Pumpkin Chili should be refrigerated (or put in the freezer) within 2 hours of cooking. Make sure it’s completely cooled and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also reheat this chili in the microwave.

This pumpkin chili recipe deserves a place in your recipe box and in your stomach!

**post may contain affilate links

Pumpkin Chili with black and white chili beans in pumpkin bowls.

How To Serve Pumpkin Chili

Wouldn’t this chili be fun to serve on Halloween or for a Halloween party?  I found the pumpkin casserole and pumpkin bakers at World Market, they were the inspiration for the pumpkin chili recipe.

Serve homemade Dutch Oven Bread to dunk in your hearty pumpkin chili. Cornbread or homemade croutons would be delicious too.

A light simple salad is an easy side to serve alongside the chili.

Keep the pumpkin theme going and serve Pumpkin Creme Brulee for dessert.

Like This Pumpkin Chili Recipe? Pin It!

pinterest-image
pumpkin chili served in pumpkin bowls

Originally posted in July 2014. UPDATED January 2024. We spiffed up this post with more information and new photos. No changes were made to the recipe.

Fall table set with pumpkin bowls filled with chili

Pumpkin Chili

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Pumpkin Chili is extra hearty with a delicious sweetness and earthy undertone that takes chili to a whole new level of good.  The perfect way to knock the chill off and satisfy hungry bellies.

Ingredients

  • 2 pound ground beef or turkey (I used 1 pound of each
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Bush's Black Chili Beans
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Bush's White Chili Beans
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin
  • 3 cups V8 vegetable juice
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel
  • 1 (4.5 ounce) can green chiles
  • 1 packet of chili seasoning*
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook meat until brown and drain.
  2. Stir in remaining ingredients and seasonings. Simmer 1 hour.

Notes

*ditch the store-bought packet and make homemade chili seasoning mix!

Pumpkin Chili should be refrigerated (or put in the freezer) within 2 hours of cooking. Make sure it's completely cooled and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also reheat this chili in the microwave.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 560Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 1341mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 5gSugar: 10gProtein: 49g

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used and are just estimates. We encourage, especially if these numbers are important to you, to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

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bowls and pot of pumpkin chili in orange and white pumpkin bakers

Disclaimer:  I grew up in a house that used  Bush’s Beans. I am now fortunate to have had an ongoing relationship with them as a brand ambassador for the past 5+ years. This post is sponsored by Bush’s Beans, but as always, all opinions are my own.  Thanks for supporting the brands that make TidyMom possible.  For more great recipes like this one, please visit their website.