Easy Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe: Fall’s Best Comfort

Pumpkin chili brings unexpected warmth and depth to classic comfort food traditions.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in a robust, soul-satisfying blend that challenges conventional culinary expectations.

Autumn’s signature produce transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary and memorable.

Fragrant spices weave through tender meat and vegetables, creating a symphony of rich, complex flavors.

Unexpected ingredients merge seamlessly, delivering a remarkable taste experience that surprises and delights hungry diners.

Bold and inventive, this recipe celebrates creativity in the kitchen while honoring time-honored cooking techniques.

The magic of this dish lies in its ability to comfort and excite simultaneously: get ready to savor every spoonful.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

• Sprinkle Brightness: Finish your chili with a zesty squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to awaken all the deep, warm flavors.
• Boost Complexity: Stir in masa harina during the final simmering stage to create a luxuriously thick and rich texture that coats every spoonful.
• Mix Up Beans: Swap one standard bean variety with pinto beans or chickpeas to introduce surprising layers of taste and interesting mouthfeel.
• Elevate Aromatics: Toss a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley into the pot at the last moment, bringing vibrant color and garden-fresh notes.
• Deepen Smokiness: Dust in a half teaspoon of smoked paprika, transforming your chili from good to unforgettably delicious with its intense, woodsy undertone.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

• Freezer Batch Method: Portion the pumpkin chili into individual serving-sized containers for quick, effortless meal prep. Seal tightly with freezer-safe lids, leaving a small space at the top to prevent expansion. Label each container with the date and contents to track freshness.
• Vacuum Sealing Technique: Press out all excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Vacuum-sealed chili can last up to 6 months, extending its storage life beyond traditional freezing methods. Use clear bags to easily identify the contents and track meal inventory.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer chili to clean, wide-mouth glass containers with secure, leak-proof lids for maximum preservation. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and allow for easy microwave reheating. Stack containers efficiently in the refrigerator or freezer to maximize storage space while keeping meals organized and readily accessible.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

• Vegetarian Pumpkin Prowess: Replace ground spicy Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the robust spice profile while creating a meatless protein-packed chili option.
• Southwest Spice Safari: Incorporate diced green chilies, swap half the chicken broth with beer, and add smoked paprika for a deeper, more intense southwestern flavor experience that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Slow Cooker Comfort Classic: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning vegetables and sausage, cook on low for 6-8 hours to develop richer, more melded flavors and create an effortless hands-off meal preparation method.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked quinoa or brown lentils to increase protein content, creating a more nutritionally dense chili that provides sustained energy and additional texture to the original recipe.

Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin chili emerges as culinary magic, blending seasonal warmth with robust spices.

Savory sausage and hearty beans create layers of comfort in each spoonful.

Autumn’s essence dances through cumin, cinnamon, and fire-roasted tomatoes, weaving complex flavor profiles.

Nutritious pumpkin adds unexpected depth, transforming classic chili into something extraordinary.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement over this delightful recipe’s rich, satisfying character.

Soul-warming chili calls you to gather friends, ladle generously, share wildly on social media, comment passionately, and celebrate fall’s most delicious creation.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili is the Perfect Fall Dish

• Savor Seasonal Spice Explosion: This pumpkin chili bursts with warm, autumnal flavors that dance across your taste buds, combining the richness of spicy Italian sausage with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and warming spices like cinnamon and cumin.
• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous fall gatherings when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
• Build Nutritious Layers of Deliciousness: Packed with protein from sausage and two types of beans, loaded with vegetables, and enriched with pumpkin puree, this chili offers a nutritional powerhouse that keeps you full and energized without compromising on taste.
• Create Customizable Comfort Bowl: Easily adaptable with various toppings like sharp cheddar, sour cream, avocado, or roasted pumpkin seeds, this chili becomes a personalized meal that lets everyone craft their perfect bowl of warmth and comfort.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

• Ground Spicy Italian Sausage: Provides a spicy and rich protein base for the chili, ensuring deep flavor and hearty texture.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, depth, and a vibrant color to the chili, creating a robust vegetable foundation.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic flavor and enhances overall taste profile of the dish.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Offer additional protein, texture, and nutritional value to the chili, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
• Pumpkin Puree: Introduces a subtle sweetness, creamy texture, and seasonal autumn flavor to the chili.

• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Provides a smoky and rich tomato base with concentrated flavor and natural sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture, depth, and helps create the perfect chili consistency.

• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cinnamon: Blend of spices that creates a complex, warm, and balanced flavor profile for the chili.

• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Sour Cream, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Avocado: Provide additional texture, creaminess, and flavor customization options.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Prepare Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground spicy Italian sausage and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Chopped red bell pepper

• Minced garlic cloves
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Ground cinnamon

Cook for an additional 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Zesty Tomatoes

Stir in 2 cans (each) of fire-roasted tomatoes without draining. Mix thoroughly with vegetable and spice blend. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend Hearty Beans and Pumpkin

• Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Pumpkin puree

Stir completely to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Pour in Flavorful Broth

Add 2 chicken broth, mixing well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Create Delicious Depth

Cover Dutch oven and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow flavors to meld and chili to thicken to preferred consistency.

Step 7: Serve with Spectacular Toppings

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Sour cream
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Sliced avocado

Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili delivers a seasonal twist on classic comfort. Rich autumn flavors blend seamlessly with tender ground beef, creating a warming dish that wraps you in delicious Mexican-inspired spices.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground spicy Italian sausage
• 1 can (15-ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15-ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 can (15-ounce) pumpkin puree
• 2 cans (15-ounce each) fire-roasted tomatoes, not drained

Spices, Oils, and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Toppings:

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Sour cream
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Avocado

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the spicy Italian sausage by heating 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble 1 pound (454 grams) of ground sausage into the pan, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until thoroughly browned. Transfer the cooked meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Utilize the same Dutch oven to sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 1 diced red bell pepper for 10 to 12 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized. Introduce 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of ground cumin, 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 grams) of chili powder, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 grams) of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of ground cinnamon. Stir and cook for an additional 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Pour in 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) of fire-roasted tomatoes without draining. Mix thoroughly with the vegetable and spice mixture, allowing the contents to reach a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporate 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) of drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) of drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) of pumpkin puree. Stir to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
5. Gradually pour 2 1/2 cups (600 milliliters) of chicken broth into the mixture, blending completely. Raise the heat momentarily to bring the chili to a boil, then immediately reduce to medium-low heat.
6. Cover the Dutch oven and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes, stirring periodically. This process allows the flavors to meld and the consistency to thicken naturally.
7. Perform a final seasoning adjustment with additional salt and pepper according to personal taste. Serve piping hot, garnishing with optional toppings such as roasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado for added complexity and texture.

Notes

• Elevate flavor complexity by incorporating ground cinnamon for subtle, warming depth.
• Boost nutrition with pumpkin puree, adding creamy texture and hidden vegetable goodness.
• Customize protein choices by swapping spicy Italian sausage with leaner ground turkey or chicken.
• Mix kidney and black beans to create interesting textural variety and nutritional balance.
• Enhance chili’s smokiness using fire-roasted tomatoes instead of standard canned varieties.
• Maximize taste by using fresh garlic and allowing chili to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking.
• Garnish with optional toppings like avocado and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Preserve leftovers easily by storing in airtight container up to 4-5 days or freezing for three months.
• Enjoy even more robust flavors as spices develop and intensify overnight in refrigerated chili.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg