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Hearty pumpkin chili recipe served in white bowl with sour cream and cheese garnish

Pumpkin Chili

Hearty pumpkin chili with spicy Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and warming spices for the perfect fall comfort meal
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground spicy Italian sausage
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves chopped
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1.5 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.75 tsp ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 0.5 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
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking into bite-sized pieces, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in pot.
  3. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes until softened and onion becomes translucent.
  4. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  5. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and browned sausage. Stir until completely combined.
  6. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with desired garnishes.

Notes

Pumpkin acts as natural thickener. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth. Tastes even better the next day. Great for meal prep and freezing.