There’s something so cozy and unexpected about this Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s like the warmth of chili meets the subtle, creamy sweetness of pumpkin—a combo that’s perfect for chilly nights when you want comfort food with a twist.

A white bowl filled with thick chili, showing layers of dark red beans and chunks of meat in a rich red sauce. On top, there is a melted layer of yellow cheese sprinkled with small pieces of green onion. Three triangular golden-yellow tortilla chips stand upright on the side of the bowl. A black spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the right edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with loose tortilla chips and two wooden bowls full of green onions and shredded yellow cheese nearby. A white cloth with black stripes is tucked under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m always looking for chili recipes that aren’t just another bowl of red stuff. This Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe stands out because it’s rich, hearty, and has a secret ingredient that adds a luscious texture and subtle depth you don’t expect. Trust me, once you try it, it just might become your new go-to chili.

Unexpected flavor boost: The pumpkin adds a smooth creaminess without overpowering the chili’s savory base.
Nutritious and filling: With plenty of beans and ground beef, it’s a complete meal that keeps you satisfied.
Easy to make: Minimal steps and simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Versatile to customize: You can tweak the spices or toppings to fit your mood or pantry stock.

A large white enamel pot with red handles filled with thick, chunky chili that has a deep reddish-brown sauce mixed with beans and pieces of meat, with a gray spoon with a light wooden handle resting inside the pot. On the white marbled surface around the pot are scattered yellow tortilla chips, a small brown bowl with chopped green onions, and another small brown bowl with shredded yellow cheese. A black and white striped cloth is partially visible under the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe combine classic chili staples with a twist that works beautifully. The pumpkin puree blends right in, enriching the texture and adding natural sweetness that balances the spices. When you're shopping, grabbing fresh garlic and onions really makes a difference, but canned beans and tomatoes keep it super simple.

Flat lay of two whole garlic cloves with papery skins, one whole yellow onion with smooth golden skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh ground beef, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with shiny kidney beans and black beans, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red diced tomatoes with juices, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth orange pumpkin purée, a small white ceramic bowl of thick deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, and five small white ceramic bowls each containing vibrant chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch of aroma and flavor that makes chili unforgettable.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed, creating the perfect flavor base.
Olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps bring out other flavors.
Ground beef: I like to use 80/20 for juiciness; it browns nicely and carries the spices well.
Kidney beans: Classic chili bean with a firm texture that holds up well during cooking.
Black beans: Add earthy notes and heartiness, plus they contrast visually too.
Petite diced tomatoes: These keep the chili saucy and add slight acidity to balance the richness.
Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient—smooth, slightly sweet, and helps thicken the chili beautifully.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness without extra liquid.
Water: Helps control the chili’s consistency so it’s not too thick or thin.
Chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic & onion powder, black pepper, salt: This blend layers warmth, smokiness, and a touch of heat—everything that good chili needs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe is. I often tweak the spices depending on my mood—sometimes adding a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky kick, or swapping ground beef for turkey to lighten it up. Feel free to personalize your bowl however you like!

Variation: Once, I swapped the pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree—just as cozy, slightly different flavor, and just as comforting.
Vegetarian option: Use lentils or extra beans and skip the beef; add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Spice level: Adjust chili powder to suit your heat tolerance—start small if you’re unsure and add later.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by mincing fresh garlic and dicing a yellow onion. Heat about two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the garlic and onion. Sauté gently until the onions turn translucent and tender, about five minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it—soft, caramelized onions add sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your pound of ground beef straight into the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, and cook until it’s fully browned with no pink spots remaining. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning properly is key because it locks in the meaty flavor, which makes your chili taste rich and hearty.

Step 3: Mix in the Beans, Pumpkin & Seasonings

Drain the kidney and black beans, then toss them into the pot along with a 15oz can of petite diced tomatoes (including the juice), pumpkin puree, half a can of tomato paste, and two cups of water. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Everything gets cozy in the pot, ready for the next step.

Step 4: Simmer It Slowly

Pop a lid on your pot and bring the chili up to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks at the bottom. This simmering lets all the flavors meld and the pumpkin to soften the texture beautifully without taking over. Just make sure you keep an eye on the liquid level—you want thick, cozy chili, not soup.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

After simmering, give your chili a good stir and taste. Add extra salt if it needs a boost. Then ladle your Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings.

Top Tip

This recipe took a few tries for me to get right, especially balancing the pumpkin so it’s subtle and not overwhelming. Here are some tips from my experiments that really helped:

Brown the beef well: It adds caramelized flavor that balances the mild pumpkin sweetness.
Don’t skip the simmer: Slow cooking is key—it helps meld the spices, soften the beans, and thicken the chili naturally.
Add pumpkin puree gradually: If you’re new to pumpkin in chili, start with less, taste, then add more on your next round so you control the flavor.
Keep stirring: Prevents sticking and helps build the chili’s texture evenly throughout.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

For me, this chili’s best friend is a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for melty goodness, and fresh chopped green onions for brightness and a little crunch. A few crushed corn chips on top add a fun texture, making every spoonful so satisfying.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this chili with some warm cornbread—either skillet cornbread or simple muffins—and a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the hearty richness of the chili nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a cozy fall party, I served the Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe in mini pumpkin bowls—just hollowed out little pie pumpkins! It was a fun surprise and made for a beautiful centerpiece too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the chili cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day since the flavors have more time to develop!

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Just add a splash of water if it’s too thick.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep it from sticking or drying out. Microwaving works too; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned pumpkin or do I have to use fresh?

Canned pumpkin puree is the easiest and best choice for this recipe because it has the perfect smooth texture. Fresh pumpkin would need to be cooked and pureed yourself, which is possible but adds extra steps.

How spicy is this Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe?

This chili has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika. You can adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want it hotter.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if you can.

What toppings work best with this pumpkin chili?

I recommend traditional chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions. For a fun twist, try adding avocado slices or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe holds a soft spot in my kitchen rotation because it combines familiar, comforting flavors with a little fall-inspired twist that’s downright delicious. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests. I hope you give it a try soon, and when you do, I bet you’ll be making it again and again—just like I do.