Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Pumpkin chili ignites a culinary revolution, transforming ordinary weeknight dinners into a flavor-packed adventure.

Hearty ingredients mingle with surprising zest, breaking through traditional comfort food boundaries.

Autumn’s vibrant harvest breathes new life into a classic dish, infusing each spoonful with unexpected warmth.

Robust spices dance alongside tender meat, creating a symphonic blend that tingles taste buds.

Innovative cooking techniques elevate this recipe from mundane to magnificent, challenging everything you thought you knew about chili.

Each bite tells a story of bold creativity and seasonal passion.

Grab your ladle and check out a meal that promises to spark joy and tantalize your senses.

Meal Prep and Storage for Pumpkin Chili

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare large quantities of this hearty chili to enjoy multiple meals throughout the week. This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, perfect for meal prepping.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep toppings separate to maintain their fresh texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheating Recommendation: Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore consistency and prevent burning. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili appears too thick during reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chili

• Spicy Italian Sausage: Select fresh, high-quality ground sausage with robust spice levels for deeper flavor complexity.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Choose firm, vibrant produce without soft spots or blemishes.
• Garlic: Pick plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum pungency.

• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Cinnamon: Opt for fresh, recently ground spices from reputable brands for intense aromatics.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Select coarse-grained salt and whole peppercorns to grind for maximum flavor release.

• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Pick canned varieties with smoky, charred undertones for rich depth.
• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Select well-preserved, uniformly colored beans without cracks.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices.

• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado: Select ripe, fresh ingredients at peak quality for maximum taste enhancement.

Tools for Making Pumpkin Chili at Home

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for simmering and developing deep flavors.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from cooked sausage.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate spice measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage.
• Can opener: Needed for opening tomato and bean cans.
• Colander: Helps drain and rinse beans quickly.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the thick, hearty chili.

Instructions for Cooking Pumpkin Chili

• Brown Sausage Brilliance

Sizzle spicy Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven until golden and crumbly. Drain excess oil on paper towels, setting aside the meat for later.

• Veggie Flavor Explosion

Caramelize onions and red bell peppers in the same pot, creating a rich base. Sprinkle in garlic and warming spices like cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon. Let the aromas dance and intensify for a quick moment.

• Tomato and Bean Symphony

Tumble fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney and black beans, and creamy pumpkin puree into the pot. Pour in chicken broth to create a luscious liquid foundation. Stir everything together with enthusiasm.

• Simmer and Develop Depth

Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently. Allow the ingredients to mingle and transform, developing deep, complex flavors. Stir occasionally and watch the magic happen.

• Finish and Garnish with Flair

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and crown with crunchy pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream, sharp cheddar, or creamy avocado slices. Enjoy your flavor-packed creation!

Cooking Tips and Creative Chili Additions

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage. Add extra chili powder or red pepper flakes for more kick, or reduce spices for a milder version.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace ground sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles. Vegetarian friends can use extra beans or meat substitutes.
• Enhance Texture Techniques: Crush some beans slightly while stirring to create a thicker, more rustic chili texture. Use a potato masher for partial mashing, leaving some beans whole for varied mouthfeel.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for deeper flavor development.

How to Serve This Cozy Pumpkin Chili

• Garnish with Green Glory: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a burst of color and bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the rich, hearty chili.
• Pair with Comfort Companions: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a more substantial meal that satisfies every craving.
• Layer with Creamy Extras: Top each bowl with a dollop of cool sour cream, sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, and a few slices of creamy avocado to add texture, tang, and luxurious richness to every spoonful.
• Create Seed Crunch: Scatter roasted pumpkin seeds over the chili for an unexpected nutty crunch that provides a delightful contrast to the tender beans and soft meat, elevating the overall eating experience.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chili delivers a robust blend of seasonal warmth and Mexican-inspired spices. Comforting ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates with you enjoying each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground spicy Italian sausage
• 15 oz (425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz (425 g) pumpkin puree
• 2 cans 15 oz (425 g) fire-roasted tomatoes, not drained
• 2 ½ cups (595 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsps chili powder
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• roasted pumpkin seeds
• sour cream
• shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• avocado

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Instructions

1. Sausage Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble Italian sausage and cook until deeply browned, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Aromatic Vegetable Layer: In the same Dutch oven, sauté onions and red bell peppers until softened and caramelized. Introduce minced garlic and a symphony of spices – cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Toast these seasonings briefly to release their intricate flavors.
3. Tomato and Liquid Integration: Add fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a rich base. Blend thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer gently, encouraging flavor development.
4. Bean and Pumpkin Fusion: Incorporate kidney beans, black beans, and pumpkin puree, stirring to ensure uniform distribution. This step creates a robust, hearty texture with complementary earthy notes.
5. Liquid Calibration: Pour chicken broth into the mixture, bringing the chili to a brief boil before reducing to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the flavors meld for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finishing and Serving: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like roasted pumpkin seeds, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and creamy avocado slices for a complex, textural experience.

Notes

• Optimize Sausage Browning: Ensure thorough browning of sausage to develop deep, rich flavor and remove excess fat, which enhances the overall taste profile of the chili.
• Bloom Spices Strategically: Short 30-second sauté of spices releases essential oils and intensifies their aromatic qualities, creating a more complex and robust flavor foundation.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth quantity carefully to achieve desired thickness; simmer uncovered if chili becomes too thin or add more broth if too dense.
• Elevate Serving Presentation: Carefully chosen garnishes like roasted pumpkin seeds, sharp cheddar, and creamy avocado transform this chili from ordinary to extraordinary, adding texture and complementary flavor dimensions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg