8 Ways to Make Pumpkin Chili

ground turkey and pumpkin chili topped with jalapeno slices in a white bowl
Photo: Chef V

Given pumpkin's starring role in fall desserts and drinks, it's easy to overlook its potential in savory dishes. But adding pumpkin puree to chili makes so much sense. It thickens the chili and complements the dish's spices with a subtle sweetness. Keep cozy with our warm, satisfying recipes for turkey pumpkin chili, vegetarian pumpkin chili, vegan pumpkin chili, pumpkin and pulled pork chili, and more. Browse these pumpkin chili recipes to find one for your next chili night.

01 of 09

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili

"My hometown has a pumpkin festival every year and this is one of the recipes our family enjoys," recipe contributor BMWRIGHT69 says. Several home cooks tell us they have even used this sweet, spiced pumpkin chili recipe in cookoffs, and won!

02 of 09

Vegan Pumpkin Chili

Vegan Pumpkin Chili in an orange bowl
Jessica Anderson Knauss

Kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, and pumpkin puree bulk up this slow cooker vegan pumpkin chili recipe. Sweet, tangy orange juice and dark cocoa powder add depth.

03 of 09

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

ground turkey and pumpkin chili topped with jalapeno slices in a white bowl
Chef V

Home cooks call our Pumpkin Turkey Chili both delicious as is and "a great recipe to build on," as reviewer hallhouse says. Popular add-ins for this pumpkin chili recipe include corn, black beans, jalapeños, green chilies, and extra spices. Best of all, you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.

04 of 09

Spicy Pumpkin Chili

Spicy Pumpkin Chili

Recipe contributor JORDANTHEGIRL pulled this pumpkin chili recipe together after Thanksgiving to use up fresh pumpkin, but you can use canned pumpkin too, of course. Be sure to use hot Italian sausage for a spicy chili, as all of the recipe's heat relies on this ingredient.

05 of 09

Pumpkin Pineapple Chili

Pumpkin Pineapple Chili

If pumpkin and chili isn't adventurous enough, here's a recipe that incorporates pineapple. "This was fantastic! I love the unique medley of ingredients," reviewer Bernadette Drobny says. "I have never used pumpkin puree in chili but I think it gives a beautiful velvety touch along with the coconut milk. I did add a red pepper and pretty much doubled the recipe."

06 of 09

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili in a white bowl
Sugarplum

Our home cooks love that this slow cooker turkey pumpkin chili isn't just easy but healthy with ingredients like canned diced tomatoes, chili beans, black beans, and olive oil.

07 of 09

Pumpkin-Pulled Pork Chili

pumpkin chili with pulled pork in a bowl
Lynnem

This slow cooker pork chili combines pumpkin puree with tomato sauce and dark ale for a rich base. Corn and beans make it even thicker.

08 of 09

Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Chili

chili with vegetables and beans in a pot
Maggie Tidwell

This vegetarian slow cooker pumpkin chili recipe packs in broccoli, carrot, zucchini, okra, onion, and spinach. Some home cooks omit the vegetarian beef crumbles or use ground meat instead, both with successful results.

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