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Prize-Winning Pumpkin Chili

Mouthwatering Prize-Winning Pumpkin Chili for Cozy Nights

This Prize-Winning Pumpkin Chili combines creamy pumpkin puree and spicy Italian sausage, making it an irresistible dish for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound Ground Spicy Italian Sausage or ground turkey/plant-based
  • 1 unit Onion, chopped yellow or white onion
  • 1 unit Red Bell Pepper, chopped or green bell pepper
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, chopped or garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove)
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin no direct substitutes
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon or nutmeg
For the Chili
  • 2 cans Fire-Roasted Tomatoes not drained
  • 1 can Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can Pumpkin Puree or fresh roasted pumpkin
  • 2.5 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian version
For the Garnishes
  • unit Roasted Pumpkin Seeds or toasted nuts
  • unit Sour Cream or dairy-free version
  • unit Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese or vegan cheese
  • unit Avocado or olives

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering—about 1 minute.
  2. Add the ground spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8–10 minutes until browned and crisp.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 10–12 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften.
  4. Stir in the chopped garlic cloves, ground cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, drained kidney and black beans, pumpkin puree, browned sausage, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
  6. Increase the heat to bring the chili to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder.
  8. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes such as roasted pumpkin seeds, sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Letting the chili sit overnight enhances flavors. Cut vegetables evenly for even cooking, and taste as you go for personalization.

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