Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili is the ultimate comfort meal, brimming with deep autumn flavors, a lusciously thick texture, and just a touch of unexpected sweetness from pumpkin purée. This recipe skillfully combines savory ground beef, fire-roasted veggies, creamy beans, and a warm blend of spices—the kind that will make your kitchen smell like fall and welcome everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family game night or warming up after a chilly outdoor adventure, this pumpkin chili is hearty, simple, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili lies in its thoughtful blend of pantry staples and fresh veggies. Each ingredient plays a key role, building a foundation of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Olive oil: Gets every flavor started, ensuring veggies and beef brown up beautifully.
- Onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth, crucial for layering flavor in the chili base.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds color, crunch, and a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Garlic (minced): A little goes a long way—garlic brings the chili to life with sharp, fresh aroma.
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish, giving the chili its signature rich, meaty taste and satisfying texture.
- Pumpkin purée: Not just for sweetness—pumpkin creates a creamy consistency and beautiful earthy flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: They add acidity to balance the sweetness and bring that classic chili tang.
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Hearty and robust, kidney beans soak up all the flavors.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): Provide a creamy bite and gorgeous contrast to the chili color.
- Beef broth: Deepens the overall taste and gives just the right amount of sauciness.
- Tomato paste: A boost of sweetness and acidity that thickens the base.
- Chili powder: Essential for that bold, mildly spicy chili kick.
- Ground cumin: Adds a satisfying, earthy undertone that’s signature to chili.
- Smoked paprika: Brings in a gentle smokiness, the kind that makes you think of campfires.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a touch—it bridges the gap between savory and sweet in the most delightful way.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds balanced flavor and a subtle kick.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For the spice lovers who want to turn up the heat.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sour cream (optional): Both make lovely garnishes for color and contrast.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Pour the olive oil into a large pot and set it over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Let them sauté unattended, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize. This step is crucial—it helps develop the sweet and savory backbone of your chili and sets the tone for all the bold flavors to come.
Step 2: Get Aromatic with Garlic
Add your minced garlic to the sautéed veggies, letting the mixture cook for about a minute. Watch closely—garlic cooks quickly. You want it fragrant, not burnt, as this infuses the entire chili with that irresistible aroma and subtle heat.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and stir while cooking, allowing it to brown evenly. Drain off any excess fat if necessary. Browning the beef until it’s just cooked through deepens the flavor, ensuring every bite is savory, juicy, and robust.
Step 4: The Pumpkin Chili Magic
Time for the magic of Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili! Stir in the pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, and tomato paste. This combination is what gives the chili its velvety body and beautiful color. Every scoop will have a little taste of everything—classic chili flavors with a fall-inspired twist.
Step 5: Layer the Spices
Here’s where those flavor boosters come in! Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, a pinch of cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want a little heat. Stir thoroughly to combine. Bring the whole pot to a quick boil, then drop the heat to a gentle simmer. Let your chili bubble uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every so often. This step lets everything meld together and thicken until you have a pot of perfectly spiced, hearty goodness.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
When the chili is thickened and aromatic, give it a good taste test. Adjust any seasonings—add a little more salt, a dash of chili powder, or an extra hit of cumin, depending on your preferences. Serve hot, ladled into bowls, and top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a generous spoonful of sour cream.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili
Garnishes
Topping your bowl of Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili takes it to the next level. Fresh cilantro brightens each spoonful, while a dollop of cool sour cream melts in, balancing out every spicy, savory bite. For even more color and flavor, consider sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips.
Side Dishes
Pair this chili with classic cornbread (a little honey butter on the side never hurts), warm flour tortillas for dipping, or even a crisp green salad to keep things fresh and light. It’s perfect with a slice of cheddar on the side or a basket of salty tortilla chips for scooping every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili over baked sweet potatoes for an autumn-inspired twist. Or, serve it buffet-style at a fall party with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their bowl. For a fun family night, use the chili as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes. The colors and flavors always wow a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day! Plan on enjoying leftovers within 3 to 4 days for best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Divide cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll keep well frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date each container so you can enjoy a bowl of cozy chili on demand all season long!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also use the microwave—reheat on medium power, stirring every couple of minutes. Either way, those amazing flavors and textures will revive beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add another can of beans or lentils for a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian chili. The pumpkin purée and spice blend keep it just as flavorful and satisfying.
Does the chili actually taste like pumpkin?
The pumpkin flavor is subtle and melds seamlessly into the background, adding creaminess and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the savory spices. Most folks won’t even guess there’s pumpkin in the chili—just that it’s extra delicious!
Is Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili spicy?
It has a nice warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika, but the spiciness is pretty mild. If you love heat, definitely add the optional cayenne or offer hot sauce at the table for those who want a fiery kick.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as leaner alternatives. The seasonings and pumpkin purée will keep the chili moist and flavorful, no matter what protein you choose.
How can I make this chili in advance?
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors only get better with time. Prepare it up to two days before serving, cool completely, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili to gather everyone around with smiles and second helpings. Whether it’s game day, a chilly autumn night, or just when you need a taste of home, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Go ahead, give it a try and let it become your new family favorite!
Print
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili, a flavorful twist on classic chili that features the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Perfect for chilly fall evenings!
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Proteins
- 2 pounds ground beef
Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
Broth & Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and red bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook.
- Cook Meat: Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, beans, broth, and tomato paste. Add seasonings.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and sour cream. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or lentils.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
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