Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili puts a cozy, autumn-inspired twist on the classic comfort food. It blends ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices with pumpkin puree for a rich, hearty, and slightly sweet depth of flavor. This chili isn’t sugary—it’s savory, thick, and satisfying, making it perfect for cold nights, tailgate parties, or weeknight dinners.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin chili traces its roots to American home cooking, where pumpkin puree became a beloved addition to soups and stews. The Pioneer Woman’s version celebrates the harvest season by combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with bold chili spices. The result is a flavorful, protein-rich dish that warms you from the inside out.

Other Pioneer Woman Popular Pumpkin Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Unique flavor – pumpkin adds richness without overpowering the chili.
• Hearty and filling – packed with beef, beans, and vegetables.
• Perfect for fall – ideal for cozy dinners or seasonal gatherings.
• Easy one-pot meal – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Freezer-friendly – tastes even better the next day.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• Ground beef (1½ lbs, lean)
• Olive oil (1 tbsp)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz)
• Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz)
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup)
• Black beans (1 can, drained)
• Kidney beans (1 can, drained)
• Beef broth (2 cups)
• Chili powder (2 tbsp)
• Ground cumin (1 tsp)
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
• Salt (1 tsp)
• Black pepper (½ tsp)
• Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or tortilla chips

Useful Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle for serving

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add spices and pumpkin

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the pumpkin puree until evenly combined.

Step 4: Combine liquids and beans

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, black beans, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Serve warm with cornbread or crusty bread.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too thick – added extra broth for better consistency.
• Mild flavor – increased chili powder and added smoked paprika.
• Pumpkin is too strong – balanced with extra tomato sauce.
• Too spicy – reduced cayenne for a milder version.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, skip the oil, and reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and beans. Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra fiber and vitamins.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

• Replace beef with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter option.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin for a chunkier texture.
• Add corn kernels for extra sweetness and crunch.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

• As chili mac – mix with cooked pasta.
• Over-baked potatoes – hearty and filling dinner idea.
• With nachos – pour over tortilla chips for a quick snack.
• In tacos – use as a spicy pumpkin filling.
• As a freezer meal – make ahead and store for busy nights.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Success

• Use pure pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling.
• Simmer long enough – allows flavors to develop deeply.
• Balance the spices – taste and adjust chili powder to preference.
• Don’t skip toppings – they add freshness and texture.
• Let it rest – chili tastes even better the next day.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

• Vegetarian pumpkin chili – omit meat, add lentils or quinoa.
• White pumpkin chili – use white beans and chicken.
• Spicy version – add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Sweet-savory version – mix in a touch of maple syrup.
• Tex-Mex style – add corn, peppers, and cilantro.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili

• Refrigerate – lasts up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze – store in freezer-safe bags up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently – to preserve flavor and texture.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Stovetop – reheat on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often.
• Microwave – heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Slow cooker – set to “warm” for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sodium: ~700mg

FAQs

Where did pumpkin chili originate?

Pumpkin chili is an American twist on traditional chili, inspired by harvest-season cooking. It became popular in modern home kitchens as a fall comfort food, combining classic chili ingredients with pumpkin puree for a creamy, subtly sweet flavor balance.

How do you thicken pumpkin chili?

To thicken pumpkin chili, simmer it uncovered for 10–15 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a spoonful of tomato paste, mashed beans, or an extra scoop of pumpkin puree to create a thicker, heartier texture.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make pumpkin chili vegetarian. Omit the ground beef and use a mix of black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for protein. Vegetable broth can replace beef broth without losing the dish’s rich, earthy flavor.

Why does my pumpkin chili taste too sweet?

If your pumpkin chili tastes too sweet, balance it by adding acidity or spice. A splash of lime juice, a teaspoon of vinegar, or extra chili powder helps neutralize the sweetness while enhancing the savory depth.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili Recipe takes comfort food to the next level with its perfect balance of hearty beef, creamy pumpkin, and bold spices. It’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and even better the next day.

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