Pumpkin Chili Dinner Idea (Ready-to-Print Version)
Hearty chili with pumpkin, Italian sausage, beans, and warming spices for cozy autumn meals.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fats and Oils
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Proteins
02 -
1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
→ Vegetables
03 -
1 medium onion, chopped
04 -
1 red bell pepper, chopped
05 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
→ Spices and Seasonings
06 -
2 teaspoons ground cumin
07 -
1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
08 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
09 -
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
10 -
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Canned Goods
11 -
2 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
12 -
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
13 -
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
14 -
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
→ Liquids
15 -
2 ½ cups chicken broth
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 -
Add ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking into pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
03 -
In the same pot, add chopped onion and red bell pepper; cook until softened, about 10 to 12 minutes.
04 -
Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cinnamon; cook for 30 seconds to release the spices' aromas.
05 -
Add fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and the cooked Italian sausage; stir until fully combined.
06 -
Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 -
Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to preference.
08 -
Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth; replace sausage with additional beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
02 -
Chili flavors develop and intensify when reheated, making it ideal for meal prep and freezing.
03 -
Pumpkin puree acts as a natural thickener and adds subtle sweetness, complementing the spices without overpowering.