Fall is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy some paleo pumpkin chili. The air is crisp, there are brightly colored crunchy leaves scattered about, and I currently want ALL things pumpkin. Can you blame me? We often associate pumpkin with sweet treats, but this pumpkin chili recipe will show you just how tasty savory pumpkin recipes can be, too!
If you’re in the fall spirit like I am, you can even serve this pumpkin chili in an actual pumpkin, for the ultimate fall meal! The pumpkin makes a fabulous display that will definitely impress your friends and family when you add this to your dinner table.
And of course, this fall chili recipe tastes SO good. Make a big batch, it seems to disappear quickly!
What Is Paleo Pumpkin Chili?
Paleo pumpkin chili is similar to traditional chili, except that it doesn’t have any beans, and of course, it has PUMPKIN in it! Most chili recipes are made with beans, but because this is a paleo version, we left them out.
The pumpkin chili recipe is made with pumpkin puree, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture, and of course, fall flavor.
How To Make Pumpkin Chili
You are going to love this easy chili recipe because it’s perfect for all your fall events. And let’s face it, people go CRAZY for it!
- Brown garlic, onion and bell peppers. Heat oil in a dutch oven and brown the garlic and onion first, then add the bell peppers to brown those as well.
- Brown the ground beef. Be sure to use medium-high heat so that it actually browns instead of steaming.
- Cook the chili. Add tomatoes, broth, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. After it cooks a few minutes, add the pumpkin and continue cooking.
Can you believe that you can whip up this homemade chili so quickly? Only about 30 minutes total! Serve with some fresh cilantro, and you will be all set.
Can I Use A Different Protein For This Pumpkin Chili Recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have ground beef or just aren’t a fan, you can easily swap it out for another protein if you want to. Here are a few ideas to try out:
- Ground Turkey – While very similar to ground beef, turkey is a leaner meat. If you find a good sale, grab it up and make some of this paleo pumpkin chili!
- Chicken – Use boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been cooked and shredded in this pumpkin chili recipe. It gives it a different texture, but it’s tasty.
- Pork – You can use a pork shoulder (cooked and shredded) or even ground pork that has been browned. Then mix it into the chili, and it’s positively incredible! As a matter of fact, you could even try my pork carnitas in the chili too!
What Makes Chili A Chili?
Typically, chili means that it’s a stew that is made with spices and has been cooked with meat. Many versions of chili are made with meat, tomatoes, chili spices, and sometimes beans or other ingredients.
My pumpkin chili recipe doesn’t have any beans, but it has the tomato-based base and plenty of chili spices.
How To Store Paleo Pumpkin Chili
Store paleo pumpkin chili in the fridge – it will last around 3-4 days. It makes lovely leftovers, so if you enjoy meal planning, consider adding this one to your list.
TIP: Store pumpkin chili it in individual serving containers for a quick grab-and-go lunch idea.
Heat the pumpkin chili recipe in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop, until hot.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Chili?
Yes, you can freeze this pumpkin chili recipe. I like to store soups and stews in freezer-safe bags to save room in the freezer. Fill the bag around 2/3 full and push out any extra air, then lay the bag flat until it’s frozen solid. After it’s frozen, you can stand them up in the freezer to save room.
To thaw the bag of pumpkin chili, place the bag in the refrigerator until it’s thawed as well. Heat it up in the microwave or stove top until hot.
More Paleo Pumpkin Recipes
Looking for more paleo pumpkin recipes? Take a look at these delicious ideas:
- Pumpkin Spice Flaxseed Smoothie – All of the pumpkin flavors you love, in a healthy smoothie form.
- Pumpkin Pie Milkshake – The treat version of the pumpkin smoothie. 😉
- Chocolate Pumpkin Bread – Sweet, but made from wholesome ingredients.
- Pumpkin Spice Paleo Granola – Pumpkin for breakfast? Absolutely with this healthy and decadent granola.
Paleo Pumpkin Chili Recipe:
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RECIPE CARD
Paleo Pumpkin Chili Recipe
This paleo pumpkin chili recipe is perfect for cool fall nights! Quick and EASY, gluten-free, healthy, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 large White onion (diced)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium Jalapeño (minced)
- 1 1/2 pounds Ground beef
- 2 14.5-oz cans Fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1 15-oz can Pumpkin puree
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
In a large dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Brown the onion and garlic for a 3-5 minutes, until they start to develop color.
Add in the bell pepper and jalapeño, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until soft.
Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the pumpkin. Continue to cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Divide between 6 bowls and garnish with cilantro.
Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 1.5 cup, or 1/6 of entire recipe
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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12 Comments
Donna
Honestly this is my go-to chili recipe from now on! I love making stuffed pumpkins for dinner, and this pumpkin chili will take a place in my permanent collection. Never would have thought of using pumpkin, thank you so much for sharing! Delicious!
Monica
What can I use instead of tomatoes?
Lauren
Hi Monica, What is the reason you are trying to avoid tomatoes? They are a pretty critical ingredient in any red chili recipe.
Lisa Gallagher
This was super. I added a TBS of cumin, 2 TBS of organic molasses and 1/2 tsp of cayenne. Pushed this recipe over the top.
Lauren
Hi Lisa! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I bet the molasses was delicious!
Joyce H.
What size can of pumpkin puree??
Lauren
Hi Joyce it’s 15 oz! Sorry about that!
Katie
Love love LOVE that pumpkin bowl! I made brownies inside a pumpkin once! 🙂
Sabrina
What a fun serving vessel for chili! It sounds like pumpkin adds a great flavor to it!
Kaitielaw
ive never had chilli made with pumpkin but the flavours are so intriguing! I k ow I like them all separately, so why not together?! 🙂
Manila Spoon
I love your food styling and presentation for sure! How fall-perfect and love that delicious pumpkin twist!
Florian=
Love that pumpkin bowl, haha so fun! Hello, fall! It is amazing that this recipe can be pretty veganized without the beef!