Three things in specific get me really excited about fall: Who else is with me? I love pumpkins all year round, I feel super stylish in light seasonal jackets, and warming and comforting foods make me feel so cozy. Lucky for me (and us), this recipe hits two of those in one. Plus, I could eat this wearing some fashionable clothing, so I’d already say that it’s a complete win. Welcome to your new favorite chili of the season: Vegan Pumpkin Chili. For another cozy pumpkin recipe, try my creamy pumpkin soup!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chili
Every year when I ask, “what recipes do you want to see this fall?” I get “chili!” as a resounding response. The addition of pumpkin and quinoa makes it a runaway hit for the following reasons:
Perfect for fall with seasonal ingredients. Take advantage of all things pumpkin while it’s at the height of harvest! Pumpkin works just as beautifully in sweet recipes as it does in savory. Incredibly hearty and filling. Between the beans, whole grains, and abundance of fresh vegetables, you have a power-packed combination of fiber and protein that will keep you full and focused for hours. Practically cooks itself. After a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker will do all the work for you! It’s a life saver on busy days when there’s no time to spend in the kitchen.
Notes on Ingredients
What separates good chili from great chili are quality ingredients. Here’s what you need for the very best results. Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Vegetable broth – Low sodium is best to keep the salt levels in check. Quinoa – You can use white, red, black, or all three for a more colorful mix. Black beans – Feel free to mix and match beans based on what’s in your pantry. Pinto beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas are other great choices. Diced tomatoes or fire roasted tomatoes – Use fire roasted tomatoes for a deeper, subtly smoky flavor. Pumpkin puree – Make sure this is 100% solid packed pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and sweetened. Red & green bell pepper Shredded carrot – You’ll need roughly 1/3 cup of shredded carrots if you buy it already prepared. Onion Garlic Chili pepper – This could be anything from a mild jalapeno to a blazing hot ghost pepper, depending on your spice preference. Spices – This pumpkin chili recipe is spiced with chili powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano.
How to Make Pumpkin Chili
This pumpkin chili recipe is prepared in a few simple steps. Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions.
Combine the ingredients. Add the broth, quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and pumpkin. Stir to combine. Then mix in the peppers, carrot, onion, and garlic. Cook on high for 2 ½ to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. Keep an eye on it during the final 30 minutes of cooking to reach your ideal texture and thickness. Enjoy! Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve in bowls and top with avocado, cheese, vegan sor cream, and parsley. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chili with Pumpkin
For those not crazy about spicy foods or cooking for picky kids, it’s easy to dial back the heat to taste. Simply omit the chili pepper and cayenne to make a milder version. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this chili on the stovetop instead. Sauté the vegetables first in a splash of water or oil over medium heat until translucent. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, and the quinoa is fully cooked. For those craving a conventional meaty chili, “beef” things up with plant-based grounds. Add 12 to 16 ounces of your favorite vegan ground beef in the first step, cooking until lightly browned.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty is chili is that it’s a complete meal in a bowl. All you need is a spoon, and maybe a cozy blanket to snuggle under! If you want to dress it up though, there are lots of ways to use your pumpkin chili as the ultimate topper:
Chili cheese dogs (vegan dogs, of course!) Chili cheese fries Chili loaded potatoes Chili mac and cheese Chili spaghetti Chili stuffed peppers
Pumpkin chili is also great with some simple sides, such as cornbread, biscuits, tortilla chips, crackers, and rice.
How to Store Leftovers
Fridge. Let the pumpkin chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days. Reheat. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 1 to 2 minutes, until hot all the way through.
Can I Freeze Vegan Pumpkin Chili?
Yes, chili with pumpkin is a great meal to freeze for safe keeping! Stored in an airtight container, it will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, microwave for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until thawed and hot all the way though.
More Vegan Chili Recipes
One Pot Red Lentil Chili Vegan Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Chili Vegan Chili Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole
