Fall Flavors Abound: Try Wisconsin's Favorite Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Chilly Nights

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As the autumn leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and the crisp air settles across Wisconsin, there's nothing better than warming up with a comforting bowl of chili. This Pumpkin Chili recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season, blending the heartiness of traditional chili with a seasonal twist that highlights one of fall's star ingredients: pumpkin. Whether you're sitting down with family on a cozy weeknight or hosting a fall gathering, this dish will fill your home with warmth and comfort.

The unique addition of pumpkin in this chili adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly balances the spices. In Wisconsin, where pumpkin patches dot the landscape, incorporating fresh, locally grown pumpkins into dishes is a cherished fall tradition. The slight sweetness from the pumpkin complements the smoky and spicy flavors of the chili, creating a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for those chilly Wisconsin evenings.

Recipe: Wisconsin-Style Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tbsp avocado or olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 oz garlic (4-6 cloves), minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 12 oz diced pumpkin (half of a small (2.5 lbs) pie pumpkin)
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup beef stock
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 3 oz tomato paste
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained
• 15 oz can white beans, drained
• 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1-2 tsp coarse sea or kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Begin by prepping the vegetables and pumpkin. To prepare the pumpkin, cut it in half, remove the seeds and membrane, and peel off the tough skin with a vegetable peeler. Dice it into small cubes. Similarly, chop the onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes into evenly-sized pieces.
2. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add avocado or olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they turn translucent. Then, add the diced pumpkin and bell peppers, cooking them for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Mix in the chopped tomatoes, and cook for a couple more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Clear a space in the center of the pot, add the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Push the veggies to the sides of the pot and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the beef to cook. Stir occasionally, making sure to break up any lumps, and cook until the beef is mostly browned.
5. Once the beef is browned, stir in the seasonings, including chipotle chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the beef stock, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and pumpkin puree. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
6. Finally, add the drained kidney beans and white beans to the mixture. Bring the chili to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid to let some steam escape, and let the chili simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Midway through cooking, remove the lid to allow the chili to thicken and develop its rich flavor. Continue cooking uncovered for the remaining time.

The result is a hearty, flavorful Pumpkin Chili that’s both comforting and filling—just the thing for those brisk Wisconsin fall evenings. The tender chunks of pumpkin mixed with the savory beef and beans create a robust dish that highlights the best of fall’s harvest. This chili is perfect served with cornbread or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top.

A Hearty Wisconsin Tradition

There's a certain magic about fall in Wisconsin, and nothing brings people together like good food. This Pumpkin Chili offers a unique twist on a classic, providing the perfect blend of warmth and spice to combat the cool autumn breeze. Whether enjoyed after a long day at the pumpkin patch or while watching the leaves fall outside your window, this chili is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

This Pumpkin Chili recipe is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall, especially in a state like Wisconsin, where chilly autumn evenings call for hearty, warming meals. This version blends the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the traditional spice of chili, creating a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for cozy nights.

The key to this recipe is balancing the tender pumpkin cubes and puree with bold spices like cumin, chipotle chili powder, and smoked paprika, along with two kinds of beans and savory ground beef. The combination results in a chili that’s not only packed with flavor but also offers a creamy texture that you don’t usually get from standard chili. The inclusion of pumpkin gives it a subtle sweetness that balances out the spiciness, while the beans and beef keep it hearty and filling.

This dish is perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Leftovers are easy to reheat and taste even better as the flavors continue to meld. Serve the chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or even crunchy pumpkin seeds to add texture and richness​(Midwest Living)​(A Couple Cooks).

You can also make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off approach, adjusting the spice level to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a crowd, this Wisconsin-inspired Pumpkin Chili is sure to warm hearts and bellies​(Will Cook For Smiles)​(The Recipe Critic).