If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This White Bean Pumpkin Chili is one of my absolute favorites. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and hearty, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The blend of flavors, from the earthy pumpkin to the savory spices, creates a comforting hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for some meal prep magic to ease your week ahead, this chili fits the bill perfectly. You can make it in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove—whatever works best for your busy schedule!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a breeze for any night of the week.
Family-Friendly: Packed with flavor and nutrition, even picky eaters will love this chili!
Versatile: Perfect for customizing based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences.
Make Ahead: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, so it’s great for meal prep.
Deliciously Comforting: The combination of pumpkin and white beans creates a creamy texture that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make this delicious White Bean Pumpkin Chili. You’ll find everything you need for this recipe right here:

For the Base

2 tablespoons Avocado oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
3 small carrots (finely chopped)

For Flavor

1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1/2 tablespoon red chili paste (or 1 tablespoon of chili powder)
2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried)

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken, turkey, or beef (I love using lean ground turkey!)
15 oz unsweetened pumpkin purée (one can)
1/4 cup peanut butter
30 oz cannellini beans (two cans, drained)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

To Taste

Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh thyme, chopped avocado, green onions, shredded cheese

Seasoning Blend

1 tablespoon each of: cumin powder, onion powder, and garlic powder

Variations

One of the best things about this White Bean Pumpkin Chili is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using ground beef or plant-based crumbles if you prefer!
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Try different beans: Black beans or pinto beans could add a nice twist.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or extra chili paste.

How to Make White Bean Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies

Start by finely chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. Taking a few moments to chop these ingredients helps release their natural flavors and makes sure they cook evenly in our chili.

Step 2: Sauté Your Base

In a large pot over medium heat, warm up your avocado oil. Add in those finely chopped veggies along with some salt and pepper. Sauté them until they’re tender—about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds flavor right from the start!

Step 3: Add Your Spices

Once your veggies are soft and fragrant, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and red chili paste. Stir well for about a minute until those spices bloom; trust me—the aroma will be irresistible!

Step 4: Incorporate Your Protein

Now it’s time to add your ground meat choice! Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spoon—this should take around 5-6 minutes. Cooking until browned not only enhances flavor but also ensures that your meat is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Mix in Pumpkin & Beans

Next up is adding that creamy pumpkin purée along with peanut butter and cannellini beans. Pour in the broth gradually while stirring everything together until combined nicely. This mixture creates that rich base we love so much!

Step 6: Simmer Away!

Bring your chili to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes while stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better those flavors meld together—don’t rush this part!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally! Taste your delicious creation and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with toppings like fresh thyme, diced avocado, green onions, or shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting bowl of White Bean Pumpkin Chili!

Pro Tips for Making White Bean Pumpkin Chili

Making this White Bean Pumpkin Chili is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your dish even further!

Prep Ahead: Chopping your veggies and measuring out spices in advance saves time and makes the cooking process smoother. This way, you can focus on enjoying the cooking experience rather than feeling rushed.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less red chili paste or chili powder and gradually add more to taste. This ensures everyone can enjoy the dish without it being too spicy.
Experiment with Beans: While cannellini beans are delicious, feel free to mix in other beans like navy or great northern for added flavor and texture. Different beans can provide unique tastes and nutritional benefits.
Coconut Milk for Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, consider adding a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds richness without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Leftovers Are Gold: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick meals!

How to Serve White Bean Pumpkin Chili

Serving this White Bean Pumpkin Chili is all about presentation and complementary flavors that enhance its deliciousness. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

Chopped Avocado: Adding fresh avocado provides a creamy texture that balances the chili’s spices beautifully.
Fresh Green Onions: A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a mild crunch and brightens up each bowl.
Shredded Cheese: A handful of shredded cheese on top melts into the warm chili, creating an indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is perfect for scooping up chili. Its slight sweetness balances the savory flavors wonderfully.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
Rice or Quinoa: Serving your chili over brown rice or quinoa adds extra fiber and protein, making it even more filling.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips not only add texture but are also fun for dipping into your bowl of chili!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress your family or guests with an unforgettable meal! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This creamy White Bean Pumpkin Chili is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 4 days.
Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification later.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
You can also use a microwave; heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make White Bean Pumpkin Chili without meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute meat with additional vegetables or plant-based protein such as lentils or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I make White Bean Pumpkin Chili spicier?

For an extra kick, add more red chili paste or fresh jalapeños. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper during cooking for added heat!

Can I use different beans in this chili?

Yes! While cannellini beans give a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties like navy beans or chickpeas based on your preference.

Is White Bean Pumpkin Chili good for meal prep?

Definitely! This chili stores well and tastes even better after sitting for a day, making it ideal for meal prepping your week’s lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this comforting bowl of White Bean Pumpkin Chili! It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that warms your soul. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this hearty dish is bound to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!