Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili – This cozy vegetarian chili recipe is perfect for cold weather and rainy days. You’ll love the flavors! (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Years and years ago when my babies were small, I started making pumpkin chili. I fell in love at first bite with the velvety, hearty texture and the cozy blend of spices and seasonings. Now, every year, we make it several times throughout the fall and winter. (It’s one of my favorite Halloween dinners!)

Since I first posted our original Pumpkin Chili recipe, hundreds and hundreds of you have pinned, made, and shared it, entering it in cook-offs (and winning!), and bringing it to potlucks, parties, new moms, family trips, and more.

One request that’s come in year after year is for a vegetarian version. Well, this is the year! Today I’m sharing our Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili recipe, tested and perfected. I kept my favorite elements–gorgeous flavor & hearty texture–and made it meatless, adding a trio of beans that adds both color and flavor to this yummy dish.

And best of all–this vegetarian chili recipe is still SUPER easy to make!

Here’s what you’ll need to get started…

HERE’S WHAT GOES INTO OUR VEGAN PUMPKIN CHILI:

• Onion + Bell Peppers. Most of my chili recipes include onion and bell peppers, and this vegetarian pumpkin chili is no different. The smoky, savory notes are a perfect building block for our other favors.
• Our Yummy Chili Seasoning. My chili seasoning is a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and salt. It’s flavorful without being too spicy, though if you like yours with some kick, feel free to use 1.5-2x the spices!
• A Trio of Beans. To give our Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili a hearty flavor and texture without the meat, I use a trio of colorful beans–black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. I love the color they add to this yummy chili!
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. Always fire-roasted, if you can! I love the extra layer of flavor and smokiness. Muir Glen is my favorite brand!
• Pumpkin Puree. The (totally un)secret ingredient! Pumpkin puree adds thickness and a serious dose of nutrients to this vegetarian chili recipe. It won’t taste strongly of pumpkin (and certainly doesn’t taste like pumpkin spice!), but adds a little something extra to the chili that I love.
• Veggie Broth or Water. Then, to round out your Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili, you’ll add some veggie broth or water. This helps the spices, tomatoes, and pumpkin meld together to give every bite delicious flavor. Imagine Organic makes my favorite veggie broth.
• Cilantro to Finish it Off. Last, but not least, cilantro! I love the pop of color and brightness it adds to this vegetarian chili.

MAKE IT A MEAL! HERE’S WHAT TO SERVE WITH VEGETARIAN PUMPKIN CHILI:

1. Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins. My favorite side dish for vegetarian pumpkin chili is our Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins. The double-dose of pumpkin is SO COZY! Serve them with your favorite honey butter or cinnamon honey butter for an extra treat!
2. Maple Cornbread. Our Maple Cornbread is another great side dish for chili! The subtle sweetness of the maple is great with vegetarian pumpkin chili.
3. A Simple Side Salad. One of my favorite side dishes for vegetarian pumpkin chili is a simple green salad. The light, fresh flavor and crunch can be a great pairing with chili! Try our Pear and Pomegranate Salad, or try our Wild Rice and Kale Salad (made vegetarian!) for some fall and winter inspired flavors.
4. Fresh Fruit Like Apples or Pears. My kids always appreciate having fresh fruit with dinner (it’s so much easier for them than veggies!), so some apple slices or pear slices can be a great option. They can taste cool and refreshing next to the warm, hearty pumpkin chili.

FAQ + TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST VEGAN PUMPKIN CHILI

IS THIS CHILI SPICY? My goal was family-friendly chili that could work for kids and spice-averse adults, but still have plenty of flavor for people who like a more flavorful chili. In my opinion, this vegetarian pumpkin chili is in the mild range.

PREFER MORE KICK? No worries! You can add some extra zing to your chili by using 1.5-2x the spices. Or, mince 1/2-1 jalapeño and add it along with the onion and bell pepper. Even just increasing the chipotle chili powder to 1/2 tsp. will add heat!

WANT A MEATY VERSION? Try this version instead!

CAN I FREEZE VEGETARIAN PUMPKIN CHILI? Absolutely. This chili freezes like a dream! I like transferring cooled chili to freezer-safe bags, pressing out the extra air and laying them flat on a cutting board or plate to freeze. They’re easier to store once frozen, and will thaw faster when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers!

CAN I MAKE VEGETARIAN PUMPKIN CHILI IN A SLOW COOKER? I haven’t tried it in the slow cooker, but I think you can! Try following instructions similar to these.

SHOP OUR FAVORITE TOOLS + INGREDIENTS FOR PUMPKIN CHILI:

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