This is not one of those recipes that shoves pumpkin into the mix because it’s “trendy”. In fact, you can barely taste the pumpkin… it only lends a subtle sweetness while acting as a thickener, making this bison chili my personal favorite chili.
Before we get into it I’m well aware the word “chili” is a trigger, quickly spinning folks into a frenzy of feeling personally attacked if the wrong bean, meat, broth, tomato, or topping is used. Like the entirety of a culture and family history is at stake if you make it different from their momma.
I can guarantee my recipe will raise eyebrows and cause inner turmoil. Not because it’s anything crazy unique or because I’ll be suggesting caviar as a topping… but because it’s mine. A dish I love to prepare that’s probably different then the way you might prefer to prepare it. That’s the beauty of trying new to you recipes though, isn’t it? There’s always a new perspective, flavor profile, ingredient combo, and spice choices to explore. I know that several of my chili experiences have led me here, to this pumpkin bison chili. A pot of delicious I could seriously eat all week long with no regrets.
Nutrition Facts
8 servings per container
Calories401
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.8g 17%
- Saturated Fat 4.2g 22%
- Cholesterol 47mg 16%
- Sodium 634mg 27%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Potassium 32mg 1%
- Total Carbohydrate 46.4g 16%
- Dietary Fiber 12g 48%
- Sugars 8.2g
- Protein 31.3g 63%
- Calcium 8%
- Iron 41%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.


The History of Chili
The history of any food group or recipe can be debated until the end of time. Regardless of all that it’s still fun to drop down the rabbit hole and investigate along the way. Several resources I’ve found seem to point to a group of immigrants from the Canary Islands in the 1730s (colonized by Spain at the time). You can read all about the chili timeline from origin to our tables today right here. I know I thoroughly enjoyed the read!
Let Me Know
What type of toppings or sides do you love with chili? Are you a team add beans or team anti bean? If you have any tips or tricks or a family favorite meat, bean, noodle, whatever… go ahead and drop it below. My guess is there will be a ton of fun combos for us all to be inspired by 🙂
And if you happen to be looking for a fun dessert to pair with this recipe… I’m gonna go ahead and recommend my S’mores Skillet. For a drink… my Old Fashioned would HIT the spot. Just like that, you’ve got a delicious menu complete with cocktails, main meal, and dessert!
While you’re at the sharing and commenting, please Save to Pinterest or Share on Facebook. I need all the support I can get to keep on growing this dream of mine. A place where practical beats perfect- and simple, delicious food is a lifestyle. A place where together, we can begin filling homes and tables with joy.
Hugs, because handshakes are awkward~

This. Chili. This is now my go to chili recipe for cold days!! The flavor is incredible and the pumpkin purée adds the perfect touch of creaminess without overpowering. I used black beans instead of kidney beans and let it simmer all afternoon because that’s what you do with chili!! Will be making this again and again and again.
You feel about this chili the way I feel about this chili!! And black beans are a wonderful addition, I’ll be giving them a try next time. Cheers to big bowls of creamy goodness all winter long 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I so appreciate it! XO Susanna