Smoky Pumpkin Chili with Maple & Chipotle

As soon as September 1st hits, I crave pumpkin in everything.
Will I be in line at Starbucks first thing in the morning for a PSL? Obviously. ☕🍁

But beyond the coffee — I start dreaming of cozy dinners that make the whole house smell amazing. And this Smoky Pumpkin Chili? It’s that “fall in a bowl” vibe. Warm, a little sweet, a little smoky, and ridiculously easy.

One thing you’ll learn about me is that I’m all about WOW meals that take minimal effort. You know the ones — when your parents come over, take one bite, and go, “Okay… this is amazing, give me the recipe.”
Yep. That kind of meal.

This pumpkin chili has become my go-to because it’s hearty, comforting, and full of those cozy fall flavors we all love — plus it takes maybe 15 minutes to throw together before your crockpot does the rest

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6) I always double because why not??

For the chili:

• 1 lb ground bison or beef (I always prefer Bison, and costco sells high quality options)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pie filling!)

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1½ cups broth (beef or veggie)

• 1½ tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• Salt + pepper to taste

For topping:
Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, and toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. Sauté the base.
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion, red pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook another minute.

2. Brown the meat.
   Add bison or beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Flavor boost.
   Stir in tomato paste, chipotle, and all your spices. Let them cook for 30 seconds — your kitchen will instantly smell like fall heaven.

4. Slow cooker time.
   Transfer everything to your crockpot. Add pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, broth, and maple syrup. Stir well.

5. Let the magic happen.
   Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The longer it goes, the cozier it gets.

6. Serve & top.
   Ladle into bowls, pile on toppings, and serve with toasted sourdough or cornbread.

If you want your kitchen to smell like a fall candle in real life — make this, light a pumpkin spice candle, and throw on a chunky sweater. You’re officially in autumn mode. 🍁

Shop My Fall Kitchen Favorites

If there’s one thing I love about fall, it’s being in the kitchen — cooking, sipping something warm, and making meals that feel like a hug. These are the pieces I actually use and love that make cooking feel easy, cozy, and elevated! (Affiliate links — thank you for supporting Sage & Silk Studio!)

Ninja Foodi — My Holy Grail Kitchen Appliance

I live and breathe by my Ninja Foodi.
It’s oven-safe, sautés, roasts, air fries, and slow cooks all in one — making it perfect for anyone tight on space or who just wants a little less clutter.
I use it for everything from crispy wings to cozy soups and roasted veggies. Truly one of my best kitchen purchases.
➡️ Shop the Ninja Foodi I use here.

High-Quality Bowls for Fall Soups

When it comes to dinnerware, Mikasa has my heart. Their pieces are durable, elegant, and made for real life — whether you’re serving chili on a Sunday or soup for guests.
These bowls are the perfect size and depth for my favorite fall soups (like my Smoky Pumpkin Chili!).
➡️ Shop my Mikasa soup bowls.

Teakwood Utensil Set

A few years ago, I ditched all my plastic utensils and switched completely to wood — and I’ll never go back.
Teakwood is strong, beautiful, and ages so well. Even for cleaning, I just boil them occasionally, and they look like new again.
They give your kitchen that natural, earthy feel I love.
➡️ Shop my teakwood utensil set.

Neutral Linen Napkins

Hosting is my love language — and I swear by neutral linen napkins.
They make every table setting feel more pulled-together and can be mixed and matched with any season or color palette.
Start with neutral tones, and you can layer them with seasonal linens or patterned plates for an instant upgrade.
➡️ Shop my favorite linen napkins.