Now that it's officially pumpkin season, we don't have any excuse to not be using this orange gourd in our kitchens. You might think pumpkins are only good for carving jack-o'-lanterns or making pie, but you can actually use them to make some amazing savory dishes. Whether you want a hearty dinner or a satisfying lunch, pumpkin is the perfect thing to cook with. So head on over to your local pumpkin patch (or grocery store, if that's easier) and get picking!
Smoky Black Bean Pumpkin Chili 
Chili is one of those magical foods that you can make year round — just give it an autumnal twist with pumpkin puree (if you're feeling wild, try adding chunks of whole pumpkin). Perfect for colder nights, this dish is the definition of Fall comfort food.
Spicy Pumpkin Fries 
Who needs potatoes when you have pumpkin? Baked, not fried, this simple pumpkin fries recipe is great for people who love healthy snacks. With a spicy kick from the chili seasoning and the chipotle-mayo sauce, you're going to keep coming back for more.
Five-Ingredient Pumpkin Alfredo 
With only five ingredients, this recipe is too easy not to make. The supercreamy sauce is rich without feeling heavy, and it makes for a perfect weeknight dinner when you're short on time and energy.
Pumpkin Curry Soup 
Inspired by Thai flavors, this pumpkin curry soup is a total show-stopper. With peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and coconut milk, this creamy soup is sure to keep you full for hours.
Roast Pumpkin, Spinach, and Feta Salad 
The key to this tasty recipe is roasting your pumpkin until it's golden-brown but not mushy. With pine nuts for crunch, feta for creaminess, and a balsamic dressing for tartness, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner.
Pumpkin and Potato Curry Rolls 
With pan-fried pumpkin and potatoes stuffed into flatbread, it's no surprise that this simple recipe is also incredibly filling. Well-seasoned with curry powder and turmeric, this is going to become your new go-to Fall snack.
Smoky Spicy Pumpkin Seeds 
On the hunt for a new healthy snack? Look no further than these simple, spiced pumpkin seeds. With loads of seasoning, they taste great on their own or as a topping on other recipes.
Pasta With Chicken and Chickpeas in a Creamy Tomato-Pumpkin Sauce 
Take your jarred tomato sauce to the next level with this 30-minute recipe. An autumnal take on a classic meal, you're going to wind up making this over and over again.
Pumpkin Risotto With Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries 
Whether you're making this dish for a loved one or just for yourself, this elegant recipe is sure to impress. Pair with a glass of white wine (or two) for a truly spectacular meal.
Pan-Fried Gnocchi With Pumpkin and Spinach 
Who knew store-bought gnocchi could look and taste this good? With a simple sauce made of butter, sage, and garlic, the crispy gnocchi and creamy pumpkin are the real stars.
Chorizo Spiced Pumpkin Pasta 
A quick and easy recipe that's the perfect start to the Fall season, this chorizo-spiced pasta is totally vegetarian and loaded with flavor.
Crispy Cornmeal Chilli Pumpkin Fries 
A perfect Fall snack, these crispy cornmeal-crusted pumpkin cubes are not only easy to make, but taste great, too!
One Pot Rice Casserole wWth Pumpkin 
It's time to whip out your cast-iron pan because this tasty one-pot dinner is going to make your whole family drool. With a topping of ooey-gooey cheese, you already know it's yummy.
Seafood Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Pasta 
Who knew pumpkin and scallops were such a great match? Made with spaghetti squash, this healthy and low-carb recipe has a distinct Asian flair that'll make dinner interesting again.
Pumpkin Curry Hummus 
Hummus is an incredibly versatile dip that has the ability to take on a wide variety of flavors while still being incredibly easy to make. The only tool you need to make this recipe is a food processor, and afterward, you'll be left with a creamy dip that's perfect for snacking or mixed into other dishes.
Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese Hummus Sandwich With Pumpkin 
The best thing about this recipe is how much room for customization there is. Whether you're using store-bought hummus or a homemade version, just make sure to cook the sandwich to crispy, golden perfection for the ultimate pumpkin grilled cheese.
Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos With Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema 
This recipe is the perfect mix of spicy and cheesy, a flavorful combination you're bound to fall in love with. With roasted garlic, caramelized onions, baked pumpkin, and a creamy jalapeño crema, this recipe is well worth the time it takes to make it.
Easy Pumpkin Risotto With Italian Sausage 
A fun autumnal take on a classic risotto, this creamy recipe is simple but interesting enough that your friends will ask for the recipe. Top with more parmesan if you're a hardcore cheese-lover.
Spicy Roasted Pumpkin With Honey and Feta 
This recipe is not only a great side dish for upcoming family dinners, but also makes for a tasty lunchtime salad topping as well. Out of pumpkin? Feel free to use other Fall-time vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead.
Smoky Pumpkin Bisque 
Forget pumpkin soup — this smoky pumpkin bisque is the dish you should be making on cold Fall nights. Topped with bacon, chives, and crispy grilled cheese croutons, everyone is going to ask for more.
Savory Pumpkin Dip 
This vegan pumpkin dip makes for a great party appetizer and is a nice change from the classic hummus or guacamole. Serve with chunks of fresh bread to really wow a crowd.
Red Curry Roasted Pumpkin and Fennel Quinoa Salad 
This salad is not only pretty to look at, but it's also incredibly healthy and hearty too. With roasted pumpkin and fennel served alongside swiss chard and quinoa, you'll have a lunch that'll make anyone jealous.
Pumpkin Chilli Lentil Dhal 
It's surprisingly easy to make this autumnal take on a classic dhal. Cooked in a pumpkin curry made from scratch, the lentils are soft and stew-like, making it the perfect side to rice or stuffed inside a wrap.
Italian Pumpkin and Kale Chicken Noodle Soup 
It's time to forget about the canned chicken soup and make your own. Besides tasting better, it's also easier to do than you'd think. With a variety of herbs cooked low and slow in chicken broth, the soup itself is already delicious. By adding pumpkin, kale, pasta, and even cheese, you're going to wonder why you didn't make it sooner.
Pumpkin Raclette Stovetop Mac and Cheese With Jalapeños 
After making this recipe you're never going to be able to eat boxed mac and cheese again. With two types of cheese (or more if you're feeling adventurous), this ooey-gooey dish has a bit of a kick with jalapeño and added creaminess from the pureed pumpkin.
Chipotle Pumpkin Seed Dip 
If you love spicy food, this Latin-inspired dish is a must make this season. A triple threat, working as a dip, spread, and salsa, this crunchy dish is made entirely in the food processor, meaning you can make it all season long in just a few minutes.
Ginger Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad 
Another autumnal salad, this savory pumpkin recipe is inspired by Asian flavors like the combination of ginger, mint, and lime. Serve it warm or cold depending on your personal preference.
Pumpkin, Mushroom, and Spinach Tater Tot Casserole 
Have a box of tater tots sitting in your freezer that you don't know how to use? Look no further than this comforting pumpkin, mushroom, and spinach tater tot casserole all made in a single skillet.
