Bring the Family Together with a Simple Dish
I was skeptical the first time a friend told me they put pumpkin in their chili. It sounded strange! But at their annual Halloween party, I had one bite and was instantly converted. The pumpkin adds a subtle, earthy sweetness and an incredible creamy texture that makes the whole dish richer. Now, it’s my go-to chili recipe all autumn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Fall Twist: The pumpkin adds seasonal flavor and richness.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: A hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe is easy to double for parties or game day.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and warm.
Ingredients Needed
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- For Garnish: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour) for the flavors to meld.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with all your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
Don’t be afraid of the pumpkin! It doesn’t taste “pumpkin-y” but adds a wonderful body and richness. If you have extra time, letting it simmer for a full hour makes it even better.