Warm up with this rich and flavorful easy Pumpkin Chili, where savory ground beef meets the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree. When the crisp air of autumn sweeps through, there is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of this easy pumpkin chili recipe. Imagine the savory aroma of ground beef, the sweetness of pumpkin, and a medley of spices wrapping around you like a warm hug. This Pumpkin Chili recipe is not just a meal, it is an experience, perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a cozy evening at home.
Did You Know? Adding pumpkin to chili is a modern way to make twisty traditional recipes, likely inspired by the popularity of pumpkin-spiced foods in North America. In this recipe, natural sweetness of pumpkin balances the heat of chili powder, that makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages! While the recipe named classic chili con carne originated in Texas/Mexico border regions, but this pumpkin version reflects American fall cuisine trends with modern twist. The addition of other ingredients such as pumpkin puree and pie spice give it a seasonal enhancement, making it favorite at autumn potlucks and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Let’s dive into this comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of chili with the delightful essence of pumpkin.
Ingredients
-
1/2 kg ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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5-6 tomatoes, diced and peeled
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1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
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1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
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200 grams kidney beans, drained
Directions
1. Brown the Beef
In a deep pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until it is nicely browned, juicy and crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
2. Saute the Veggies
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Saute veggies together with the beef for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation of flavor for your chili.
3. Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the pumpkin puree. This is where the magic happens! The pumpkin not only adds a delightful sweetness but also gives your chili a beautiful, rich texture.
4. Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and chili powder. These spices will elevate your chili to a whole new level.
5. Simmer and Meld
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This is the time for the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly delicious creamy bowl of pumpkin chili.
6. Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste your chili, add salt and pepper as needed. If you desire a bit more sweetness, don’t hesitate to add a touch of sugar.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro, chopped green onions and pumpkin cubes. Each spoonful is a comforting reminder of cozy evenings spent with loved ones.
This Pumpkin Chili recipe is more than just a meal; it is a way to bring warmth and comfort to your home. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors, making it one of the best pumpkin chili recipes you will ever try. Whether you enjoy it on a crisp autumn evening or during a family gathering, this dish will evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness. Welcome the changing seasons with this hearty chili that celebrates the best of what fall has to offer.
Tips for Perfect bowl of Pumpkin Chili
Boost Flavor: Toast spices in oil before adding liquids.
Extra Creamy: Top up with ¼ cup cream cheese at the end.
Meal Prep Friendly: Pumpkin chili recipe is meal prep. friendly and tastes even better next day!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes you can! For this roast and puree 1 cup of pumpkin and use it in chili pumpkin recipe.
2. How do I make it thicker?
To make it thicker mash some beans with a spoon, simmer the sauce longer (up to 90 mins) or you can also add 1 tbsp tomato paste.
3. Is pumpkin chili spicy?
This pumpkin chili is adjustable! You can reduce chili powder for mild heat, or add cayenne for extra chili touch.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze it for 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat it with a splash of broth.
5. What to serve with pumpkin chili?
You can serve pumpkin chili with cornbread, baked potatoes or tortilla chips.
Easy Every Year Best Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Course: American Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings10
minutes1
hour390
kcalLet’s dive into this comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of chili with the delightful essence of pumpkin.
Ingredients
1/2 kg ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 green bell pepper, diced
5-6 tomatoes, diced and peeled
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
200 grams kidney beans, drained
Directions
- Brown the Beef
– In a deep pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until it is nicely browned, juicy and crispy, about 7-10 minutes. - Saute the Veggies
-Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot.
-Saute veggies together with the beef for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
-This step is crucial as it lays the foundation of flavor for your chili. - Combine the Ingredients
-Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the pumpkin puree.
-This is where the magic happens! The pumpkin not only adds a delightful sweetness but also gives your chili a beautiful, rich texture. - Season to Perfection
-Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and chili powder.
-These spices will elevate your chili to a whole new level. - Simmer and Meld
-Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
-Allow it to cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
-This is the time for the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly delicious creamy bowl of pumpkin chili. - Taste and Adjust
-After simmering, taste your chili and add salt and pepper as needed.
-If you desire a bit more sweetness, don’t hesitate to add a touch of sugar. - Serve and Enjoy
-Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro, chopped green onions and pumpkin cubes.
-Each spoonful is a comforting reminder of cozy evenings spent with loved ones.
- Easy Pumpkin Chili from Pot to Platter
This Pumpkin Chili recipe is more than just a meal; it is a way to bring warmth and comfort to your home. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors, making it one of the best pumpkin chili recipes you will ever try. Whether you enjoy it on a crisp autumn evening or during a family gathering, this dish will evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness. Welcome the changing seasons with this hearty chili that celebrates the best of what fall has to offer.
Notes
- FAQs
1. Can I make this pumpkin chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can switch the ground beef with fresh veggies as broccoli. Just saute the veggies and add beans and spices for a delicious vegetarian version of chili with pumpkin. - 2. How can I store leftovers?
In an airtight container preserve your leftovers and put in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and enjoy it later. - 3. What can I serve with pumpkin chili?
This chili sets delightfully with garlic bread, corn sticks, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. - 4. Is there a way to spice it up?
If you like heat, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. Adjust the spices to suit your taste. - 5. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin before adding it to the chili. It will give a fresh and vibrant flavor to your pumpkin chili.
