Description
Hearty pumpkin chili delivers a robust autumn flavor profile that blends Mexican-inspired spices with seasonal warmth. Comfort meets creativity in this soul-satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings, perfect for gathering friends around a steaming pot of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large onion
- 2 cans kidney beans
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bell pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pumpkin puree, mixing well to create a uniform consistency.
- Add kidney beans and stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of components.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the chili for 30-40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, hearty texture.
- Periodically stir the chili during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow further flavor absorption.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with desired toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains incredible flavor depth.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or carrots, which blend seamlessly into the chili’s rich texture.
- Create a meal-prep friendly dish by storing leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, with flavors becoming more intense and complex over time.
- Dial down heat sensitivity by reducing chili powder or using mild spices, making this recipe adaptable for sensitive palates while preserving its robust character.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 48-58 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg