Description
This easy pumpkin chili recipe combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin purée. Perfectly spiced and simmered to perfection, it makes a comforting meal ideal for cooler weather or anytime you crave a flavorful, wholesome chili.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15oz can black beans, drained
- 1 15oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz can pumpkin purée
- 1/2 6oz can tomato paste (5 Tbsp)
- 2 cups water
Chili Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Mince the garlic and dice the onion. Add the garlic, onion, and olive oil to a large pot and sauté over medium heat until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained kidney beans, drained black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, pumpkin purée, tomato paste, water, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Simmer the Chili: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the chili to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the chili and add additional salt if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, green onion, or corn chips.
Notes
- You can use a store-bought chili seasoning blend or customize with your preferred chili spices.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- For a thicker chili, reduce the water amount or simmer longer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika to control the heat and smokiness to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
