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Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili: Cozy 1 Pot Meal


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pumpkin Chili recipe offers a hearty and flavorful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for cozy fall evenings. It combines ground beef, pumpkin puree, beans, tomatoes, and smoky BBQ sauce for a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish. This one-pot meal is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, delivering a perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and savory spice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions or cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and meat: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Stir in pumpkin and spices: Add pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, BBQ sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  4. Add the beans: Fold in black beans and kidney beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or chipotle powder for extra depth.
  • This chili freezes beautifully—great for meal prep.
  • Pair with cornbread or biscuits for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Chili, Fall Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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