Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin chili is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, perfect for the fall and winter months. It combines the warmth of chili spices with the creamy texture of pumpkin, making it a hearty and flavorful dish. This recipe is great for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, as it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables!
How to Make Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin chili is versatile when it comes to serving. You can top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado for added flavor. It’s also great with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a more filling meal.
How to Store Pumpkin Chili
Store any leftover pumpkin chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool down completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Chili
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and cumin based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra beans or lentils.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.
Variations
- You can use ground chicken or sausage instead of ground beef or turkey for a different taste.
- Add a sweet touch by including sweet corn or diced bell peppers.
- If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can cook and puree fresh pumpkin, but canned pumpkin puree is more convenient and saves time. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any toppings you add are also gluten-free. -
Can I make pumpkin chili in advance?
Absolutely! Pumpkin chili can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Enjoy making your pumpkin chili! It’s a comforting dish that warms the heart and fills the belly.
Print
Pumpkin Chili
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful twist on traditional chili, combining chili spices with creamy pumpkin for a hearty fall dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili powder and cumin. For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with extra beans or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg




