Description
This Pumpkin Chili recipe offers a hearty and flavorful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for cozy fall evenings. It combines the richness of ground beef with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree, smoky BBQ sauce, and warm spices. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare, great for meal prep, and a crowd-pleasing dish for any autumn gathering.
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)
- 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
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, BBQ sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Gently fold in the black beans and kidney beans. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite optional toppings.
Notes
- Use pure 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 well, making it 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