Pumpkin Chili Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort in a Bowl (Print Version)
Pumpkin Chili Recipe is your new go-to! Hearty, warm, and packed with flavor, this chili is perfect for chilly evenings. My easy, comforting recipe.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy (optional)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
03 -
1 large onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
06 -
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
07 -
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted if possible)
08 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
09 -
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
→ Seasonings & Spices
10 -
2 tbsp chili powder
11 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Finishing Touches
15 -
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
16 -
Sour cream, for serving
17 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
→ Optional Extras
18 -
1 diced jalapeño (for heat)
19 -
Pinch of cocoa powder (for depth)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven, drizzle in a bit of oil, and get that ground beef (or turkey!) sizzling over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, let it get nice and browned, you know, for all that glorious flavor. I always love the smell of the meat browning; it just gets me excited for the chili to come. Once it's cooked through, drain off any excess fat—don't skip this, hon, it keeps our Pumpkin Chili Recipe from being greasy!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and let them soften up, about 5-7 minutes. You'll smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen, and honestly, that's when you know you're on the right track. This is where I always get impatient, but letting them get tender is key for building a deep flavor base for our Pumpkin Chili Recipe. Don't let them burn, just a nice, gentle sauté.
03 -
Time to add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir them into the vegetables and cook for another minute or so, letting those spices toast and release their amazing fragrance. Oh, the smell here is just incredible! This step is so important for developing the complex flavors of the chili. It literally makes the spices come alive. Don't rush it, let them work their magic before moving on to the liquids for this amazing Pumpkin Chili Recipe.
04 -
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained!), the pumpkin puree, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir, making sure all those lovely ingredients are combined. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. This is where all the flavors really start to marry and deepen. I always peek in and stir every now and then, just to make sure nothing's sticking. This is becoming a true Pumpkin Chili Recipe!
05 -
After that initial simmer, stir in your rinsed and drained kidney beans. Give it another good stir, cover again, and let it continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld, and the thicker your chili gets. I've definitely made the mistake of not simmering long enough before, and it just wasn't as rich. This extra time is crucial for developing the perfect consistency and taste for our Pumpkin Chili Recipe. Feel free to give it a little taste test here!
06 -
Before serving, give your chili a final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe a little more salt, a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick, or even a pinch more chili powder? It's your chili, make it perfect for you! Ladle this glorious Pumpkin Chili Recipe into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Honestly, seeing it all come together is the best part. It looks and smells like pure fall comfort!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skimp on the simmering time; those flavors need to get to know each other!
02 -
Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end, it makes all the difference.
03 -
A good quality chili powder is a game-changer for any chili recipe.
04 -
For an extra depth of flavor, add a tiny pinch of cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate to the chili.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Wooden spoon
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550 calories
Total Fat: 20-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 30-40g