Amazing Chili with Pumpkin: 1 hr Cozy Fall Meal

You know, sometimes the best flavors come from the most unexpected places! I’m Elisa, and with 17 years under my belt as a chef, mom, and just a total flavor-lover, I’ve learned that magic happens when you mix things up. This Chili with Pumpkin recipe is one of those discoveries – a delicious, easy pumpkin recipe that’s surprisingly cozy and perfect for those crisp fall evenings. It even makes a wonderfully unique starter or side for your Thanksgiving table! My whole family, including my husband and our two little sous-chefs, is all about keeping things real, simple, and incredibly tasty, just like this comforting bowl of goodness. You can read more about my cooking philosophy over on my about page!

Why You’ll Love This Chili with Pumpkin

This chili is a real winner, and I know you’ll love it too!

• It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights!
• The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess you’ll adore.
• It’s a fantastic way to embrace fall flavors and cozy up.
• It’s a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
• Great for Thanksgiving gatherings as a hearty starter or unique side dish.

Ingredients for Your Chili with Pumpkin

Okay, let’s get down to the yummy stuff! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chili with Pumpkin. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you can grab at the grocery store pretty easily:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!)
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Essential Equipment for Making Chili with Pumpkin

To whip up this delicious chili, you won’t need a whole fancy setup. Just grab a good-sized pot – a large pot or Dutch oven is perfect for this. You’ll also want your trusty set of measuring cups and measuring spoons handy for getting all those flavors just right!

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Chili with Pumpkin

Alright, let’s get this amazing Chili with Pumpkin simmering! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll have it on the table before you know it. Here’s how we’ll do it:

Sautéing Aromatics and Browning Beef

First things first, get your pot nice and warm over medium heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your ground beef and break it up as it cooks until it’s all browned. Give it a good drain to get rid of any extra grease – we want flavor, not floppiness! Then, add your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes. Finally, stir in that minced garlic for just one minute until you can smell its wonderful fragrance.

Combining Ingredients for Chili with Pumpkin

Now for the fun part! Pour in the pumpkin puree – trust me on this! Then, add your rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans, along with the diced tomatoes (and their juice, don’t skip it!). Finish it off with the beef broth. Give everything a really good stir; you want all these delicious components to start mingling together nicely for your Chili with Pumpkin.

Simmering and Flavor Development

Time to let the magic happen! Bring the whole pot up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling away happily, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. This is where the flavors really deepen. If you have the time, letting it simmer even longer makes it even richer – that’s a little chef’s secret from my kitchen to yours!

Looking for more super easy recipes?

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Tips for the Best Chili with Pumpkin

Making this Chili with Pumpkin doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few little tricks can really make it shine! My 17 years in the kitchen have taught me a thing or two, and one thing I always suggest is tasting as you go. Don’t be afraid to adjust the chili powder and cumin to your liking – maybe you like it a little spicier, or perhaps you want to amp up the warmth. Also, make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, because that’s a whole different ballgame! If it seems a little too thick, just add a splash more beef broth. You can even check out my pink salt trick for adding a little extra depth of flavor to dishes like this!

Serving Suggestions for Your Chili with Pumpkin

Now that you’ve got this bubbling pot of amazing chili, let’s talk about how to serve it up! It’s pretty fantastic on its own, but a few toppings take it over the top. My go-to’s are always a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream (or even Greek yogurt!), and some fresh cilantro for a pop of green. If you’re feeling extra fancy, some crunchy tortilla chips on the side are always a hit!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chili is seriously great the next day. Let it cool down completely, then pop it into airtight containers. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Even better? This chili freezes like a dream! Just let it cool, seal it up in freezer-safe containers or bags, and you’ve got deliciousness ready to go for months. When you’re ready to thaw, just move it to the fridge overnight. To reheat, a gentle simmer on the stovetop is my favorite – it brings back all those wonderful flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili with Pumpkin

Got questions about this amazing Chili with Pumpkin? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this Chili with Pumpkin vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the ground beef and maybe add some extra beans or some plant-based crumbles to keep it hearty. It’s super easy to adapt!

How long does this easy pumpkin recipe take to cook?

This easy pumpkin recipe is wonderfully quick! The prep time is about 15 minutes, and it cooks up in around 45 minutes, making the total time about an hour. Perfect for a weeknight!

Is this a good Thanksgiving dessert option?

While it’s not exactly a traditional pie, this Chili with Pumpkin makes a fantastic savory starter or side dish for Thanksgiving! It’s unexpected and so cozy, guests will be talking about it. If you’re looking for more traditional dessert recipes, I’ve got those too!

Nutritional Information for Chili with Pumpkin

Just so you know, the nutrition info for this Chili with Pumpkin is an estimate, okay? It can change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you make it, but generally, one serving (about 1.5 cups) is around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 35g of carbs (that includes 12g of fiber!). It also has about 700mg of sodium.

Share Your Chili with Pumpkin Creations!

I’d LOVE to hear how your Chili with Pumpkin turned out! Have you tried it? Did you add any special toppings? Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you snapped some photos, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! You can also reach me with any questions right here.

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