If you’re searching for a comforting, slightly sweet, and hearty meal that will warm you up from the inside out, this Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the rich flavors of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes with the subtle earthiness and creaminess of pumpkin purée, this chili brings a delightful twist to a classic dish. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something cozy, it’s simple to make but packed with layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays its part to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From savory spices to wholesome beans and the unique addition of pumpkin, it’s a straightforward list that ensures you’ll have everything on hand for a delicious pot of chili.
- 2 cloves garlic: Freshly minced for that wonderful aromatic foundation.
- 1 yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: For sautéing aromatics and rich flavor.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this chili satisfying.
- 1 15oz. can kidney beans, drained: Offers texture and fiber.
- 1 15oz. can black beans, drained: Adds earthiness and visual appeal.
- 1 15oz. can petite diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and vibrant color.
- 1 15oz. can pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that enriches the chili’s flavor and creaminess.
- 1/2 6oz. can tomato paste (5 Tbsp): Boosts the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- 2 cups water: To help everything meld together and create the perfect chili consistency.
- 1 Tbsp chili powder: Gives that signature chili spice kick.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Imparts subtle smokiness and depth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Provides earthy warmth.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds additional savory notes.
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Fresh spice to balance the flavors.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics
Start by mincing the garlic and dicing the onion. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic and onion. Sauté until the onions become tender and translucent, around five minutes. This step is crucial because it creates a flavorful base that the rest of the chili builds upon.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Using a wooden spoon, break apart the meat as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. This helps develop a rich, meaty flavor and the right texture for your easy pumpkin chili recipe.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans, along with the petite diced tomatoes including their juices. The combination of these ingredients adds wonderful heartiness, some creaminess from the beans, and the tangy brightness of the tomatoes to the chili.
Step 4: Mix in Pumpkin and Spices
Now, spoon in the pumpkin purée and the tomato paste, followed by the water and all the spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined. This mixture brings the warm, cozy flavors together while the pumpkin adds an unexpected layer of sweetness and creaminess.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Place a lid on your pot and let the chili come up to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to marry beautifully. After simmering, taste and adjust the salt if needed. This slow simmer is what transforms the ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your easy pumpkin chili recipe, consider garnishing with sour cream for a creamy tang, shredded cheese for richness, chopped green onions for freshness, or crispy corn chips for delightful crunch. Each garnish adds a little texture or flavor contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This chili is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like warm cornbread, a leafy green salad, or even garlic bread helps round out the meal and soak up all those delicious chili juices. These sides are easy, complement the main dish perfectly, and add variety to your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chili in small bowls topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of crispy bacon. Alternatively, use it as a filling for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, or even spoon it over rice for a hearty bowl meal. This recipe is versatile and lends itself well to creative presentation ideas that keep mealtime interesting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your easy pumpkin chili recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for leftovers that taste even better the next day. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain quality.
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a cozy night in, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave. The flavors hold up beautifully, so your easy pumpkin chili recipe is ready whenever you are.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I make this easy pumpkin chili recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and perhaps add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Using vegetable broth instead of water can add more depth of flavor.
Is canned pumpkin purée the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, they are different. For this recipe, use plain canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that would change the flavor profile of the chili.
How spicy is the chili?
This recipe has a mild to moderate level of spice. You can easily adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh jalapeños if you want more heat. The pumpkin helps mellow the overall spiciness.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer a leaner protein. Just be mindful that these meats cook a little faster and can be less fatty, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil during cooking to keep the chili moist.
What is the best way to thicken the chili if it seems too watery?
If your chili is thinner than you like, stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce the liquid. This will help concentrate the flavors and create a thicker texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe enough for anyone looking to cozy up with a bowl of something delicious and a little unexpected. The pumpkin adds a unique twist that transforms traditional chili into a comforting meal perfect for fall or anytime you want a little extra warmth. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the warmth of classic chili spices with the subtle sweetness and creaminess of pumpkin puree. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe features ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices simmered together to create a rich, comforting meal that’s great for fall and winter evenings.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Meat & Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15oz can black beans, drained
Canned Goods
- 1 15oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz can pumpkin purée
- 1/2 6oz can tomato paste (about 5 tablespoons)
Liquids
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Mince the garlic and dice the onion. Add the garlic, onion, and olive oil to a large pot. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining.
- Add beans and liquids: Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, pumpkin purée, tomato paste, and water. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Season the chili: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the chili.
- Simmer the chili: Place a lid on the pot and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and blend flavors.
- Finish and serve: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot topped with your favorite chili toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or corn chips.
Notes
- This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat or extra beans and omit the meat entirely.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Add additional spice like cayenne pepper for more heat if desired.
- Pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the chili’s savory flavor.
