Description
This Pumpkin Chili is a warm, hearty twist on classic comfort food, perfect for cozy fall nights. Made with ground beef, pumpkin puree, beans, tomatoes, and smoky BBQ sauce, it’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. A one-pot wonder ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this chili brings the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and savory spice for a truly comforting seasonal dish.
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 for a leaner version)
- 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
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and meat: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in pumpkin and spices: Add pumpkin puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, BBQ sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Add the beans: Fold in black beans and kidney beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use 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 beautifully—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