Description
Hearty pumpkin chili combines seasonal warmth with robust Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a comforting meal perfect for autumn evenings. Generous spices and tender meat blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each satisfying spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) canned pumpkin
Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
Spices:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and brown the ground meat, ensuring complete cooking and removing any excess grease.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in canned pumpkin, diced tomatoes, and variety of beans, stirring to create a uniform mixture.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper throughout the mixture.
- Reduce heat and allow the chili to gently simmer for approximately 25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and promote flavor melding.
- Ladle the robust pumpkin chili into serving bowls and customize with preferred garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Enhance flavor depth by roasting spices briefly before adding to the chili for a richer, more complex taste profile.
- Freeze extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals, maintaining optimal texture and taste up to 3 months.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beans and choosing low-sodium broth or water instead of traditional canned ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg