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Pumpkin-Spiced Beef Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

This Pumpkin-Spiced Beef Chili combines hearty ground beef with creamy pumpkin puree and a warming blend of spices to create a rich, comforting dish perfect for fall. Enhanced with beans, diced tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables, this chili delivers a flavorful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that satisfy the soul and nourish the body.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, unsweetened)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Crunchy tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and prepare all vegetables by dicing the onion and bell pepper finely, and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans thoroughly. Have the pumpkin puree ready for smooth incorporation later.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers; sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly to release aroma.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook 6–8 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat to keep chili from becoming greasy.
  4. Add the Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly and toast the spices for 1–2 minutes to awaken their flavors.
  5. Incorporate Pumpkin and Tomatoes: Stir in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, combining into a creamy, rich base. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture balancing the bold spices.
  6. Add the Beans: Gently fold in the drained kidney and black beans, taking care not to mash them. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the chili for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allowing flavors to meld.
  7. Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. Add more cayenne for additional heat if desired. Customize seasoning to your preference.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle chili into bowls and top with optional shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or crunchy tortilla chips. Serve alongside warm cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use canned pumpkin puree for smooth texture or fresh roasted pumpkin for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
  • Add spices gradually and taste while cooking to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • Simmer the chili slowly for flavors to meld and thicken the stew naturally.
  • Mixing beans, vegetables, and pumpkin provides balanced hearty and creamy textures.
  • Chili can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Substitute ground turkey to reduce fat content, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  • Make vegan by replacing beef with lentils or meat alternatives and using vegetable broth with vegan toppings.
  • Increase chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños to spice up the dish.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating gently.

Keywords: pumpkin chili, beef chili, fall recipes, hearty chili, pumpkin puree chili, spicy chili, comfort food

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/pumpkin-spiced-beef-chili-recipe/