How long does it take to make One-pot Pumpkin Chili?

Based on our recipe instructions, the One-pot Pumpkin Chili takes approximately 45 minutes to make. This includes about 5 minutes for preparing and softening the onion and garlic, around 10 minutes for browning the ground beef, and then an additional 30 minutes for simmering all the ingredients together to allow the flavors to meld.

What ingredients do I need for One-pot Pumpkin Chili?

You'll need the following ingredients: 2 cloves of garlic, 1 yellow onion, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 pound of ground beef, a can each of kidney beans and black beans (both drained), a can of petite diced tomatoes, a can of pumpkin purée, half a can of tomato paste, 2 cups of water, and spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Can I use a different type of meat for the chili?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure that whatever meat you use is thoroughly cooked and browned before adding the other ingredients to maintain the richness and depth of flavor in the chili.

How do I adjust the spice level in the chili?

To adjust the spice level, you can modify the amount of chili powder used. If you prefer a milder chili, start with half a tablespoon and taste as you go. For more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely chopped fresh chili to the mix, tasting until you reach your desired level of spiciness.

What can I serve with One-pot Pumpkin Chili?

One-pot Pumpkin Chili pairs well with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. You can also enhance the dish with toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or corn chips for added texture and flavor. For a refreshing drink, try serving it with apple juice or iced tea.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and either adding more beans or incorporating plant-based meat alternatives. You might also consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to enrich the texture and flavor. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your taste.

One-pot Pumpkin Chili: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

Name: One-pot Pumpkin Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cloves garlic (2 cloves); – 1 yellow onion (1); – 2 Tbsp olive oil (30 ml); – 1 lb. ground beef (450 g); – 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained (425 g); – 15 oz. can black beans, drained (425 g); – 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes (425 g); – 15 oz. can pumpkin purée (425 g); – 1/2 6 oz. can tomato paste (5 Tbsp) (85 g); – 2 cups water (480 ml); – 1 Tbsp chili powder (15 g); – 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (1 g); – 1 tsp ground cumin (2 g); – 1/4 tsp garlic powder (0.5 g); – 1/2 tsp onion powder (1 g); – 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (0.5 g); – 1 tsp salt (5 g)

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If you’ve ever found yourself smiling while stirring a simmering pot of chili, then you’re going to love this one-pot pumpkin chili recipe. The rich aroma of spices mingling with a medley of comforting ingredients like ground beef, kidney beans, and black beans is enough to make anyone’s day brighter. This pumpkin chili becomes an instant favorite, inviting you to create cozy moments filled with flavor and warmth.

I started this recipe blog not just to share meals, but to share moments. Some of my fondest memories were made in the kitchen—messy, imperfect, joy-filled memories that always seemed to center around food. Whether I’m crafting a cozy weeknight dinner, testing a nostalgic dessert, or simply experimenting with seasonal ingredients, each recipe I post is something I’ve truly loved making (and eating).

The ease of making this one-pot pumpkin chili is a bonus, letting you enjoy cooking without the stress of multiple dishes. This dish not only warms your kitchen but also brings a smile to your face with its delightful combination of flavors. The addition of pumpkin purée gives it a unique twist, setting it apart from traditional chili recipes.

As the seasons change, this recipe becomes a staple in my home, bringing people together around the table. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart and comforts the soul, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive into the fundamentals and discover how to make this delicious one-pot pumpkin chili.

One-pot Pumpkin Chili

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Author: Billie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

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Description

Discover how to make delicious one-pot pumpkin chili with this easy recipe. Perfect for cozy nights in, this hearty dish is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 cloves garlic (2 cloves)
– 1 yellow onion (1)
– 2 Tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
– 1 lb. ground beef (450 g)
– 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained (425 g)
– 15 oz. can black beans, drained (425 g)
– 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes (425 g)
– 15 oz. can pumpkin purée (425 g)
– 1/2 6 oz. can tomato paste (5 Tbsp) (85 g)
– 2 cups water (480 ml)
– 1 Tbsp chili powder (15 g)
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (1 g)
– 1 tsp ground cumin (2 g)
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder (0.5 g)
– 1/2 tsp onion powder (1 g)
– 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (0.5 g)
– 1 tsp salt (5 g)

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Instructions

Finely chop the garlic and cut the onion into small pieces. In a large cooking pot, add the garlic, onion, and olive oil. Cook them over medium heat until the onion becomes soft, approximately 5 minutes.
Introduce the ground beef into the pot and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
Pour in the kidney beans and black beans (both drained), the diced tomatoes along with their juices, the pumpkin purée, tomato paste, water, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture come to a gentle boil, stirring from time to time. Let it gently cook for 30 minutes.
Once the 30 minutes have passed, taste the chili and adjust the salt if necessary. Serve it warm, topped with your choice of extras like sour cream, cheese, green onions, or corn chips.

Notes

Consider caramelizing the garlic and onion for a richer flavor before adding the ground beef.
Try substituting regular paprika with smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the chili.
For a thicker chili, reduce water or simmer uncovered to allow liquid to evaporate.

Mastering One-Pot Pumpkin Chili

Fundamentals

The beauty of one-pot pumpkin chili lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The key to this recipe is the perfect blend of spices, which includes chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. These spices bring warmth and depth, complementing the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée.

Using quality ingredients makes a significant difference. Fresh garlic and onion provide a savory base, while the combination of kidney and black beans adds texture and protein. Ground beef brings a rich, hearty element to the chili, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Preparation/Setup

Start by gathering your ingredients. Finely chop the garlic and dice the onion. This preparation step ensures that everything is ready to go when you start cooking. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and add the garlic and onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

Once the onion is ready, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor foundation for your chili. After the beef is browned, it’s time to introduce the rest of the ingredients.

Crafting a Flavorful Batch

Technique

The technique for this one-pot pumpkin chili involves layering flavors for maximum impact. After browning the beef, add the drained kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, and tomato paste. These ingredients meld together, creating a rich and hearty base.

Next, add the spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This step is where the magic happens, as the spices infuse every ingredient with warmth and flavor.

Tips/Tricks

To enhance the flavor of your chili, consider letting it simmer for a little longer than the recommended 30 minutes. This allows the spices to fully integrate and develop a deeper taste. Stir the chili occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

If you love creative comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these Deep Fried Bacon Chili Cheese Milkshake — a fun twist on classic flavors. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the spice level of the chili. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, tasting as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Perfecting Your Pumpkin Chili

Perfecting Results

The perfect one-pot pumpkin chili should have a thick, hearty consistency. If you find your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to evaporate some of the liquid. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

To achieve the best results, always taste your chili before serving. This allows you to make any final adjustments to the seasoning. A touch of salt or an additional sprinkle of cumin can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your chili lacks depth, consider adding a spoonful of sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Experimenting with different beans or adding corn can introduce new textures and flavors. If you’re curious about other pumpkin-based dishes, check out Papadzules Pumpkinseed Eggs for another delightful culinary experience.

Serving and Enjoying Your Chili

Serving/Presentation

When it comes to serving your one-pot pumpkin chili, presentation is key. Serve it in warm bowls topped with your choice of garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. A side of crusty bread or cornbread complements the chili perfectly, adding a satisfying crunch.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a chili bar with an array of toppings for guests to customize their bowls. This interactive element adds an extra layer of fun to your meal and allows everyone to tailor their chili to their liking.

Pairings/Storage

One-pot pumpkin chili pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. For a unique pairing, try it with these Sous Vide Ground Beef Chili ideas. When it comes to storage, this chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, allowing the flavors to meld even further over time.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to three months. This makes for a convenient and delicious meal on busy days. Simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop for a quick and comforting dinner.

Conclusion

One-pot pumpkin chili is a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing together the comforting elements of traditional chili with the unique flavor of pumpkin. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in any kitchen, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings alike. This recipe’s strengths lie in its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and ability to bring people together.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a meal that warms the heart and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this chili is a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. For more one-pot wonders, explore One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta and expand your dining experiences. Enjoy the journey of cooking and sharing meals, one pot at a time.