Description
Discover how to make a delicious Pumpkin Chili Cheese Dip that is perfect for your next gathering. This easy recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 lb pumpkin (1.4 kg)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ cup (120 g) white onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ lb (225 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) kidney beans
- ½ cup (120 ml) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cumin
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
- chips, for serving
- vegetable crudité, for serving
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and prepare a baking tray with parchment.
- Slice off the top third of the pumpkin and clear out the seeds and pulp, keeping the seeds for another use.
- Coat the inside of the pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and a pinch of salt.
- Put the pumpkin on the prepared tray and bake for 20 minutes until it begins to soften.
- As the pumpkin cooks, prepare the chili: Warm the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large, lidded skillet over medium heat until it ripples.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until they become clear.
- Introduce the ground beef and cook it until it turns brown, about 7-10 minutes.
- Mix in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and water. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add the cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, and mix until smooth. Turn off the heat.
- When the pumpkin is finished baking, take it out of the oven and switch the oven to broil.
- Gently pour the chili cheese mixture into the pumpkin. Spread the remaining mozzarella over the top, reaching the edges.
- Place it back in the oven to broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese turns golden, being careful not to let it burn.
- Take the pumpkin out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Carefully move it to a serving dish using oven mitts or towels.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve with chips and vegetable crudités for dipping.
- Enjoy your dish!
Notes
- For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Experiment with various types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans for a unique flavor.
- Enhance the spice level by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
