Description
This Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices with the unique sweetness of pumpkin purée. Perfect for chilly days, this chili simmers slowly to blend the savory and slightly sweet components into a deliciously cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Chili Base
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, which will enhance the flavor base of your chili.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin purée, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef or chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and blending flavors. Adjust seasonings as needed after simmering.
- Serve: Serve the chili warm in bowls, topped with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions to add creaminess, richness, and a fresh bite to your meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content and make a leaner chili.
- Adjust the chili powder and other spices according to your preferred heat level.
- If you want a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- For added depth, brown the meat well and caramelize the onions slightly before adding other ingredients.
- This chili freezes well, so consider making a double batch for easy meals later.
