Spicy Pumpkin Chili is a delightful twist on a classic dish that highlights the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin blended with the boldness of chili spices. This dish not only satisfies your craving for chili but also introduces a unique and seasonal element that makes it perfect for autumn. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply wanting a nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why We Love This Spicy Pumpkin Chili Recipe
This Spicy Pumpkin Chili is a testament to the fact that comfort food can be both hearty and nutritious. The combination of ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and three types of beans creates a symphony of flavors and textures, while the pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess that balances the spice. Versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it is a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your diet, making it a family-friendly option that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients about Spicy Pumpkin Chili
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 large onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce with garlic and onions
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
How to Make Spicy Pumpkin Chili Directions
To kick off your Spicy Pumpkin Chili, start with a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook for about five minutes until it becomes crumbly and loses its pink color. This step ensures that the beef gets nicely browned and adds flavor to your dish. After the beef is cooked, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to cook everything together until the beef is browned, and the onion turns soft and translucent.
Next, add the chopped green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Stir them into the mix and let everything cook for an additional five minutes. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers make your chili visually appealing while enhancing its flavor.
Once your beef and veggies are cooked, it’s time to bring all of the ingredients together. Transfer the cooked mixture into a slow cooker, which will help meld all the flavors seamlessly. In the slow cooker, combine the petite diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, Great Northern beans, pumpkin puree, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and both types of tomato sauce. This combination makes for a thick and hearty base that infuses your chili with richness.
Season your mix with the pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. These spices lend warmth and complexity to your chili while the pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness. Stir in the previously cooked beef and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well-distributed throughout.
Set your slow cooker to Low and let the chili simmer for 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in a comforting bowl of chili that is aromatic and satisfying. Once done, scoop the spicy pumpkin chili into bowls for serving, and don’t forget to have fun with toppings!
How to Serve Spicy Pumpkin Chili
Serving your Spicy Pumpkin Chili can be as creative as you want! Ladle the hearty chili into bowls and consider providing a selection of toppings so everyone can customize their experience. Some popular choices include sour cream for that lovely creamy contrast, shredded cheese for added richness, and diced avocado for a cool, refreshing element. You could also sprinkle some chopped green onions, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips on top for an exciting crunch.
For a complete meal, consider pairing the chili with crusty bread or cornbread, which complements the spicy, robust flavors. You can also serve it with a side salad to balance out the richness of the chili. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this spicy pumpkin chili is sure to impress and satisfy.
Expert Tips: Spicy Pumpkin Chili
When it comes to making your spicy pumpkin chili, a few tips can ensure that it turns out perfectly every time. First, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your palate. If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add jalapenos. On the flip side, if you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes.
Another great tip is to sauté your onions and garlic at the beginning, as mentioned, but consider using a touch of olive oil for added flavor. This simple step adds an extra layer of depth to your chili. If you have time, letting the chili sit for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen even more, making it taste even better the next day.
While the slow cooker is an excellent option for this recipe, you can also make it on the stovetop. Simply follow the same cooking steps but simmer in a large pot for about 30-45 minutes instead. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
How to Store Spicy Pumpkin Chili
Storing your Spicy Pumpkin Chili is easy! Allow the chili to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. If you’ve made a big batch, portioning it out can save time for future meals. The chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks.
You can also freeze your chili for a longer shelf life. When properly stored in freezer-safe containers, it can keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. You’ll have a delightful meal waiting for you on a busy day!
Variation of Spicy Pumpkin Chili
The beauty of Spicy Pumpkin Chili is its versatility! Feel free to mix and match different beans according to your preference or what you have on hand. For a twist, consider using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option. You could also experiment by adding other vegetables, like zucchini or corn, to up the nutritional value.
If you want a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or omit meat altogether and add more beans and veggies. Another exciting idea is to introduce different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an even bolder flavor. With chili, the options are endless, and you can adapt the recipe based on what you and your family enjoy.
FAQ
What makes Spicy Pumpkin Chili different from traditional chili?
Spicy Pumpkin Chili incorporates pumpkin puree, which adds a unique sweetness and creaminess that traditional chili usually lacks. It also includes a blend of spices that enhances its flavor profile while offering a touch of seasonal warmth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or simply loading it up with more beans and vegetables.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level of the chili depends on your preferences. The recipe calls for crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to increase or decrease the heat according to your taste.
How long does it take to cook Spicy Pumpkin Chili in a slow cooker?
This chili takes between 1 to 2 hours on the Low setting in a slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, you can also make it on the stovetop in about 30-45 minutes.
Can I freeze Spicy Pumpkin Chili?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the chili in freezer-safe containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Spicy Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 large onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cans petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce cans)
Beans and Pumpkin
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (15 ounce)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 ounce)
- 1 can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 ounce)
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounce)
- 1 can tomato sauce with garlic and onions (4 ounce)
Spices
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and cook until crumbly and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add the petite diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, Great Northern beans, pumpkin puree, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and both types of tomato sauce.
- Season with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to Low and let it simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve in bowls and enjoy with toppings of your choice.
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