Description
A creamy, one-pot chili made with ground beef, beans, and pumpkin puree for a rich texture and deep flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, this kid-approved meal is perfect for busy weeknights and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) plain canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if using lean beef)
- Toppings: Sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and brown for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, and oregano. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, pumpkin puree, beef broth, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid slightly ajar and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add more cayenne for heat or sugar if too acidic.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
Ensure you use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Blooming the spices in the pot releases their essential oils for better flavor. Chili tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: pumpkin chili, one pot dinner, easy weeknight meal, kid friendly chili, fall recipes, ground beef chili, creamy chili