Description

A kid-friendly, one-pot pumpkin chili with smoky chipotle and black beans. This recipe uses pumpkin puree for a creamy, mild texture that balances the spice, making it perfect for families and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted)
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup corn, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions

Instructions

Prep ingredients: Chop onion, mince garlic, and drain/rinse black beans.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and minced chipotle peppers. Stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
For a smoother texture, partially blend with an immersion blender (optional).
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chipotle as needed.
Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.

Notes

Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with extra black beans and mushrooms. The chili thickens in the fridge; add liquid when reheating. It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 650
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 12
Protein: 22

Keywords: pumpkin chili, kid-friendly recipes, fall dinner, one-pot meals, vegetarian chili, spicy chili, family cooking, Halloween recipes