Hearty Pumpkin and Beef Chili
Warm up with this delicious Hearty Pumpkin and Beef Chili, a perfect blend of flavors that celebrates the fall season. This recipe combines fresh or canned pumpkin with hearty ground beef and red kidney beans, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in. The addition of diced tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms brings depth to the dish, while the chili powder and red pepper add just the right amount of kick. Serve this chili with crunchy crackers, crusty hot bread, or buttery garlic bread, and enjoy a comforting bowl packed with fall flavors.
8
Servings
475
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin
2 cups (fresh or canned)
Ground Beef
3 lbs (browned)
Red Kidney Beans
2 cans (16 ounces each) (drained and rinsed)
Onions
2 medium (chopped)
Diced Tomatoes
3 cans (15 ounces each) (with juices)
Chili Powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Red Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Bay Leaves
2 (whole)
Fresh Mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2
Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the fresh or canned pumpkin, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), chili powder, red pepper, sugar, salt, and bay leaves.
4
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Remove bay leaves before serving.
7
Serve hot with your choice of crackers, crusty bread, or garlic bread.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
37.5
Carbs
31.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pumpkin and Beef Chili?
It is a nutritious fall-themed meal that blends pumpkin with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms for a satisfying flavor.
How much pumpkin is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of pumpkin, which can be either fresh or canned.
What kind of meat is used in this chili?
This recipe uses 3 lbs of ground beef, which should be browned and drained before adding other ingredients.
How many cans of kidney beans are needed?
You will need 2 cans (16 ounces each) of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
Are there any other vegetables besides pumpkin in this chili?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 medium chopped onions and 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
What size of diced tomato cans should I use?
Use three 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, and include the juices in the mix.
How much chili powder is added?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chili powder to provide its signature flavor.
Is the chili spicy?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper and 2 tablespoons of chili powder, which gives it a mild kick.
Why is sugar added to the chili recipe?
One teaspoon of sugar is included to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the pumpkin.
How many bay leaves should I use?
Use 2 whole bay leaves during the simmering process, but remember to remove them before serving.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a simmer, cover and cook on low heat for 1 to 2 hours.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this chili contains approximately 475 calories.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 hearty servings.
What is the protein content of this pumpkin chili?
This chili is high in protein, offering 31.25g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this chili?
One serving contains 25g of fat.
Do I need to sauté the onions and mushrooms separately?
They should be added to the pot after the beef is browned and sautéed for 5-7 minutes until softened.
What should I serve with this chili?
It pairs well with crunchy crackers, crusty hot bread, or buttery garlic bread.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used in this Hearty Pumpkin and Beef Chili.
Should the kidney beans be rinsed?
Yes, the instructions specify that the red kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before adding them to the pot.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, the recipe specifically states you can use 2 cups of either fresh or canned pumpkin.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be chopped before being sautéed in the pot.
Do you drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, the instructions state to drain any excess grease after browning the ground beef.
How often should I stir the chili while it simmers?
You should stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-pot meal since everything is cooked in a single large pot.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and comforting chili with depth from the pumpkin and mushrooms, accented by traditional chili spices.
What type of category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is officially categorized under 'Chili'.
Is this chili suitable for fall gatherings?
Yes, the recipe description highlights it as ideal for gatherings or cozy nights during the fall season.
Are the mushrooms cooked before being added to the chili?
The sliced fresh mushrooms are sautéed in the pot with the onions until softened before the remaining ingredients are added.