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Cozy One-Pot Spooky Pumpkin Chili for Two

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A warm, comforting chili made with pumpkin puree, ground turkey, and fire-roasted tomatoes, perfect for a cozy night in. This quick and easy one-pot recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and won second place at a chili cook-off.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For serving: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent—about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the meat: Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot.
  4. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the meat and onions. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Add the pumpkin and tomatoes: Pour in the pumpkin puree and undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir until well combined.
  6. Add the beans and broth: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and the chicken or vegetable broth.
  7. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  8. Season and adjust: Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Adjust heat with more cayenne if desired.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

Don’t skip the spice-blooming step; it deepens the flavor. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth. Chili tastes even better the next day. For a thicker chili, mash some beans before adding. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and double the beans or add cooked lentils.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chili, one-pot chili, easy chili, fall recipe, cozy dinner, ground turkey chili, spooky chili

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-one-pot-spooky-pumpkin-chili-for-two/