As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chili. But what if you could elevate this classic comfort food with a touch of autumnal magic? Enter the Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili – a delightful twist on a beloved dish that infuses the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin into a hearty, savory chili. It’s a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of fall, offering a unique blend of warmth, spice, and wholesome goodness.
Ree Drummond, the beloved Pioneer Woman, is known for her comforting, family-friendly recipes that often feature a creative twist. Her Pumpkin Chili is no exception. It takes the familiar robust flavors of traditional chili – ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a medley of spices – and introduces the subtle sweetness and creamy texture of pumpkin puree. The result is a chili that’s both familiar and exciting, deeply satisfying, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s the ideal meal for a cozy evening by the fire, a festive fall gathering, or a hearty weeknight dinner that will leave everyone feeling nourished and content.
Why Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili is Your New Fall Favorite
- Seasonal Delight: Perfectly embodies the flavors of autumn with the addition of pumpkin.
- Comfort Food Elevated: A unique and delicious twist on classic chili, making it even more comforting.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Easy to Make: Follows Ree Drummond’s signature style of straightforward, achievable recipes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
- Freezer-Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully for future quick meals.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and add your favorite toppings to personalize each bowl.
The Secret Ingredient: How Pumpkin Transforms Chili
The star of this chili, of course, is pumpkin. But don’t let the idea of pumpkin in chili deter you if you’re a traditionalist! The pumpkin puree doesn’t make the chili taste like a dessert; instead, it adds a subtle sweetness, a beautiful creamy texture, and a depth of flavor that complements the savory ingredients perfectly. It mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a richness that makes the chili incredibly satisfying.
Beyond flavor, pumpkin also brings a nutritional boost. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this chili not just delicious but also incredibly wholesome. The addition of pumpkin also contributes to a thicker, more luxurious consistency, making every spoonful a truly comforting experience. It’s a subtle yet impactful ingredient that truly elevates this chili from ordinary to extraordinary.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Autumnal Masterpiece
For the Chili
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving (Optional Toppings)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread
Crafting Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili: Step-by-Step
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the chili is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Expert Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili
- Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush this step! Browning the ground beef thoroughly creates a rich flavor base for your chili. Drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: The recipe provides a good starting point for spices. Feel free to increase or decrease chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to match your preferred heat level.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. The longer it simmers, the more robust the taste will be.
- Don’t Forget the Toppings: Chili is all about the toppings! Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or cornbread are all fantastic additions.
- Make Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
- Freezing Instructions: This chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added nutrition and texture. Add them during the last 30-45 minutes of simmering.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice for a complete meal.
The Nutritional Goodness in Every Bowl
Beyond its comforting taste, Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a balanced meal that fuels your body and satisfies your soul:
- High-Quality Protein: Ground beef provides an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
- Fiber-Rich: Beans and pumpkin are both fantastic sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), Vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Tomatoes contribute Vitamin C and antioxidants. Beans add folate, iron, and magnesium.
- Antioxidant Power: The combination of pumpkin, tomatoes, and various spices (like chili powder and cumin) provides a significant dose of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Wholesome Carbohydrates: Beans and pumpkin offer complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy without the sharp spikes associated with simple sugars.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: This chili can be easily adapted. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans and vegetables.
- Satiety: The high protein and fiber content ensure that this chili is incredibly filling, helping to keep you satisfied for longer and preventing overeating.
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the chili is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
