Samhain Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef

This Samhain chili is a cozy and delicious way to end the Halloween season. It's easy to put together and full of warm, seasonal, and aromatic flavors with some unexpected ingredients like pumpkin puree and cumin in place of chili powder.

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Last Halloween, I decided to do something different. Instead of ending the season with another spooky cute recipe or craft idea, I shared a traditional Samhain recipe - Traditional Samhain Beef Stew. I also shared a history on the origin of Samhain, including some traditions that we still practice today during Halloween celebrations. I noted that the holiday marks the end of the harvest season, and that many of the ingredients used in Samhain celebrations come from fall crops.

I enjoyed putting that recipe together so much (after all, I do try and work with seasonal ingredients as much as possible), that I decided to do it again this year. I'm once again sharing a hearty dish that would be delicious and warming on Samhain night. This year, we're making beef chili with your usual list of chili ingredients, plus some unexpected ones like pumpkin puree and a medley of different spices. It's classic, flavorful, and connects us to the season.

The great thing about chili is that it's incredibly versatile. And everyone seems to have their own preferences and recipes when it comes to this cozy dish. There are also plenty of toppings you can finish your bowl of chili with. For this chili recipe, we're letting the chili itself shine. Instead of loading it up with toppings (except for a couple of fresh herbs and pepper slices for garnish), I'm serving some toasted homemade sourdough on the side.

Samhain Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef

The trick to a really great chili is cooking it long enough and letting the flavors meld together. The longer it cooks, the better your chili will be. It even tastes better the next day - it's just one of those meals! You can cook it on the stovetop or throw it in the slow cooker. I made this chili on the stovetop, but included instructions for the slow cooker as well.

To start this chili, brown the beef. Add olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown. Drain off fat and season with salt and pepper.

Add the onion, garlic, and peppers to the pot. Cook until they start to soften and the onion and garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, and spices. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the pot to simmer at least 30 minutes. Remember, the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it will be!

Right at the end of cooking, we're going to add a splash of apple cider vinegar. This helps to balance out the flavors. Then, serve with toasted bread on the side.

Samhain Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef

Jessica

This Samhain chili is a cozy and delicious way to end the Halloween season. It's easy to put together and full of warm, seasonal, and aromatic flavors with some unexpected ingredients like pumpkin puree and cumin in place of chili powder.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 6

Equipment

• 1 large pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup bell peppers chopped
• Optional: 1 jalapeño minced
• 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles not drained
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 15 oz. can dark red beans
• 15 oz. can black beans
• 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Splash of apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Add olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown. Drain off fat and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pot, if using. Cook until they start to soften and onion and garlic becomes fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, and spices to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmer at least 30 minutes.
• Right before serving, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Then, serve with your favorite chili toppings or toasted bread.

Notes

For the slow cooker:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the beef.
2. Drain off oil and season beef with salt and pepper.
3. Add onion, garlic, and peppers. Cook until softened.
4. Transfer to a slow cooker.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, beans, and spices.
6. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
7. At the end of cooking, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Then, serve.

 

Worried about rising beef prices? Try this recipe with ground turkey, ground pork, or go meatless instead with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils.

Keyword beef recipes, chili, comfort food, halloween, one pan dishes, one pan meals, samhain, slow cooker, slow cooker recipes

The pumpkin in this recipe is subtle, but adds a mildly sweet, nutty squash flavor. It also works as a thickener if you like a thicker chili. Add a bit more of the crushed tomatoes to the chili if you'd like a soupier chili.

Did you make this Samhain Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef recipe? Share it on social media using the hashtag #holokahome. Don’t forget to tag me @holokahome!