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Samhain Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef sits in black serving bowl on top of wooden board. Skeleton lid, cast iron pot of chili, jalepeños, and bread slices also in partial view.
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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.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Author Jessica

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.