Print

Easy One-Pot Spooky Pumpkin Chili for Two

pumpkin chili for two - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot pumpkin chili for two, made with ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: dice the onion, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the kidney beans, and measure out your spices.
  2. Heat the oil: Place your pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm up for about 30 seconds until shimmering.
  3. Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Brown the meat: Add the ground turkey (or beef) to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes, until no longer pink.
  6. Stir in the spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  7. Add the liquids and pumpkin: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), pumpkin puree, and broth. Stir until the pumpkin is fully incorporated.
  8. Add the beans: Fold in the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Stir well.
  9. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat (add cayenne or hot sauce if desired).
  11. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite fixings.

Notes

Don’t skip blooming the spices in the hot oil and meat fat for 60 seconds—it deepens the flavor. Keep the chili at a gentle simmer to prevent the pumpkin from scorching. Let the chili rest for 5 minutes after cooking for better flavor melding. This chili is even better the next day; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chili, one-pot chili, easy chili, chili for two, fall chili, weeknight dinner, ground turkey chili

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