Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of hot, delicious soup? 

I think not!

The only thing I can think of to possibly rival that comfort level is a nice cozy blanket on a cold day (I'm a sucker for fuzzy blankets). 

When the weather starts to cool down we like to add homemade chicken noodle soup and (my personal favorite) Pumpkin Chili into our weekly meal rotation.

Not only is my Pumpkin Chili recipe SUPER easy, it is also SUPER tasty!

My husband has never really been a lover of soups. He told me that he doesn't like having warm water for dinner... and I can't blame him.

 He said it needs substance and a heartiness that feels like a meal and not an appetizer. I definitely have to agree with him on that soup point. So, that's why this pumpkin chili is stocked with delicious ground chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and three different kinds of beans. Plenty of ingredients to fill the belly but still be easy enough to whip up on a busy day.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe 

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken seasoned to taste 

(or meat of your choice - can also omit meat and make it vegetarian)

Butter

1 can pinto beans 

1 can great cannolini beans

1 can dark red kidney beans 

2 cans Italian style petite diced tomatoes (not drained) 

1 can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 onion (chopped)

1 tbsp minced garlic 

1/2 packet onion soup mix 

1 packet of Goya Ham seasoning concentrate 

1 bay leaf 

1 tsp smoked paprika 

2 tbsp sugar 

1/2 tbsp chili powder 

1 tsp cumin 

Chicken broth (add to desired consistency)

Instructions:

Cook ground chicken in a sauté pan with a tablespoon of butter and season chicken to taste (I love to use McCormick garlic and herb seasoning liberally, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper).

Feel free to use whatever meat you like for this recipe. Ground turkey or ground beef is also delicious! If you’re in a pinch, grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it for this chili (or forego meat and make it a veggie chili). Once the meat is cooked, set aside.

 

 In a large soup pot, sauté onions, garlic, and a tablespoon of butter on low heat until soft. I like to season my onions with a dash of salt and pepper too. Just FYI...The onions don’t have to be cooked through since you will be adding them to the soup. Just cook them until they begin to become transparent.

Add in your two cans of tomatoes (do not drain, you need the juice) to the onions and then add the meat. Stir on medium heat until bubbly and then reduce to low. 

Rinse and drain your beans and then add to the soup mixture. 
You can pretty much use any kind of beans for this recipe. So, use what you like or what you have on hand. 

Add two cups of chicken broth and stir on low heat. 

Add in the whole can of pumpkin purée and stir well. 
 If the consistency is too thick for your liking, add more chicken broth.

Finally, add in your dry seasonings and let the chili bubble on medium low heat for at least an hour (or up to 6 on low heat). The longer this chili sits, the better it tastes. You can also make this in the crock pot and let it melt together all day long.
The smoked paprika adds a nice deep smoky flavor to this chili while the cumin, bay leaf, and chili powder add that tradition touch. I really love adding the Goya Ham Concentrate seasoning because it adds that depth of flavor that you get from using a ham bone (without the ham bone). Obviously, you can leave this ingredient out, but it's so good. You MUST try it!

We love to serve this warm and comforting chili with a side of honey cornbread and hot apple cider. It's just good for the body and soul!

The pumpkin adds such a flavorful and creamy component to this otherwise normal chili recipe. Not to mention, pumpkin is packed with loads of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fiber.
Enjoy!!

This will officially be my last pumpkin post of this year because on Monday I begin my holiday gift guides!

Can you believe it's already that time again!?

This year I will be sharing multiple gift guides for everyone on your list! I am posting them super early so you have time to shop!

1) Makeup & Beauty Gift Guide

2) Women's Gift Guide (non makeup)

3) Men's Gift Guide

Make sure you're following me on my social media accounts so you don't miss any extra shopping deals or fun announcements!

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I love you all!