Ingredients
Produce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef
Canned Goods
- 1 15oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
- 1 15oz. can petite diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 15oz. can pumpkin purée
- 1/2 6oz. can tomato paste (about 5 Tbsp)
Pantry & Spices
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Mince the garlic and dice the onion. Add the garlic, onion, and olive oil to a large pot. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build the flavor base for the chili.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, ensuring a rich meaty flavor.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the drained kidney beans, drained black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, pumpkin purée, tomato paste, water, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the chili: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together.
- Season and serve: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust salt if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or corn chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Using canned pumpkin purée adds a subtle sweetness and enhances thickness without overpowering the chili.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
