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This week / Weeknight / No. 3
Weeknight Pumpkin Chili
3THIS WEEK
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Weeknight · Soups

Weeknight Pumpkin Chili

A can of pumpkin makes this beef-and-bean chili thick and a little sweet, with no long simmer. It's ready in 45 minutes.

Why it's here: Pumpkin chili is up 47% in Pinterest searches this month and was among Bon Appétit's most-saved recipes the week of Oct 9.

Prep10 min
Cook35 min
Total45 min
Serves6

What you'll need

Enameled cast-iron Dutch ovenFor soups, stews and braises
8-inch chef's knifeFor all the chopping

Store links go to the same item at each retailer, checked October 15, 2026. Want to compare? See the Top 50 Kitchen gear rankings.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) beans (kidney or black), drained
  • 1 1/2 cups broth
  • Salt to taste; sour cream, cheese and sliced jalapeño to serve

Steps

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high. Brown the meat, breaking it up, about 6 minutes.
  2. Add the onion and pepper and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and spices for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the pumpkin, tomatoes, beans and broth. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook uncovered 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick. Add salt to taste.
  5. Serve with sour cream, cheese and jalapeño.

TipEven better the next day. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.