Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a chili recipe that's about to become your new obsession! This Spicy Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chili isn't just another ordinary meal - it's a flavor explosion that combines the hearty warmth of traditional chili with unexpected autumnal twists that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine a rich, robust dish that's simultaneously comforting and exciting, packed with nutritious ingredients and a kick of spice that'll warm you from the inside out.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup of chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by peeling and dicing the sweet potato, mincing garlic, and chopping the onion. Have all measured ingredients ready before starting.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced sweet potato, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes to begin softening and absorb flavors from the meat.
- Add chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients and release the spices' aromatics.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and drained kidney beans. Stir to combine all ingredients completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check sweet potato tenderness. When potatoes are soft and chili has thickened, remove from heat.
- Let chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Optional: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to enhance richness.
- Toast your chili powder in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex spice notes.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow cooking allows flavors to meld and sweet potatoes to become perfectly tender.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for more developed flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans.
- Experiment with toppings like crispy tortilla strips, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
