Smoky Chili con carne with Pumpkin is a hearty family favourite full of flavor!

This Chili con carne with Pumpkin is slightly spicy and also has a smoky flavor that makes you want to take just one more bite each time.
A true crowd pleaser that freezes well and even tastes better the next day. The recipe can be easily doubled so you can keep some in the freezer. You can also serve this over a tray of nachos or in tacos. Or how about in a bun? The possibilities are endless…
The recipe itself is a no-brainer, although the ingredient list may seem long it’s put together in minutes. I started off with browning the beef in a heavy based pot, then added the onion and garlic. Then basically you add the remaining ingredients up until the corn meal and just leave it to simmer for about an hour and a half, or until 30 minutes before you want to eat. Finally you add the beans and pumpkin and Voilà…chili. The pumpkin adds a seasonal twist.

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Prep time : 15

Cooking time : 90 min

Serves : 6 – 8

INGREDIENTS;

1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1. lbs. ground beef
1 tsp. salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped fine
3 garlic cloves, peeled and grated or chopped
2 tsp. ground Cumin
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried Thyme
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. sweet smoked paprika
1 – 2 tsp. chopped chipotles in adobo (depending on how hot you like it)
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tbsp. Liquid Smoke (you may leave out)
2 tsp. sugar
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cinnamon stick
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa
2 C. beef stock
2 tbsp. cornmeal (for thickening)
1/4 C. Chopped Coriander reserve some more for serving
1 cup diced peeled pumpkin
1 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat a large casserole or pot and add the olive oil. Once hot add the beef and fry until brown, add the onion and stir for a few minutes , add the garlic.
Add the spices; cumin, oregano, thyme, chili powder and smoked paprika. Keep stirring
Add the chopped chipotles, the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and the sugar, stir and add the crushed tomatoes.
Add the cocoa and the half cinnamon stick and the beef stock. Simmer for an hour and a half.
Add the drained kidney beans and pumpkin and the chopped coriander, reserving some for serving. Add these about 30 minutes before serving.
Thicken the chili if necessary with some corn meal.
Serve in bowl with avocado slices, sour cream, grated cheese, chopped onion and nachos if desired.

Enjoy!

If you make this recipe please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you.  And please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!