Easy 30-Minute Halloween Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili Recipe

As autumn leaves drift down and the crisp air invites cozy evenings, nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of chili. Imagine a blend of rich pork tenderloin cubes, sweet roasted pumpkin, and earthy black beans mingling with bold spices a feast that’s as festive as Halloween itself. You’ll find this Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili irresistibly hearty, comforting, and perfect to gather loved ones around the table while the glow of jack-o’-lanterns flickers outside.

Easy 30-Minute Halloween Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

A hearty, festive Halloween chili blending tender pork, creamy pumpkin, and black beans with bold spice.

• Author: Alex
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Stovetop Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

6 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large onion, minced (about 2 cups)

4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 1/2 cups beef broth

2/3 cup heavy cream

1 package Carroll Shelby’s Chili Kit

Salt, to taste

One 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes

One 14.5 ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)

One 14.5 ounce can black beans

Shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the pork in batches, adding oil between batches. Once browned, transfer to a platter.

2. Add onion, garlic, and peppers to the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender.

3. Stir in broth, heavy cream, tomatoes, chili kit spice, cayenne, and salt. Mix well.

4. Add pork, pumpkin, and black beans to the pot, cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve with shredded cheddar and scallions.

Notes

Adjust spice levels to taste. Substitute vegetable broth and omit pork for a vegetarian version. Chili improves in flavor after resting.

Why You’ll Love Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili

This Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili balances savory and slightly sweet flavors with a creamy texture that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s more than just chili it’s a celebration of fall’s finest ingredients and textures:

• Hearty and Filling: The pork tenderloin lends a tender, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the mellow sweetness of pumpkin and the creamy texture of black beans.
• Warm and Spiced: The Carroll Shelby’s Chili Kit adds a perfectly curated blend of spices, including a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Simple and Flexible: Using canned pumpkin puree and black beans makes this recipe accessible any time of year.
• Perfect for Halloween: Serve it with cheddar cheese and sliced scallions for a colorful, festive presentation that suits any spooky gathering.

Ingredients Table for Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili

Step-by-Step Directions for This Chili Recipe

1. Brown the Pork: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork tenderloin cubes in batches, adding more oil as needed. Transfer browned pork to a platter.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and diced yellow and red bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and are fragrant.
3. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and petite diced tomatoes. Stir in the Carroll Shelby’s Chili Kit spice mix and the cayenne pepper packets included, plus salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly.
4. Combine All Ingredients: Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the pumpkin puree and black beans. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
5. Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer gently for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced scallions for an added burst of flavor and color.

Nutritional Highlights of Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili

This chili not only tastes amazing but is also a nourishing choice:

• Rich in protein from pork and black beans
• Loaded with fiber from black beans and vegetables
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants in pumpkin and peppers
• Contains a balanced mix of fats, including healthy unsaturated fats from the vegetable oil and cream

Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

Tips for a Spooktacular Chili Experience

• Use fresh scallions and vibrant shredded cheddar for colorful garnishes that brighten the bowl.
• Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex festive contrast.
• Feel free to adjust spice levels by adding or reducing the cayenne packets.
• For a vegetarian twist, swap pork for extra black beans or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

FAQ About Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili

Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Q: What if I don’t have Carroll Shelby’s Chili Kit?
A: You can substitute with a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to match the flavor profile.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the chili kit for certified gluten-free labeling.

Q: Can I freeze leftover chili?
A: Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion: Embrace the Season with Every Bowl

This Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili recipe is your go-to for flavorful, cozy fall dinners that bring a bit of Halloween fun to your table. It’s a hearty meal that satisfies and connects you with the spirit of the season through comforting ingredients and bold taste. As you serve it up, surrounded by friends or family, let the warmth and richness fill both the room and your hearts.