Spooky season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive and flavorful Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites recipe? These bite-sized pumpkins are stuffed with a smoky, zesty chili filling, offering the perfect balance of savory and seasonal flavors. Bring this epic, cozy dish to your next Halloween party or enjoy it as a satisfying and hearty meal on a crisp autumn evening.
Why You’ll Love This Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites
These Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites are the ultimate autumnal indulgence, combining the comforting warmth of chili with the festive charm of mini pumpkins. The juicy, melty filling is packed with bold, smoky flavors, while the crispy, golden-brown pumpkin shells add a delightful textural contrast. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or simply craving a cozy, satisfying meal, these bites are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
To make these Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites, you’ll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients, including small pumpkins, ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, spices, and more. The combination of these ingredients creates a lush, velvety chili filling that perfectly complements the bright, zesty pumpkin shells.
- 6-8 small pumpkins (about 3-4 inches in diameter) – Miniature pumpkins or sugar pumpkins work best for this recipe
- 1 lb ground beef – For a leaner option, use ground turkey or plant-based ground meat
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds aromatic flavor to the chili filling
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory depth of the chili
- 2 tbsp chili powder – Provides the signature smoky and spicy notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian option
- Kidney Beans: Use black beans or chickpeas instead for a different texture and flavor profile (dietary swap)
How to Make Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites
Follow these simple steps to create your own Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the small pumpkins. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of each pumpkin, creating a “lid.” Scoop out the seeds and pulp, leaving a hollow shell. Set aside the pumpkin shells and lids.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and the onion is translucent. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully spoon the hearty chili filling into the prepared pumpkin shells, making sure to fill them to the top. Replace the pumpkin lids, securing them in place. Arrange the stuffed pumpkins on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until the pumpkins are tender and the filling is piping hot, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh, zesty finishing touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Chili Filling: For an extra creamy and indulgent chili filling, stir in a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese before stuffing the pumpkins.
- Spice it Up: Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
- Festive Presentation: To make this dish even more festive, carve a spooky face on the pumpkin shells before stuffing them.
- Crispy Pumpkin Shells: For a crispier pumpkin shell, brush the exterior of the pumpkin shells with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter before baking. You can also broil the stuffed pumpkins for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites make a great appetizer or main course, and can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Storage: Any leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The chili filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble and bake the Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites, simply spoon the pre-made filling into the pumpkin shells and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Each Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bite is a satisfying and nutrient-dense treat. The combination of lean ground beef, kidney beans, and fresh pumpkin provides a hearty dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. These bites are a comforting and wholesome option for a festive, autumnal meal.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pumpkin
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 576 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chili filling in advance?
Absolutely! The chili filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble and bake the Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites, simply spoon the pre-made filling into the pumpkin shells and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of squash or pumpkin?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of small, individual-sized squashes or pumpkins for this recipe. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the chili filling. Some great alternatives include acorn squash, mini sugar pumpkins, or even small butternut squash.
Can I make these bites vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans. You can also omit the cheese or sour cream toppings to keep the dish dairy-free.
How do I make the pumpkin shells extra crispy?
For a crispier pumpkin shell, brush the exterior of the pumpkin shells with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter before baking. You can also broil the stuffed pumpkins for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
Can I freeze these Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled and unbaked Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, bake the frozen bites directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Chili Mac Casserole
- Creamy Pumpkin Chili Mac Casserole With Cheddar Crust
- Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Chili Bites are the perfect festive finger food for Halloween parties! They are filled with a spicy chili mixture, served in mini pumpkins for a fun presentation.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 packet chili seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 small pumpkins (for stuffing)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the mini pumpkins and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stuff each mini pumpkin with the chili mixture, packing it tightly.
6. Place the stuffed pumpkins on a baking sheet and top each with shredded cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pumpkins are tender.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
Ensure you choose small pumpkins that are suitable for stuffing.
Feel free to adjust the chili ingredients according to your taste preferences.
These can be made vegetarian by using plant-based meat or additional beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pumpkin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pumpkin, chili, Halloween, stuffed, festive