The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, quality staples that bring out the best flavors. I always opt for canned pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling to keep the taste earthy and pure. Using good-quality spices and fresh vegetables makes a noticeable difference, especially when time is limited but you still want homemade goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef (optional for a vegetarian version)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado