Make the Most of Pumpkin Season with these Family Favorite Recipes

Fall is the perfect time to spotlight the seasonal star pumpkin in all your favorite dishes! From a warm comforting chili to some sweet treats, these family-favorite recipes will help you enjoy pumpkin in delicious new ways. Try these simple, flavorful ideas to bring pumpkin to your table all season long.

Pumpkin Muffins

With only two ingredients needed, it's easy to keep what you need on hand to make pumpkin muffins anytime!

DebbiSmirnoff | Canva

Ingredients:

• One 15 oz. can of pumpkin
• One box of cake mix

Note: I used yellow cake mix in my muffins, but chocolate is delicious as well. Try out different flavors... you really can't taste the pumpkin!

Optional add-ins:

• Flax seed (I always throw in roughly 3 Tbsp.)
• Mini chocolate chips
• Sprinkles, both in the batter and on top!

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Line muffin tin with wrappers and fill 3/4 of the way. The muffins don't really rise, so don't worry about them spilling over the sides. 
3. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until slightly firm in the center. 
4. Let cool for about ten minutes, and enjoy!

Makes between 15-18 regular-sized muffins, depending on add-ins

Mini Pumpkin Pies

If we buy a full pumpkin pie at our house, inevitably part of it ends up going to waste, so we have started making mini pumpkin pies! These mini pumpkin pies allow me to satisfy my craving, while not wasting food. You could even make these for Thanksgiving — everyone can enjoy their very own pie! Because who wants to share?

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Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 30 oz. can of pumpkin pie mix
• 2/3 cup of condensed milk
• 12 mini pie crusts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix eggs, pumpkin pie mix, and condensed milk in a bowl until well combined.(You can add spices like cinnamon, cloves, etc for more flavor)
3. Pour mixture into mini pie crusts using a 1/4 measuring cup. 
4. Place shells on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the middle is clean. 
5. Let cool. Throw some whipped cream on those babies and enjoy!

Makes 12

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Pumpkin Chili

Nothing warms the belly like a bowl full of chili. This recipe uses a secret ingredient everyone in our household likes — pumpkin! Don't expect any leftovers!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) of mild chili seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, packed

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, brown meat until no longer pink. 
2. Add onions and continue cooking until softened, 2-3 minutes. 
3. Drain juices. 
4. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to mix. 
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. 
6. Add water or beef broth if a thinner chili is desired.