5 Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin With Meat

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with many types of meat. Its natural sweetness and earthy flavor complement the richness of meats, creating delicious and hearty dishes.

Make the most of fall and try some of these pumpkin inspired recipe ideas using our pasture-raised organic meat. Here are five creative ways to incorporate pumpkin into your dinners with meat.

1. Pumpkin and Beef Stew

Why It Works: The combination of tender beef chunks and sweet pumpkin in a rich, savory broth creates a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for fall and winter.

How to Prepare:

1. Ingredients: Organic Prairie® Stew Meat, beef broth, pumpkin puree, onions, garlic, cauliflower, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper.
2. Instructions:
• Roughly chop cauliflower and onions.
• Add pumpkin puree, beef broth, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker and stir together.
• Add in veggies and beef. 
• Slow cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
• Serve hot with crusty bread.

Find the full recipe for Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew here.

2. Pumpkin & Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Why It Works: The mild flavor of chicken breast pairs wonderfully with the creamy, slightly sweet taste of pumpkin, creating a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

How to Prepare:

1. Ingredients: Organic Prairie® Chicken Breasts, Organic Valley® Ghee, Organic Valley® Bacon, pumpkin chunks, Brussels sprouts, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning.
2. Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Chop Brussels sprouts so pumpkin chunks and Brussels are about the same size.
• Place the chicken, pumpkin, and Brussels on a sheet pan.
• Brush chicken and veggies with melted ghee. 
• Mix together salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning together and sprinkle over the meat and veggies.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until internal temperature of chicken is 165°F.
• Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Find the recipe for our Chicken & Brussels Sheet Pan Dinner here, replace the sweet potato with pumpkin chunks.

3. Pumpkin and Pork Tenderloin

Why It Works: The subtle sweetness of pumpkin enhances the savory flavors of pork tenderloin, making for a balanced and flavorful dish.

How to Prepare:

1. Ingredients: Organic Prairie® Pork Tenderloin, pumpkin chunks, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, olive oil.
2. Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a bowl, mix olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the pork tenderloin with the mixture and place it on a baking sheet.
• Surround the pork with pumpkin chunks and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and the pumpkin is tender.
• Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the roasted pumpkin.

Try this with our Organic Pork Tenderloin.

4. Pumpkin Chili with Ground Beef

Why It Works: Adding pumpkin to chili not only boosts its nutritional value but also adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness of the dish.

How to Prepare:

1. Ingredients: Organic Prairie® Ground Beef or Organic Prairie® Ground Turkey, pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper.
2. Instructions:
• In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers with olive oil until softened.
• Add minced garlic and ground meat, cooking until the meat is browned.
• Transfer to a slow cooker and add in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add pumpkin puree, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
• Slow cook for 2 hours on high, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Find the recipe for our Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili here. 

5. Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta

Why It Works: The savory and slightly spicy flavor of sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy, sweet pumpkin, creating a balanced and hearty pasta dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

How to Prepare:

1. Ingredients: Organic Prairie® Italian Sausage, pumpkin puree, pasta (penne or rigatoni work well), heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onions, sage, salt, pepper, olive oil.
2. Instructions:
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.
• In a large skillet, add the sausages and cook until golden brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
• Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well.
• Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh sage.
• Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and toss again.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and sage leaves if desired.

Fall into Seasonal Dishes

Incorporating pumpkin into your dinner is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season while creating hearty, nutritious meals. Whether you’re making a comforting stew, a nostalgic pasta, or a cozy chili, these recipe ideas will help you make the most of pumpkin while enjoying pasture-raised organic meat.