Pumpkin Chili Slow Cooker

Introduction

Warm Up with This Comforting Fall Dish

As the leaves start to fall and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing more inviting than the aroma of a hearty meal cooking in your slow cooker. This Pumpkin Chili recipe is the perfect blend of autumn flavors and comfort food. It’s rich, nutritious, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a seasonal gathering or just want to enjoy a warm bowl of chili on a chilly night, this recipe is just what you need.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

The Perfect Combination for a Flavorful Chili

To prepare the Pumpkin Chili, gather the following ingredients:
– Two pounds of ground beef
– 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree
– 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes
– One small onion, diced
– One green bell pepper, diced
– Three cloves of garlic, minced
– Two tablespoons of chili powder
– One teaspoon of ground cumin
– Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– One can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– Two cups of beef broth
– One tablespoon of olive oil

Prep Time

Get Ready to Cook

The preparation for this chili is straightforward and stress-free, taking only around 15 minutes. You’ll start by browning the ground beef with olive oil in a skillet, seasoning it with some salt and pepper. While the beef is cooking, prep the other vegetables—dice the onion and bell pepper and mince the garlic. This simple step ensures you’re set up for easy cooking once everything goes into the slow cooker.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Patience Brings Out the Best Flavors

The cook time for the Pumpkin Chili is approximately six to eight hours on a low setting in your slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can opt for a high setting and have it ready in about three to four hours. Total time, including prep, ranges between six hours and fifteen minutes to eight hours and fifteen minutes, depending on your cooking method. This recipe yields about eight servings, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Set all prepared vegetables aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Place the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add the Pumpkin

Add the canned pumpkin puree into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add the Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, including their juice, into the slow cooker.

Step 7: Add the Beans

Rinse and drain the black beans and kidney beans, then add them to the slow cooker.

Step 8: Add Broth or Water

Pour in the chicken broth (or water, if preferred) to loosen the consistency of the chili.

Step 9: Spice It Up

Add all the seasonings to the slow cooker, including chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 10: Cook the Chili

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 6-7 hours, or set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible.

Step 11: Adjust Consistency

Before serving, check the consistency of the chili. If it is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 12: Serve the Chili

Serve the chili warm, topped with your choice of garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Note 1: Adjust the Spice Level

If you prefer your chili to be spicier, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño peppers to the mix.

Note 2: Using Fresh Pumpkin

If using fresh pumpkin instead of canned, ensure it is cooked and pureed first for a smooth consistency.

Note 3: Storage Instructions

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Note 4: Reheating Chili

Reheat the chili gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Note 5: Substitute for Ground Beef

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or a plant-based protein substitute.

Note 6: Customize Consistency

For a thicker chili, you can reduce the amount of broth or water. Alternatively, mash some of the beans to create a thicker texture.

Note 7: Best Garnishes

This chili tastes best when topped with creamy elements like sour cream or cheese alongside crunchy elements like tortilla chips or crackers for contrast.

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Slow Cooker

Start by ensuring your slow cooker is clean and ready for use. Preheat the slow cooker if the recipe calls for it, or simply ensure it’s at room temperature before adding the ingredients.

Browning the Ground Beef

Use a skillet over medium-high heat to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Drain any excess grease to avoid adding unwanted oil to the dish.

Sautéing Aromatics for Depth of Flavor

Prior to placing ingredients in the slow cooker, sauté onions and garlic in a skillet to enhance their flavor and bring out their natural sweetness.

Combining Ingredients in Layers

For the best flavor fusion, layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, starting with vegetables or beans at the bottom, and then adding browned meat and liquids.

Cooking on Low for Best Results

For a slow, rich flavor development, cook the chili on the low setting for the full recommended time, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Stirring Ingredients Occasionally

Although most slow cooker recipes can be left untouched, occasionally stirring the chili will ensure all ingredients are evenly cooked and infused with flavor.

Adjusting Seasoning Towards the End

Once the chili is nearly done, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices to suit your preference.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option without significantly altering the flavor of the chili.

Do I need to add the pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin puree is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. While it’s unique, omitting it will change the flavor and texture of the chili.

Can I cook this chili on a high setting?

Cooking on high is possible if you’re short on time, but it’s recommended to cook on low for optimal flavor development and a thicker texture.

How long can I store leftover chili?

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage of up to 3 months.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with more beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to make this chili vegetarian.

How do I prevent the chili from being too watery?

If the chili is too watery at the end of cooking, let it simmer uncovered in the slow cooker or transfer to a pot on the stove to reduce the liquid.

What toppings go well with this pumpkin chili?

Some great topping options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish filled with the warm flavors of fall, this pumpkin chili is perfect. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that combines the comforting taste of traditional chili with the subtle sweetness and creaminess of pumpkin. Perfect for slow cooker enthusiasts, this dish provides a unique twist on a classic and is sure to become a family favorite.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

A creamy and flavorful soup that would pair beautifully with pumpkin chili for a fall-themed meal.

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

Serve alongside the pumpkin chili for the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

Spiced Pumpkin Pie

End your meal with a classic dessert that complements the seasonal flavors found in the chili.

Apple and Walnut Salad

A light, refreshing side dish to contrast the warm, hearty chili.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Top sweet potatoes with chili for a delicious and filling combination.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Serve this as a side to add a cheesy, garlicky flavor that complements the richness of the chili.